Page 106 of Her Guardian
The clock keeps ticking toward the live broadcast of Sarah’s podcast. There’s video this time, and Sarah never shows her face.
“The signal just cleared up,” Cadence says. “Oh, this is a trap. They’re not trying to hide it. I know exactly where they are.”
“Tell us,” I demand, slamming my hands on the table.
“I don’t give a fuck if it’s a trap,” Massimo growls, stomping over to where we are.
“It’s an old military bunker in the desert,” Cadence says. “They used to do nuclear tests there in the fifties, but the government abandoned it because it wasn’t far enough away from the city.”
“And you’re sure that’s where they are?” I ask, digging my fingers into the table.
“The signal is coming from there,” Cadence confirms. “I can’t say for sure, but… hold on. Maybe I can access the network.”
Cadence keeps typing. Massimo and I step away from the table and give orders to the Capos who are waiting to hear them. We’re bringing everyone, even the extra guys from Chicago, New Jersey, and New York. There aren’t many of them, but we’ll take all the help we can get.
“I’m in!” Cadence calls out, and we both rush back to the table. “They’ve got a camera set up.”
“Lea!” Massimo says, leaning close to the screen. “She’s there. Sarah’s with her.”
My heart clenches in my chest. Sarah and Lea are huddled together. They look scared. There’s no audio, but I can see tears on both their faces. I can see the words written on the wallbehind them—in blood. I don’t know if it’s their blood, but the message is chilling, regardless.
“Let’s go get them,” I say, turning away.
Massimo nods and we leave the war room, other Capos, soldiers, and associates of the Morandi family falling into line. Rank doesn’t matter right now. Nothing does, except saving the women we love. If it’s a trap, it better be a damn good one, because we’re bringing hell with us.
“Boss!” a voice calls out as we get to the exit of Salvalagio. It’s Rowan. Massimo stiffens up when he approaches. “Don’t shut me out, lads. I know I fucked up, but you might need me.”
I glance at Massimo. I can see the rage in his eyes, but Rowan’s his best friend. And he’s right. We need everyone we can get. “Come on, boss,” I urge. “Can’t leave the meanest motherfucker in a kilt behind. Wouldn’t be right.”
“Fine,” Massimo relents. “Come on.”
We get another surprise when we step outside of Salvalagio.Leo. No collar. No rosary. Instead of a Bible, he’s holding an AK-47.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” I ask.
“Lea saved my life, so if she’s in trouble, I can do more than just pray,” he says, chambering a round. “God’s just going to have to forgive me for not turning the other cheek this time.”
Massimo looks like he’s going to protest, but he doesn’t. He hugs his brother. I’m caught by surprise, because they were never that close, even before Leo turned away from the life he was born into.
“Guess this means the Four Horsemen of Las Vegas are together again,” I grunt, glancing at Rowan as Massimo lets go of his brother.
“Still prefer Musketeers,” Rowan says.
“Musketeers, horsemen, who gives a fuck,” another voice echoes. “And there’s five of us, not four.”
“Emilio!” Massimo turns as his youngest brother approaches. “I haven’t seen you since the wedding! Where the fuck have you been?”
“Had to get my head screwed on straight after everything that happened with Erica, but I’ve been keeping tabs on everything,” Emilio answers. “Good to see you, Mo. Let’s go get your wife.”
“And Sarah,” Massimo says, looking at me. “We’re bringing them both home.”
“Damn right we are,” I growl.
Massimo gets in his SUV and Emilio hops in the front. There’s not enough room for all three of us, so once Rowan climbs in the back seat, I turn toward my SUV and pull my keys out of my pocket, but Leo snatches them out of my hand.
“That’s a hell of a limp you got, Boyd,” Leo says. “Let me drive.”
I consider snatching them back, but he’s right. I could manage. I’d get there, even if my leg was about to fall off, but it’ll be easier to let him drive. I climb in the passenger seat. He tosses his AK-47 in the back and slides behind the wheel.
