Page 107 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“It’s Vargas,” the voice on the other end says. “I’ve got a location for Sofia. She’s holed up in a bar in Queens, but it’s crawling with Russians. It’s not safe to go in alone.”

“Send me the address,” I reply, my tone cold, detached.

Paolo steps in front of the exit, blocking my path. “You need to think this through, Rafa. Leo’s on his way here now. Let’s talk about whatever you’re planning.”

“There’s nothing to discuss,” I snap. “Sofia is mine.”

Before Paolo can argue further, a woman in green scrubs enters the room, her face carefully composed. “Mr. Lucchese?”

“Yes?” I ask, standing stiffly. “How is she?”

“It’s too early to say,” she replies, her tone is measured and cautious. “She’s in surgery. We’re doing everything we can to save them both.”

“But they’ll be fine, right?” My voice cracks despite my effort to keep it steady.

The nurse hesitates, her sympathetic smile only fanning the flames of my frustration. “It’s too early to give assurances, but please know we’re doing our absolute best. I’ll come back with updates as soon as I can, but it may be a few hours.”

I nod curtly, not trusting myself to speak. My fists clench at my sides, and the room tilts slightly as my emotions war for dominance. The urge to threaten her—to lash out at someone, anyone—is almost overwhelming. But it’s useless. My Nora’s fate isn’t in her hands. It isn’t even in mine. If I could barter with God and spill every drop of my blood in exchange for her safety, I would do it without hesitation.

At that moment, Leo bursts into the waiting room, breathless and disheveled. “How are they? What’s happening?”

I don’t answer. My mind is already spiraling into plans and decisions, desperate for an outlet for the rage and fear that are consuming me.

“We don’t know yet,” Paolo says quietly, filling in the gaps. “It’s still… unclear.”

Leo looks to me, searching for something—reassurance, maybe—but all I can offer is cold determination. I meet his gaze and motion to the chair across from me. “Sit down.”

He hesitates, then obeys. The tension between us is thick as I lean forward, elbows on my knees, locking eyes with him.

“You’ll probably be the next capo,” I say flatly, each word deliberate.

His confusion is immediate. “Why does it feel like you’re saying goodbye?”

I glance at Paolo, whose grim expression confirms he knows exactly what I’m about to do. Turning back to Leo, I drag a hand through my hair, forcing the words out. “Because I have to go. I have to handle this myself, and I don’t know if I’ll make it back.”

Leo pales, sitting up straighter, his hands gripping the chair’s armrests like a lifeline. “No, Rafa. You don’t have to do this. Stay here—with Nora. We’ll figure something else out.”

I shake my head, slow and resolute. “I can’t help her here. But I can make sure the ones who did this never hurt her again. Never touch her, or us, ever again.”

“Please,” he whispers, leaning forward, his voice trembling with desperation. “Don’t go. I can’t lose you.”

His plea cuts deeper than I expected. For years, I kept him at a distance, letting resentment and silence build walls between us. But now, I see the brother I’ve always had—the one who still sees me as someone worth saving.

“You’ll be okay,” I tell him softly, my voice steady but firm. “You’re stronger than you think. Paolo will guide you, and you’ll make it through.”

I look at my phone, the location of Sofia burning into my mind. Time is running out. If she realizes Nora isn’t in her safe house anymore, everything will fall apart. I can’t afford to wait.

I turn on my heel, walking away before Leo can argue further. If I hear his pleas again, I might falter, and I can’t afford that. Not now.

Paolo follows me to the car, his steps quick and persistent. “What are you doing?” I demand. “Go back inside.”

He snorts, sliding into the passenger seat. “You think I’m letting you walk into a Russian stronghold without backup? Please. There was no chance of that happening.”

“It’s dangerous. I might not make it back,” I say, gripping the wheel tightly.

“I know. And if you fall, we fall together. That’s the deal, remember?”

“Paolo—”

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