Page 18 of Inferno

The driver grunts and carries on, the vehicle slowing down on the gravel.

I keep facing forward, even when my door opens to reveal the blinding sunlight and its warmth on my skin.

I turn to a new face, one with slicked-back black hair shining with an oily sheen. Probably mid-thirties.

He extends a strong hand, his grip firm as I accept the handshake.

“Declan. I’m Romeo. Second in command to Enzo,” he says, his rich Italian accent coming through.

“Nice to meet you, Romeo.”

“Please.” He gestures for me to get out of the truck.

Stepping out into the scorching sun, I brush down my dark suit jacket, already damp with sweat.

As Conan shuffles out, Romeo holds up his hand, his head shaking slowly, a silent command to stop.

“No. Just you.” He looks at me sternly.

Conan’s face begins to redden.

“It’s fine, Con,” I say calmly.

He visibly relaxes and I turn to Romeo.

“Just me today?”

He nods, the metallic click of the truck door lock echoing in the stillness as he shoves the keys into his pocket.

“Trust is earned. Three of you and one of me?” He shakes his head with a laugh. “I don’t think so. I’ve seen what you Irish are capable of.”

I frown. But I understand.

Enzo and his men are smart.

“And leverage. If I fuck up, you have my brothers. You know I won’t do anything out of line to harm them.”

He taps a finger against his temple, a slow grin spreading across his face.

“Ah. You get it. Now follow me.” He turns and takes his gun from the holster.

“You’re not armed, but you’ve got a blade, correct?” he says over his shoulder.

How the hell?

“Yeah. That’s right.”

He stops in the gravel and turns to me, his face serious.

“You know a knife makes you armed? Correct?”

I nod.

“And Enzo specifically instructed you to come unarmed.”

Straightening my spine, the extra inches giving me a commanding view over him.

“So why did you defy his order?” He continues.

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