Page 136 of Wicked

After pushingthe Ferrari to its limit, I enter busy Rome. I called each of my relatives on the way, and I explained I needed a weekaway. I said something had come up, but a couple saw through my plan.

Wise Nonna and intuitive Bianca asked if I was going to get my girl back. I avoided answering them directly, but they both got the message. Bianca said she was proud and to ‘go get her.’

I am, and I will not take no for an answer. I’ve done wrong. If I need to, I’ll beg. I’ll even offer her a ring.

Whatever it takes.

As I slice between Vespa motorcycles, Fiats, Alfa Romeos and all kinds of cars and drivers, my eyes are peeled like I have tunnel vision. I narrowly avoid crashing into taxis and vehicles, and horns blast all around.

I give zero fucks and I’m close to the airport, streaking around piazzas and busy roundabouts.

Tito barks at the mad scooter riders, and finally I plant my foot down. As we streak into the distance, Thomas finally calls back.

He explains the owner of the company Raven worked for is a private individual and American. An aging businesswoman who now resides in Switzerland. He explains the company valuation is around twenty million.

“Offer up to thirty, and do it fast, as in hours,” I say, tossing my cell next to Tito. I yank on the wheel, and we pull into the private jet lounge carpark as my eyes scan the jets.

I see Nico’s distinct jet landing, and I nod. I leave the keys in the Ferrari, grab my bag, and open Tito’s door. He stays close, and we head for the stairs to the exclusive lounge. I hit Nico on my cell, and he picks up fast. “Thanks, you saved the day,” I say.

“You sound serious.”

“I am,” I say. “I’ve found the one!”

“Really? You of all people?”

“What do you mean?” I ask. Nico says nothing, and I don’t care. I’ve never been so certain in all my life. “Really. I couldn’t be more sure,” I say. “She’s everything!”

“Then stop talking to me.” I grin stupidly as Tito and I run up the steps. “Just get her back. And don’t let anything get in the way!”

“Better believe it,” I say, ending the call and entering the lounge.

I know we have a ten-minute wait for jet and passport documentation, and a mysterious man from the Italian Government arrives. He hands me an envelope, and in it is Tito’s animal passport, still warm from printing.

I like to hire fixers at every legal level, and I still have a chance to get her back.

I just need her in front of me and soon… Before she meets someone else.

I pace in front of the Rome airport view as Nico’s navy-blue jet turns. I plan my next two moves when my cell rings. It’s Thomas, and I shoot Tito a look. He lays down as I walk to the balcony, away from the hum of the room and the CCTV cameras.

I look over the jets, and I am alert. I know we are pulling various illegal moves, and I don’t want CCTV cameras on me.

“Go,” I say, leaning on the railing.

“The company will be yours by the end of the day. The owner was reluctant, but I offered her twenty-five million in cash. We will sign agreements today. Our legal team, so far, have found no issues, no obstacles, and no dangers.”

“Good,” I say, as officials meet Nico’s jet crew in the distance. “This is where you tell me you have her,” I say.

“Well, she’s been a busy girl.”

“Speak,” I say with no time for games.

“Over the last few weeks, she’s been in half a dozen countries.”

“What the hell?” I say, unbelieving and slowing.

“And now she’s in Thailand.”

“With who?” I growl angrily.

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