Page 121 of Flawed

He grinds his molars and taps his fingers on his thighs. We wait until my phone buzzes.

I glance at it then direct, "Now we can go in."

We get out and meet the dishwasher at the alley entrance. He says nothing and motions for us to go through.

As planned, there are two cooks, one dishwasher, and two waiters. The waiters nod at me and takes full trays of food through another door.

Tristano rushes toward it and looks through the square glass. He clenches his fists at his sides and seethes. "I'm going in."

"Hold on!" I command, grabbing his arm. "You do that, she's dead."

He takes several breaths, continuing to watch Pina.

I glance through the glass, waiting. Then it finally happens. A few dozen cops storm the restaurant in riot gear with their guns pulled.

"Whoa!" Jacopo shouts, tossing his napkin on the table and rising. He demands, "What the hell's going on here?"

The captain steps forward, asserting, "We're here to arrest your son."

Biagio jumps up from his seat. "What are you talking about?"

The captain continues, "Biagio Abruzzo, you're under arrest for the murder of Guido Berlusconi."

Biagio's eyes widen. "Fuck off. I've done no such thing."

"Put your hands in the air and step away from the table," the captain demands.

"Get the fuck out of my engagement party," Biagio states, then yanks Pina up next to him. She's so fragile from being starved and drugged, she can hardly stand on her feet.

Three men step in front of them. The rest of the Abruzzo men rise with their guns pulled.

Jacopo's eye catches mine, and I freeze. Then he smirks.

He thinks I'm going to save his thug son.

My cover is going to be blown when Biagio dies.

Jacopo redirects his attention to the police, stepping in front of Biagio. "Listen, boys, I don't know who you think you are coming in here and throwing out accusations, but I can assure you this is not happening. Now, get your pig asses out of this building."

Two more men form a wall around Biagio and Pina. They begin to move back toward the kitchen.

"Don't move!" the captain shouts.

The sound of guns cocking fills the air. Biagio and Pina continue to get pushed back until they're shoved through the door.

The chefs step in front of Tristano and fire their guns, killing the men who formed the wall. They all drop to the ground, and blood pools around them. The restaurant fills with screams.

The Marino brothers rush into the kitchen from the alleyway.

Biagio's eyes widen when he sees Tristano, but he also sees me. He still trusts me and allows me to pull Pina away from him. I shove her into the corner, trying to shield her.

He charges at Tristano, who slams his fist into his face.

Blood spurts everywhere. Biagio's nose moves to the side of his cheek. He takes a few steps back then regains his balance.

Gunshots and shouts fill the air from the restaurant. The Marinos fire from behind the safety of the door.

The dishwasher and I lunge at Biagio. We restrain him, and I tug a bag over his head.

---