Page 23 of Second in Command
“Was there anything?”
“No. we just found out that he was married with kids. We even had someone follow him. It matched up.”
“Huh,” I hum, “I guess —”
“Sir,” one of the guards rush into the room, pushing the door open, “there’s been an attack.”
Enzo and my father take one glance at each other before standing. I stand as well.
“No,” Enzo places both hands on mine, “Just wait here.”
“Enzo, what’re you doing?” I knit my eyebrows, “I’m not some damsel in distress.”
“Trust me, I know that baby but you’ve got to stay here.”
He hands me his gun and leaves. I was too shocked to react, and it’s something about obeying Enzo that made my blood boil — okay, now’s not the time…
Gunshots erupt outside, followed by yelling, and I race towards the window to at least see what was going on.
As soon as I do though, the window breaks, and I fall to the ground covering my head to protect it from the glass shards.
“Fuck,” I whisper to myself.
There hasn’t been an attack, we’reunderattack.
I crawl towards the door, bullets spraying from all over. I didn’t know what lay on the other side, but I knew I couldn’t stay here. How the fuck did anyone get through the entrance?
The bullets weren’t meant for me,I realized in their line of fire,they were trying to kill Papa!
The hallway was empty. I get off the floor, cocking my gun and holding it out in front of me. My eyes searched desperately for Enzo or Papa but there was nowhere to be seen.
I contemplated, for the first time, running to hide upstairs. But as much as I’d love to listen to Enzo, that just wasn’t me.
I headed to the weapon room and equipped myself properly. With my favorite gun,the Smerch, I headed out carefully.
From the living room, I noticed bullet holes in the walls, the couch, and even the TV. Noises continued to erupt from outside, and I stood behind one of the main windows, praying that I don’t get shot.
From there, I could see Enzo and the other soldiers: Enzo’s buddies: Leo, Marzo, and Gabriele. Papa as well on the front line. I shook my head at him. He knew he should stay out of fights like these, nevertheless, he was there with his men each time.
I pointed at shots, wherever I could get a clear view. Enzo knew it was me, I could see the fret in his face the moment the first bullet took down the first man.
But he couldn’t move.
My eyes widen once I spotMichael, dressed head to toe in uniform. He emerges from the shadows and points his gun directly at Enzo. Before he could shoot, I pointed my gun at him, and shot—but it missed.
“Francesca,” Enzo screams, “Get outta here!”
I hide behind the wall, my mind unable to process what was going on. The bullets seize, and silence falls upon everyone. Confused, I peek outside to see that one of Michael’s men, if I can call it that, has Papa by the neck.
“Francesca…” Michael cajoles. “Come out, please, I won’t shoot, I just wanna talk.”
Enzo had his gun pointed at him, but knew it was dangerous.
I had no choice, he had Papa cornered.I needed to help Papa.I stepped out from behind the wall and walked down the stairs into the yard. “Michael, what’re you doing?” I say, trying to play friendly with him. Pretend we were still friends.
“What do you mean?” He tilts his head feigning innocence, “You’re the one who brought me here.”
Enzo glances at me, but I was just as confused as the rest of them.
