by Sienna Mynx
Armando smiled. “We’ll be ready.”
**
Dominic lifted his head from his pillow. The jailer opened his cell. He nodded at him to rise. He had been in lockup for close to forty-eight hours and not questioned. He figured it was his turn. He was walked out of his cell down several halls and then to an open door. When Dominic walked inside he saw the young hotshot Chief Inspector waited.
“Dominic Battaglia, please have a seat. Please.” Ispettore Donatello gestured to the open chair. Dominic walked over and sat down. He waited while the inspector made a show of rifling through a file. “You by far are the most interesting of the Battaglias.”
“I guess this is where I ask why?” Dominic said.
“Even Giovanni Battaglia has a record. You are the cleanest consigliere I’ve ever met. Not even a traffic citation.”
“Yet I’m here,” he said.
“You’re here because you were in the room with a man who was being held at gunpoint.”
Dominic smirked. “I wasn’t holding the gun.”
“No. Don Giovanni Battaglia was, but that apparently doesn’t matter to my bosses. Do you know what I’m waiting for?” the inspector asked. He closed the folder.
“No. I’m sure you’re going to tell me though.”
“A warrant for a search of Melanzana. Never has one been served. After all the crimes your boss has done to terrorize the poor people of the Campania, no one has ever dared to search his home. All I need is one court, one judge, and I’m in those gates. What will I find?”
Dominic didn’t answer.
The inspector stood. He started for the door and stopped. “Oh, by the way, I got a strange anonymous call. It said to look to Lorenzo for answers. The message was ‘Where there is sin there is audio’. The caller said her name was Isabella. Does that mean anything?”
Dominic shrugged.
“I’ll keep you posted.”
Dominic glanced back over his shoulder. The inspector left. He frowned. Why did the name Isabella sound familiar to him?
**
Catalina rinsed the bowl and put it on the drying rack. She picked up the towel and dried her hands. When she turned to wipe down the table she was startled.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.” Armando stepped into the kitchen.
“What are you doing in here?” she asked. She dried her hands on the dishrag.
“Looking for the bathroom,” he replied. “Wrong turn.”
“Liar. Where is my brother?” Catalina tossed the rag to the sink.
“Business. He will be back soon. We think we know where Mira is,” Armando said.
“Really?” she took a step toward him. “Then why aren’t you out there searching for her?” Catalina asked.
“We will. My men are already headed to Lipari.”
“Lipari? Is that where she is?” Catalina asked.
Armando smiled. “I believe so.”
“You found her, you helped her.” Catalina stepped toward him, or he stepped toward her. She wasn’t sure. In a blink they were closer.
“We haven’t found her yet. Before we storm that island we need to be prepared.”
“What do you want from us? For helping us? You must want something?” she asked.
“I don’t. I told Giovanni he is released from any obligation. I meant it. Mirabella is my sister, I’m here for her.”
“I don’t believe you,” Catalina said.
“It’s okay not to believe me today. When I bring her home you’ll have no choice but to believe me then.” Armando smiled. His smile was so charming she had no choice but to believe.
Catalina threw her arms around his neck. He embraced her. It felt good to hear that her family may be saved. She clung to that hope, and for a brief moment his touch didn’t feel wrong. She liked it.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Catalina came out of her comfort and looked up into his dark eyes. “I am now. Thank you, Armando. For everything.” She pushed at his arms to step back but he didn’t let her go. He continued to stare at her. Catalina wasn’t sure what to say. Her body was flush up against his. His face so irresistibly close, she saw every detail of his handsomeness.
“Can I share with you that I’ve had a crush for quite some time on your beauty?” he said.
“That’s not appropriate,” she answered.
“Maybe not. But I had to say it.”
“Let me go. Now,” she insisted. He did as she asked.
She stepped back, collected herself. She wasn’t used to a man’s touch affecting her. Ever. The only man’s touch she ever craved was Dominic’s.
“I need to go check on the kids. Excuse me,” she tried to walk around him. He captured her hand. She glanced up at him. He kissed it.
“I’ll make some calls to see how soon Dominic can be released. I know it’s upsetting to be away from him for so long. Am I right?”
“Of course. Anything you can do to help Domi… thank you,” Catalina pulled her hand away and walked out. She forced herself not to look back. She forced herself to not run away. Although she wanted to do both.
Later –
Giovanni stepped on the boat. Armando was right behind him. He checked his watch. Everything was set. His men should be freed by the time he returned. If his payments to his friends who were judges on the tribunal didn’t work, then Melanzana would come under siege, and his children and family would be vulnerable. It was a risk. He had called in every favor he had. In doing so he had indebted himself to his enemies. But on the slim chance that he was right, and the raid was a trap to kidnap his daughter, he was willing to take the risk.
The Sicilian Don had kept his promise. At the shore, several small boats waited to carry them to the larger boat to take them to Lipari. And once on that boat a very impressive arsenal greeted him. Giovanni was a supplier of guns, he approved of the selection.
“I have some friends in the village. They said they’ve seen Asians near the beach. And there have been lights on at the old monastery. I really do think she’s there,” Armando said.
Giovanni picked up a gun with his left hand. The boat coasted to a high speed on its way to the island.
“Gio, let’s speak,” Armando said.
He put down the gun and followed Armando. They walked to the front of the boat. There were few gathered. And those near found somewhere else to socialize.
“We have to consider something,” Armando began.
“That this is a trap?” he asked and looked down at his useless right hand.
“She has to know by now that you are on to her. And if so, that you would be searching the places she owns,” Armando said. “I had a clue where to find her in Palermo. Almost caught her before a bomb was left for me and my men. Cost me two of my loyal capus.”
Giovanni rubbed his brow. “I’ve considered it. Whatever waits for me I am ready.”
“Are you?” Armando looked to his hand. “I mean no disrespect. I understand this is your wife. But maybe you should let me and my men bring her out.”
Giovanni smirked. “I’m going in.”
“Do you think he’s kept her alive?” Armando asked.
The question gutted him. The image of her on that video being violated by Kei played in his head constantly. He refused to think of her hurt, scared, or raped by that madman. If he stopped to even consider it he wouldn’t have made it this far. He didn’t bother to answer Armando. He turned his gaze to the dark sea they sailed through. They should reach the island in another hour. If God had any mercy left in his heart for his clan, he’d save her. It was his only prayer.
**
The door to the cell opened. Dominic was marched to another room and given his clothes. He changed quickly. Afterwards he was taken to another holding cell. He found every man inside but Carlo. Lorenzo walked over to him and gave him a hug.
“We’re being released,” Lorenzo said.
“Giovanni?” Dominic asked. Their brother had come through. Typically a thir
ty-day hold was done on suspects. Afterwards the polizia would have to either charge them with a crime or release them. Apparently Giovanni got that lifted in just over forty-eight hours. The inspector was unable to get a court to sign off on his warrants. Many of their men were detained because of various charges, but Giovanni’s top capus were all free and clear. Except for Carlo.
“I haven’t seen Carlo since they took him away.” Lorenzo said. “He needed medical attention. He could barely breathe through his lungs. I think he has a few broken ribs.”
“As soon as we’re out I’ll handle it. And Santo too,” Dominic clenched his fist.
“Santo is Giovanni’s,” Lorenzo said.
The wait was three hours long. And then the cell door opened. The men were walked. Dominic caught the scowl and hatred of the officers in their glares. He nodded to the inspector with a smile. And in true Battaglia style, Giovanni had sent cars for them. Over ten were lined up along the street. Several people were outside taking pictures, including the media. Dominic and Lorenzo didn’t hesitate. They entered the first car available to them and closed out the world.
Umberto was the man inside waiting for them.
“Where is Giovanni? Any news on Mirabella?” Lorenzo asked.
“He has left with Don Mancini. They believe they knew where she is.” Umberto said.
“Mancini?” Dominic asked.
“He’s been at Melanzana with the boss. They left together. It’s all I know,” Umberto said.
Dominic and Lorenzo exchanged confused glances. Lorenzo was the first to speak. “Armando Mancini and Giovanni are together to bring home Mirabella. Where is she?”
Umberto kept driving. “The boss knew you wouldn’t approve. He wants you and Nico to handle Santo. And he asked that I tell you, Domi, to speak with the prosecutor. He withdrew the charges, but Gio says there are expectations. He said you would understand.”
“Where did Gio and Armando go?” Lorenzo demanded.
Umberto didn’t answer.
He glanced back at Dominic. Dominic looked away. Whatever Giovanni planned he knew it meant taking risks. An alliance of any kind with the Mafiosi was dangerous and risky.
“Take us to Melanzana.”
**
They sailed to the end of the island where the beaches were isolated. Giovanni only had twelve men to bring. Armando had committed fifty of his men to the rescue. He was surrounded by some of the most ruthless criminals in the Sicilian mafia. He and his men showed no weakness or fear. But he smelled it on his boys. They stayed close and silent as Mancini’s men laughed and talked up the night raid. Several looked to him for confidence. Giovanni hoped his presence was enough.
“I’m sending my men in first. If they have the monastery surrounded then we can…”
“No.” Giovanni stood. “I go with them. And we go all in.”
“We discussed this. It very well could be a trap,” Armando said.
“And if it isn’t he’ll kill her before I can get in there. I won’t take that risk.” Giovanni ran his left hand back over his head. “If you don’t want to see it through my way then say so. Me and my men can take it from here.”
Armando stared at him in disbelief. What Giovanni proposed could be suicide. It was his call. He was going in guns blazing, and he was going to save his Bella. The men were all silent on the boat now. No one even dared breathe. Armando’s gaze swept his men. He let go a deep frustrated sigh. He addressed the room. “Every man in mio famiglia will take the island and kill anyone who gets between us and the monastery. Anyone. Do you understand?”
The men said they did.
Armando extended his hand to Giovanni. He looked down at it for a moment. He then shook his hand. Armando smiled. “This should be interesting.”
**
Catalina laughed. Zia shook her head smiling. It felt wrong to be making the children dance and laugh with Mirabella missing. But it was the only way she could keep sane. Eve was up holding the hands of Gianni, who rocked side to side to the music playing. She sang to Gianni in Italian. Marietta sat in a chair biting her nails. She stared at little Gino who played with his blocks. Catalina knew Marietta was lost in her own thoughts.
“Signora Catalina?” Cecilia said behind her.
“Yes? What is it?”
“I think the men are here. Or arriving?”
“What?” Marietta stood.
“I saw cars coming up the road from my window. I think they are—”
Dominic walked in first. Shocked Catalina screamed and ran to him. She nearly knocked him over. He hugged her tight to him. When she lifted her head from his shoulder she saw Marietta hadn’t immediately rushed into Lorenzo’s arms. She stood there staring at him. He stood there staring at her.
“We were so worried! I’m so glad you’re home, Domi. Gio left with Armando,” Catalina rushed out in a single sentence.
“I know.” He kissed her brow. “I’m okay. We’re okay.”
Dominic let her go to bend down to pick up Eve. He kissed her face and neck. Eve giggled. The twins were running for Lorenzo. He stooped to pick up both of the boys. They hugged his neck with excitement.
Marietta found it hard to do or say anything. She couldn’t sleep for worrying about him. But the moment he stood in front of her she could only remember their painful parting. Nothing felt resolved between them. She took a step toward him but Zia got ahead of her.
“Ciao Zia,” he kissed her brow. Zia hugged his waist as he held the boys. Lorenzo stared at Marietta and she couldn’t help but look into his eyes. He nodded at her. She smiled for him.
“Why isn’t Rocco here?” Dominic asked. “I was told he left for Chianti. Zia?”
Zia let go of Lorenzo and folded her shawl around her. She shook her head sadly and didn’t answer.
“What is it, Zia?” Dominic insisted.
“Gio sent him away. They argued,” Zia told them.
“I didn’t know that,” Marietta said.
“Me either.” Catalina chimed in.
Lorenzo glanced to Dominic. They exchanged a look that made Catalina’s stomach clench. How much trouble were they still in? “Do you know where Gio went?” Catalina asked Dominic. “Can you leave to help him?”
“It’s too late. Let’s just pray he knows what he’s doing.”
**
Kei sipped his wine. Mirabella didn’t move. She lay under the covers nude and unconscious. He stared at her and smiled. What he had done was the biggest crime any man could commit. He’d killed his brother. When his uncle told him to return to China, and not with her, he knew the fallout from Chao Lee’s death would be severe. One look into Bao’s eyes and he understood how his uncle would rid him of his obsession. If he had reached the beach a few seconds later his beloved would have been dead. He was angry. He was furious. And now he had signed their death warrant. There was no way he could take her into his world now. There was no way he could protect himself from his uncle’s wrath. He had reached a dead end.
The last of his wine swirled over his tongue. He stood and untied his robe as he started toward the bed to join her again. And then he heard it. Gunfire. He glanced to the balcony. Mirabella didn’t stir. He opened the balcony doors just as his men came charging inside.
“They’re coming in from the beach!” One of his men yelled.
“Battaglias? How many?” he asked. He tied his robe and went for his pants.
“No way to tell,” another man said.
Kei located his gun. He didn’t bother with shoes. There was no time. If Giovanni Battaglia had found them he needed to welcome him properly. How had Giovanni found him? He considered Isabella betraying him and dismissed it. Maybe the Triad had revealed his location to extract him. He’d have to figure out the ‘how’ later.
Before he left he paused and glanced to the bed. Mirabella hadn’t moved since he injected her. Had he given her too much? It didn’t matter. If she overdosed, and he died in battle, it would be poetic justice. And if she didn’t, her
ankle and drugged state meant she was defenseless. He followed his men out.
Giovanni shot three men in the forest. The dark night was without the moon. The return of gunfire came from every direction. Without any thought to his own wellbeing he kept heading toward the monastery. A man ran past him firing into the trees. If Giovanni hadn’t been crouched low he’d have been seen. He had to rely on his left hand. And that meant his aim was off. So most of the men he gunned down were either caught by surprise or had their backs turned.
There was yelling. Shouting in Chinese and Sicilian. His men were close to him. They had to not only shoot their way clear of their enemy, but also be mindful of the Mafiosi around them.
With his breath trapped in his lungs and adrenaline in his veins, Giovanni reloaded his gun and ran straight for the stone wall, which must have been the back of the old monastery. He didn’t see any doors. It was a wrong move. Suddenly gunfire exploded all around him. He had no choice but to keep running. A few bullets passed so close he felt their trajectory split the air he breathed. He ran. He kept running.
How many men had Kei brought with him to the island? The darkness was his ally and his enemy. His only choice was to find a way inside.
Kei picked up an assault rifle and sprayed bullets into the forest from the second floor veranda. He could see and hear the death cries of many. He didn’t care if he shot his men or theirs. No one would make it inside. He sacrificed his men at every entrance. Told them that if they retreated back inside he’d kill them himself. Once his magazine clip was emptied, he tossed the weapon and picked up two more of his guns. It was then he saw someone run for the building. And in spite of the shadowy darkness it wasn’t just a figure. There was something about the man’s fearlessness that gave him pause. Kei smiled. It couldn’t be Giovanni. Could it?
He stormed off the veranda through the study, and out into the hall. He’d instructed the men to barricade all the doors they guarded. He had no doubt Giovanni would overcome every obstacle to find his way in.