Page 369 of Niccolo

I didn’t have pictures attached to the pieces…

But I knew which brothers were knights, rooks, or bishops.

“They’re ready to go,” Fausto said, nodding at the monitors.

The foot soldiers were finished dressing. They filed out of the room past Dante to go take their places near the Villa Agostina.

Fausto gave an evil smile. “Let the Great Game begin.”

152

Niccolo

We’d all been up since 5 AM preparing.

By the time our rides pulled up to the front of the house at 9, we were ready to go.

Traffic was heavier than usual. A dozen cars crept slowly around the limousines sent by Don Severino.

I had told all the wives that the Council would only deliberate today. No witnesses. As such, there was no reason for any of them to attend.

The only women accompanying us would be the Widow – and Rachel. Her status as a former MI6 agent was enough to make her an exception.

As the two limousines parked outside, Lars stepped out first as our head of security. Rachel was right there alongside him, accompanied by a couple of foot soldiers.

Next came Adriano, me, Valentino, and Roberto. We all surrounded Dario as human shields to make sure he was safe.

Massimo brought up the rear as he held onto the arm of the Widow and guided her down the steps. She was incredibly slow, so they were far behind us.

We were walking down the steps when I got a call.

I checked the screen: Don Severino.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Niccolo, I just wanted to let you know that Fausto will be a bit late to the meeting.”

That gave me pause. Unease filled the pit of my stomach.

“Wait,” I said to my brothers, holding out my hand.

We paused at the bottom of the steps, about 20 feet away from the first limo where Lars and Rachel stood by the open rear doors.

“HOW late?” I demanded.

“I don’t know. He said he’s having some health issues.”

“What’s going on?” Massimo said from the top of the steps.

“We’re going back inside,” I shouted at him.

“What?” Adriano exclaimed.

I gestured with my hand to start back up the steps as I said to Severino, “You couldn’t have told me sooner?”

“I only spoke to your uncle a few minutes ago. Besides – ”

Suddenly, an engine roared close by.

---