Page 72 of Arresting the Warlord

“Do you know where his lab is?”Jake asked grimly.

His dad nodded.“You’ll find it in the catacombs underneath a medieval church in San Gagliano, Italy.”

“Jia Stanka is in San Gagliano, Italy too,”I interjected.

Jake stiffened in surprise.“Fuck. How is she involved in this?”

“I’m not sure, but she was dining with Giovanni.”

“Is Jia planning on assassinating Giovanni or is she his partner in crime,”Jake mused.

I gave a mental shrug.“Don’t know, but I don’t think Trayon will care one way or another.”

“He won’t. Once he takes Jia off planet, she’s his problem not ours.”

“Jia Stanka is the key to stopping Giovanni and the Rodan,”Jake’s mom advised.

“Of course, she is,” I grumbled.

Jake’s dad added,“She is death and she is life.”

Okey-dokey. That was as clear as mud. I noticed the portal was shrinking. “You need to cross over before the portal closes.”

His mom kissed my cheek.“Promise me you will take care of our son.”

“I promise.”

“Tell Kaylee she couldn’t have saved us,”Jake dad said and hugged Jake tightly.

Raw emotion choked Jake’s voice,“I will. I miss you so much.”

“Love is eternal. Remember that.”His parents joined hands and crossed the threshold. The doorway vanished.

Jake dragged me into his lap and teleported us outside the sweat lodge. He let out a shuddering breath. “Is it always like that?”

“My mother has never paid me a visit, if that’s what you’re asking.” I brushed my lips over his. “I like your parents.”

“It’s easier knowing they’re still together.”

“And watching over you and your family.”

Uncle Jesse crawled out of the sweat lodge. “Ancient Mother says in three days Giovanni will unleash his creatures on Rome.”

Jake erupted to his feet, pulling me up with him. “We start our hunt now.”

“I’m going with you,” Uncle Jesse declared.

Before Jake could protest, I said, “Good idea. I have a feeling we’re going to need a healer.”

“Shrek’s a damn good medic,” Jake countered.

“Shrek won’t blend in. Uncle Jesse will.”

Jake grimaced. “Not in that Speedo.”

Uncle Jesse gave him the one finger salute.

I let out a sigh. “Have you informed Zarek and General Jones?”

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