Page 93 of Tristano

“Bash is meeting with the other families,” Greer says, referring to the other Italian Mafia families in the city. “Trying to round up more bodies.”

“I’ve put in a call with the Rothesteins, to see if they are willing to help out,” Killian says, referring to the leader of the Jewish mob in the city.

“What can I do to help?” Serena asks.

“Want to hit the pavement with me?” Killian asks. “It might help having a woman with me while I try and convince these women to take time off to talk to me.”

“Are you sure?” Serena asks, eyes wide.

“Better take him up on it before he changes his mind,” I say lightly.

“Yes.” Serena nods so fast she looks like a bobblehead. “Let’s go.”

“We’ll talk on the way,” Killian warns her before turning toward his wife.

While he kisses her goodbye, I walk to Serena and pull her into my arms.

“Be careful.” I kiss her. “Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

“You’re okay with me going?” she whispers.

I snort. “I’m not your uncle. You make your own decisions. Even if you didn’t, I know you are fully capable of handling yourself. Besides, you’re not going alone. You’re going with family. I know they have your back. You’ll be safe.”

Leaning up, she kisses me. “You’ll never know how much your unwavering support means to me.”

I pull away and see a fire in her eyes that’s been missing since I found her again.

She’s excited.

“I’ll watch your girl’s six,” Killian tells me as he walks by, slapping my shoulder.

“I’d appreciate it,” I tell him honestly.

“Here.” Enzo holds out two earpieces. “Take these, and we will be able to hear everything. My shipment of mini cameras hasn’t come in, so we’re flying blind unless we can hack into cameras around you.”

“Sounds good.” Serena nods as she takes an earpiece. “Thank you.”

“I might have some cameras in my office,” Killian says as he grabs his earpiece. “I’ll have Conor look before he meets us.” He turns toward Serena and pushes her toward the door. “Let’s go.”

I take a deep breath as I watch them walk away. Logically I know she’s safe with Killian, but just having her out of my sight right now makes me anxious as fuck.

“It never gets easier.”

I turn and look at Greer and see a knowing look on her face.

She feels this too, and if that isn’t a kick in the nuts.

“Let’s get to work,” she demands.

ChapterNineteen

The sun is long gone, and a chill has blanketed the streets while the street lights blaze.

“Are you warm enough?” Killian asks.

“I’m good.” After a beat of silence, I ask, “Where are we going?”

I watch as a man steps out of a building and turns toward us.

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