Page 49 of Stolen Dove

“Please do. You won’t make it far.”

“You stupid son of a bitch. I’m going to chop your balls off, rape your wife, and then give her to my men.”

“Bye, bitch.” I end the call because I don’t need to hear his ranting and raving.

“Wow, you might just kill him by paranoia.”

“Right? Make sure all flights coming into the country are monitored.”

“You spot a single one of those American pieces of shit, you put a bullet in their heads.”

“Understood.”

We head out to inspect the cameras in the vineyards when my phone rings again. “Serrano.”

“It’s Vitali. I’ve just gotten an offer. A really fucking nice offer to take you out.”

“Let me guess. Avanti.”

“Yes. Tell me why I shouldn’t take up his offer.”

“Tell me why you would even call if you were really interested?”

“True. I don’t like that scum, but he says you stole his daughter and we’ve seen the woman you’re with.”

“My wife isn’t his daughter. He wants her to be his.”

“Ah. Well, I must say he’s a prick. I only called to let you know. I’m not interested. I made that clear before, but I’m not your only concern. It’s strange that he’d offer a million-dollar hit on you.”

“He can’t do it if he’s dead.”

“Good. I enjoy your wine and restaurant too much. I’d deal with him sooner rather than later.”

“Trust me. I’m not worried about Avanti.”

“Thank you for the warning.”

“Take care, Serrano.”

“Same to you, Vitali.”

“Well, boys, it seems that Avanti’s trying to outsource his killings.” I look at my watch and laugh. “Excuse me, but I must break the news of her father’s death to my wife.”

I shake their hands as we stand. “Keep a look out. You know they’re likely to use a drone to do their dirty work.”

“We have control of the airspace around here, so don’t worry. Any drone that approaches our area will be shot down.”

“Good. Now, I’m going to comfort my devastated wife.” When I get out of my office, I search out my wife. She’s in the library reading on her tablet.

“What’s up, Victor? I didn’t expect to see you for a while.”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What?”

“Your father’s dead.”

“Good.”