Page 143 of Righteous Enforcer
Would the truth have set me free or signed my death warrant?
I let out a frustrated growl.
These endless what-ifs won't save me, and they won't protect Adriano tomorrow.
The night passes in a haze of dread and restless sleep. As dawn breaks, I find myself oddly calm, resigned to whatever comes next.
If this is my last day alive, I can face it knowing one thing. Mirabella is safe.
My little girl with her infectious laugh and curious eyes is far from here, protected behind the walls of the Dante compound.
Whatever Alessandro thinks of me, he would never let harm come to his niece. And Adriano would tear the world apart to keep her safe.
All they have to do is survive.
But what if they don’t?
Has Adriano made plans for her to go to his family in Chicago?
I never met Luca.
He was exiled before I met the Dantes. But I knew Valentina. I liked her. She’s married now with a child, so surely, she’d be a good person to raise Mirabella if both Adriano and I die today.
The idea that Mirabella may be orphaned today nearly brings me to my knees.
I send out a prayer that Adriano got the text and will heed the warning.
That he will live to raise Mirabella and help her live her dreams.
37
ADRIANO
I stare at my phone, reading the message for the tenth time. The number is unknown, but the information is detailed. Too detailed for some butt dial.
Ivan + Vitales planning ambush at Friday shipment. DO NOT GO.
My first thought is how the fuck do so many people know the details of our business?
My next thought is that it’s some sort of Bratva scheme, wanting us to question Vitale so he’s not there to help thwart a Bratva attack.
Still, something doesn't add up. This doesn't read like a trap. It reads like a desperate warning.
I study the screen and number as if more information will suddenly manifest.
The sender knows about the shipment, information that only a handful of people possess. They suggest that Vitale is workingwith Ivan, which connects with my gut feeling from our meeting with Marco the other day.
Then it hits.Could this be Eva?If Ivan is plotting something, she’s in a position to know about it.
I can’t stop the relief that floods me at thinking she might still be alive. But if it is her, is it a warning or is it part of her plan working with Ivan? Except why would she warn me about an ambush if she's working with them?
I close my eyes, forcing my brain to think clearly, but there is too much contradictory information ricocheting around my head.
"Fuck.”
I don't know what to believe anymore. Is she Ivan's willing spy or his captive? Is this message a trap or a desperate attempt to save me?
If I believe it’s Eva, do I trust her?
