Page 276 of Niccolo

I had one other thought:

I’m glad your brothers won today, Niccolo.

I’m glad YOU won.

116

Niccolo

Dario and I returned to the parlor. I didn’t give a shit anymore that Rachel was alone with both of us; I trusted her now.

“Lars,” Dario said out loud to let him know we were there.

“Did Niccolo fill you in?”

“Yes. How bad is Massimo?”

“He got shot multiple times. He had a bulletproof vest on, but a few got through. He’d lost a lot of blood by the time we got him on the chopper.”

“And Adriano?”

“He got shot, too, but his vest stopped them all. He broke a few more ribs, but he’ll be fine.”

“Alright,” Dario said, his face dark. “We’re coming to you. Hopefully, we’ll be there within three hours.”

“Um… I’m not entirely sure that’s a good idea…”

“How many of the mercenaries did you and the others kill?”

“Dozens.”

“And Massimo killed Aurelio?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’ve broken the back of their operation. It’s as safe as it’s going to be for the immediate future.”

“But – ”

“Tell me the truth,” Dario interrupted. “What are the odds Massimo survives?”

There was a long pause.

“…50-50. Maybe.”

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to my father when he died, which you well know,” Dario said. “There’s no way in hell I’m risking that with my brother.”

“I understand. But what does Niccolo think?”

I was impressed that Lars would say that, even if it was purely out of politeness.

“This is the one time where I agree that the need outweighs the risk,” I replied. “Wehaveto be there. No exceptions.”

“Alright – I’ll make sure it’s as safe for you as possible.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“Could I ask you a favor?”

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