Page 90 of Captured Innocence
She backed away, obviously shaken while I grabbed my weapon with one hand, the flashlight with the other. When I sensed she’d hesitated, I threw her a look.
“Go!” Then I swung the flashlight toward the point of origin where I thought I’d seen a flash. That’s when I noticed footsteps and there was no doubt neither set belonged to Vincenzo or Luis. When I noticed another strange flash, my brain went through slow motion as I shone the light on the area.
Then I realized not quickly enough what I was seeing.
I turned, lunging toward Sophia, flying through the air just seconds before…
Boom!
CHAPTER 25
Italy
Five days later…
Mattia
Loss.
It was something I’d grown far too accustomed to over the years. That’s why my anger had remained just under the surface for as long as I could remember. Since returning from Zurich, I’d remained enraged to the point it was difficult to focus. Even now, my heart continued to pound in my chest because the Ghost had almost gotten us killed.
“She’s fine, brother,” Enzo said. While I wanted to correct him that he would never be my brother, my love of Sophia prevented me from doing so.
“This time. What about next time?” I snarled. At least my beloved didn’t have any broken bones or internal injuries, but if she’d followed my orders and gone inside the house, she’d be dead. I’d slept maybe two hours since the horrific bombing because of that alone. I wasn’t a man who’d ever prayed. But I’d done so as well as thanked the man upstairs for saving her life.
Then I’d pledged my soul to the devil if we could find the person responsible. At least she wasn’t alone, Joy spending time with her while Enzo, Dar, and I discussed options.
“There won’t be a next time. We won’t allow that to happen.” D’Artagnan seemed far too certain of that. “We have measures in place to keep all eight of us protected.”
Eight.
Our compound was housing the entire family, including Sophia’s mother, who now permanently resided here.
And Michelangelo was here as well, the little boy the light of everyone’s eyes. The weight of what we were facing was heavy.
And I wasn’t so certain the Ghost couldn’t get to us. He or she seemed to be one step ahead. I’d gone over every detail dozens of times. That’s all I’d had time to do prior to our return to Italy.
The woman I loved had almost forfeited her life because I’d been stupid enough to trust Sven. He’d known exactly where the chalet was, the only person who had. “The Ghost isn’t finished yet.”
Dar sighed. “No, it’s obvious he’s not.”
“It’s unusual that the perpetrator isn’t claiming accolades or attempting to hijack the others in the famiglia.” Enzo leaned against the wall, folding his arms.
“It’s personal, but why?” I wasn’t necessarily posing the question with thoughts of getting an answer. It was obvious how concerned D’Artagnan was. “Lucia can’t be placed under any stress. If she is, she’ll go into premature labor. The baby is at that point it won’t be good for her. Lucia is supposed to be under twenty-four-hour rest, but she’s refusing to do so.”
“I have a feeling the end game will be played out soon. Arrogance usually means those who are responsible are looking for a prize. With our businesses in lockdown, he’ll seek other methods.”
Dar looked at me, nodding. “That’s what I’m afraid of. We need to find this son of a bitch quickly. I will not have my family harmed.”
“Did you round up Sven?” I turned toward him, cocking my head.
He glanced at Enzo and I took several long strides in his direction, rearing back.
“Hold the fuck on!” Enzo snapped as he moved in between us. “We’re not doing this. Tell him what you found out, Dar.”
I shifted my hate-filled gaze toward my adopted brother, daring him to lie to me.
“The bomb was crude and had obviously been planted there after your arrival. Vincenzo swept the place. Remember?”