Page 117 of Dark Alliance
Frankie is the first to meet my eyes again. “What do you want from us, Miss Ricci? We have our orders.”
I exhale slowly. Shit. “I want you to get me the hell out of here so I can stop my brother.”
Carlo purses his lips at his cousin. “But if we get caught, Nino will kill us.”
I put my hand on Carlo’s forearm. “Nino’s not in charge. I am. I’m the head of this family. You take orders from me.”
Neither disputes my words. In fact, Frankie even nods his agreement.
Relief floods my veins. “You’re both armed, correct?”
They open their suit jackets to reveal their holstered weapons.
Veering to my desk, I open my purse. Nino grabbed the will, but he didn’t bother with my gun. “I am too.”
I wait while Frankie and Carlo exchange a long look. Time is an issue, but I can’t have them wavering or second-guessing me.
“Okay.” Frankie approaches me. “What do you need?”
“Carlo?”
“I got you, Boss.” He approaches me too. “What do you need?”
Boss. The title sends a shiver down my spine.
“Give me two minutes.” I set my gun on the desk as a show of faith before rushing into my walk-in closet.
The first thing I do is bra up. As I choose the rest of my escape wear, I can’t help but picture Connor in his jewelry heist costume. I slip into black slacks, a black t-shirt, and a black suit jacket, and pick shoes I can run in, just in case.
Next, I roll my hair up into a loose bun that smushes under a black winter walking cap and inspect myself in the full-length mirror.
I see a woman in mourning, adorned in all black. Or a jewel thief. Or the boss of the Ricci crime family.
If you’re not paying attention to the curves under this suit, I could even pass for an enforcer.
I exit the closet to two surprised expressions that gradually evolve into approval.
“You two really do look like brothers, you know that?”
“Yes, we get that a lot, Boss.” Frankie smiles back. “You look good.”
Carlo cocks his head. “Does this mean we’re walking you out the front door in plain sight?”
“Sort of.” I pluck my gun back up and holster it inside the waistband of my pants. Then I retrieve my phone from my purse and pocket it. “You two need to flank me until we reach the stairs to the basement. Then, Frankie, because you’re senior to Carlo, you’ll go down with me. We’ll be looking for the executor of my father’s will. If he’s still alive, Nino put him down there, and I may need your help moving him.”
Frankie grunts. “Understood.”
“Carlo, you report to Nino that I’m all set up here. He’s not going to check on me. I’m not a priority, and he believes I’m acaged animal waiting for its last meal. After that, please grab my car and bring it around to the west gate. Frankie and I will meet you by the underground exit.”
With our plan hatched, we’re ready to hustle.
Frankie and Carlo march half a step ahead of me past the mermaid and down the grand staircase, all but burying my face behind their shoulders. Since they aren’t familiar with all the Riccis yet, none of the Russian enforcers think twice.
We make it to the lower-level staircase without issue, though my shoulders have never been so fucking tight.
It’s business as usual for both these young enforcers, though. If they’re nervous about losing their lives during this ruse, they don’t show it. Not a single sweat droplet forms on either of their hairlines. No tics. No questioning orders. They’re locked in.
At least I can depend on these two when I fully take command.
