Page 273 of Niccolo

My own eyes misted up.

So that’s what true love looks like.

114

Niccolo

Lars called.

“Talk to me,” I said as soon as I answered.

“Aurelio’s dead.”

I tried to keep my joy in check. “Who killed him?!”

“Mass threw him off a bell tower.”

“Oh fuck…” I said, stunned.

“Yeah,”Lars replied grimly.

“Is everybody okay?”

“I’m fine. Adriano got tagged, but his bulletproof vest protected him. We lost almost all of our guys… and Massimo got shot.”

“How bad is it?” I asked, my stomach twisting with fear.

“Pretty bad. They’re airlifting him to a hospital right now.”

“Jesus Christ…”

“Is Dario there?”

“Hold on, I’ll get him.”

“What about Rachel?”

“Yes, she’s right here,” I said numbly. “I’ll put you on speakerphone.”

“Lars?!” Rachel whispered to me.

I nodded and placed my phone on the coffee table. “You can take off the handcuffs now,” I said as I walked towards the door.

“Where areyougoing?!”

“To get my brother.”

On the way to the safe room, I texted Roberto.

We won but at a cost.

Massimo shot. Airlifted to hospital for surgery.

Lars and Adriano okay but most of our men are dead.

Widow’s granddaughter safe.

Aurelio is dead.

---