Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 92702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92702 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
“I was angry.”
“No shit. Tell me something else I don’t know.”
“I am not in the mood for banter.”
He falls silent, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Is this what it will always be like? Countless people and problems constantly vying for my attention? Will there ever come a time when I can sit back and breathe for a minute without another catastrophe looming?
I’ve already received intel as to the location of the Alvarez compound, which is why I’m surprised when Prince comes to a stop and parks a mile or two away after driving forty-five minutes. “Why are we stopping here?” In the middle of nowhere, no less, without so much as a streetlight to give us away.
“Wait and see.” He gets out of the car, leaving me alone. I’ve never been someone who enjoys being the last to know, and this situation is no exception. I’m already irritated enough as it is. This delay isn’t doing much to help my mood.
He opens my door, and I have the benefit of the car’s interior light, giving me just enough that I can make out what he’s holding. “Son of a bitch. I didn’t know you had one of these.”
He holds up the drone, clearly pleased with himself. “I bought it not long ago. After a certain unfortunate incident at an abandoned hangar.”
“So what, the idea is to send this ahead of us?” I can see how that might have come in handy, certainly. He might have avoided nearly bleeding to death if we’d been able to examine the area from a distance.
“I was hoping to use this to get a look at the compound and find that bastard if he’s still around. Why risk getting too close if we can send this in our place?”
“Where else could he be? It makes sense, considering he can’t be found elsewhere. Alvarez would want to keep a close hold on him because, naturally, I’d want him dead, either for pulling the trigger or for not doing his job.” I can imagine him in there, thinking he’s safe, protected by Alvarez. Perhaps he’s gloating over getting away with double-crossing us.
Prince finishes checking over his toy with a satisfied grin. “The camera has night vision and can pick up a clear image from two hundred feet away. We can watch from here on my tablet.”
“I have to give you credit. Good idea.”
“Wait a minute. Let me make a note of that somewhere. Enzo De Luca told me I had a good idea.” He’s chuckling as he sets the drone on the ground, then uses a controller to send it flying. “The tablet’s in the back seat. Take a look.”
Eventually, he joins me in the car, and we watch while he controls the drone’s progress. “How far can this thing go?” I ask, eyes trained on the screen.
“A few miles.” He points at the screen. “There it is. The compound.” Yes, and it’s sprawling and overdone. Exactly what I would expect from the man. At least the estate back in Italy is tasteful.
“Take it easy. Stay close to the outer walls.” Prince only grunts softly in reply, focused on the job. “What are those glowing points?”
“Cigarette tips.” Of course. A cluster of men is having a smoke near the front of the house. The group moves toward the courtyard, and the lights mounted near the door provide a look at who’s who.
“Son of a bitch,” I whisper, jabbing a finger at the tablet. “There he is.”
“Yeah, that’s him.” Prince maintains his position, hovering near the wall bordering the property. “I told you, didn’t I?”
“He seems comfortable with them, doesn’t he?”
“They’re not keeping him against his will if that’s what you’re getting at.”
“The prick. Enjoying a smoke with his buddies.” My chest is burning, and my stomach clenching at the sight of him. The bastard. “I can’t wait to chat with him the minute he’s off the property.”
“That could take a while. He might not leave tonight or even this week. Not if he’s hiding out there.”
“He has to leave at some point. I’ll come back here every day if I have to. I’ll assign men to watch.”
“With my drone? I don’t think so.” Our eyes meet, and he scowls. “I’d better be reimbursed if there’s any damage.”
“What is it you say all the time? Trust me?” I settle back in my seat, watching Frankie enjoy himself with his new friends. It’ll be a long night, but I have all the time in the world.
If he leaves, I plan to follow.
He can’t run from me forever.
“Hey, I meant to ask you…”
“Hmm?” I murmur.
“I heard a little more than I should have earlier when you were shouting at Paolo. What happened with Alicia? Really.”
With the tablet to stare at, it feels easier to talk about things like this. “She’s pregnant. I found the tests in the bathroom trash.”