“Are you sure this is the right address?” I pull open the driver’s side door of my R8 and slide into the front seat, speaking into my iPhone.

“Yeah.” Santino Lucchese, Rocco’s father, responds. I can almost see him rub a hand over his shiny bald head, something he does when he’s nervous. It’s his tell. I know he thinks this is a fucking crazy idea, and he’s right. I have no business walking into Christ only knows what with a handgun and nothing else. I’m not a soldier. I’m just fucking pissed off.

“Nico, it’s not a good idea for you to go alone. Let me pull together some of the guys—”

“Santino, you’ve always been a good friend to my dad. I know he’d appreciate you helping me out. But it’s my job to handle this guy. He’s taken too much already, and I can’t let him take any more.”

“No disrespect, Nico, but you’re not exactly the muscle of this family. What’s your plan? Business isn’t this guy’s thing. Killing is. You of all people should know that.”

“What I do know is that because I haven’t made a move sooner, Carlo is dead and my dad is hanging on by a thread. I don’t have a grand plan, Santino, other than to end this.”

“Do you at least have a gun?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, and it’s got bullets in it, too.”

“I had to ask.”

“Thanks for getting me the address. And don’t give it to Rocco, okay? I need to handle this on my own.”

“I think you’re making a pretty damn stupid move by going, but I wish you luck, Nico.”

“Thanks.” I click off the phone and toss it onto my seat, ignoring the frantic text messages from Shaye. She called a couple of times when I was on with Santino too. I close my eyes before starting the engine, trying to focus and block out the voices, sounds, and images that are plaguing me. I can’t go into this with so much shit flying through my mind.

But my mind doesn’t cooperate. It betrays me as usual.

I press my fingertips to my temples, willing my mind to block out the images – the one of that Mack truck pounding my father’s car into oblivion, the one of Shaye’s tear-streaked face, the one of my mom weeping at my father’s bedside…

I can’t fucking operate like this! I slam my hands on the steering wheel and try again.

Focus, focus, focus for fuck’s sake!

All I can hear is the sound of glass shattering and metal crushing as it reverberates between my ears, making my pulse throb. Those sounds are on repeat over and over in my head. I push back my hair, pressing my palms to my forehead, desperate to clear my mind but instead a flash of white floats into my mind and suddenly, Shaye is front and center in a long, white wedding dress. Smiling, laughing, happy, exactly the way she deserves to be. Shaye in a hospital bed smiling down at a baby, Shaye walking along the shore of a white, sandy beach with two little girls with blonde pigtails dancing along next to her…

But where the fuck am I in all of this?

Am I there? Is this my life? Or, deep down, is it what I’m afraid to miss?

I clench my fists around the steering wheel. I’m fucking afraid. I have too much good in my life, too many plans for the future…what happens if I lose it all?

It only takes one bullet…

I let out a shaky breath, my heart thudding in my chest. I know one thing for sure. Sitting here isn’t getting me any closer to finishing this shit.

I can’t fail. If I do, I’m leaving the lives of everyone I care about hanging in the balance. He’ll go after them next because he’s a vindictive motherfucker who doesn’t believe in leaving loose ends.

The engine roars to life, and I press my foot on the gas, the tires squealing on the pavement as I race out of the parking lot. I’ve wasted enough time. He’s not that far away, and I know he’s waiting for me. Hell, he’s waited for this for the past five years. I tighten my grip on the steering wheel in the direction of the dump he’s holed up at in Rutherford. I pull onto Route 46, rotating my neck to knock out the crick that is making it so damn stiff. No surprise it doesn’t work.

I stomp on the gas, flying past strip malls lining the road and through traffic lights. I glance at the clock on the dashboard. Only another ten minutes, and then…

I have no fucking idea. But it’s not that far into the future, and I should probably come up with a plan before I go in there, my gun cocked and ready to spit bullets. The strip malls fade away, and the rest of the stretch is barren. No trees, no grass, just concrete. My navigation system pings and tells me the exit is coming up in another mile. Thankfully, traffic is pretty light right now, which rarely happens here in northern Jersey. Luck must be on my side today.

I wish I could say the same for my dad.

I flip on my blinker when the sign for the exit appears. The ramp is steep, and I take it too fast because I’m just a little fucking nervous about what awaits me once I roll up to Luca’s place.

A loud screeching noise jolts me, and a shiny black sports car swerves in front of my Audi.

“What the fuck?” I yell, shoving the steering wheel to the right so I avoid plowing into the jackass in front of me. A loud horn blares behind me, and I veer off the road right before hitting the guardrail along the exit ramp.

Gravel flies up around my car as it skids about fifty feet into the dirt, stopping right next to the one fucking tree on this road. I slam my hands on the steering wheel and take a deep breath. It does nothing. A sharp pain explodes down my back, and I let out a loud groan. “Motherfucker!”

I ease my foot off the brake and swivel the steering wheel back in the direction of the road. And just as quickly, I slam it back on the brake. “Jesus Christ!”

Katarina is standing in front of my car, arms folded, her blue eyes glowering at me. She shakes her head and crooks her index finger at me.

I throw the car into Park and push open the door. “Are you fucking insane, Kat? Why the hell would you do that? Did you ever hear of using your flashers to get someone’s fucking attention instead of running them off the goddamned road?”

“Nico,” she says, stepping forward in ridiculously high heels. “Trust me, I just saved your ass by doing that.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? There’s nobody else on the road!”

She cocks an eyebrow. “Dude, I’m talking about Luca Cappodamo! You’re on your way to find him, aren’t you? Do you have a death wish going in there alone?”

I let out a deep sigh and scrub a hand down my face. “Shaye called you.”

“Of course, she did, you dumbass! She’s petrified for you! So are your two sidekicks, by the way. They jumped into the game a little bit late, but lucky for you, my schedule was clear.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m so glad you all have such faith in me.”

“Listen, I respect what you’re trying to do, but let’s be real. This ain’t your bag.” She sticks her hands on her hips and flashes a wide smile. “Besides, my dad is away right now, working through some drug deal in Miami. So you’ve got me instead.”

“I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t need backup,” I grumble. “This has nothing to do with anyone but me, and I’m not going to let anyone else get hurt because of something I need to own up to. That’s why I didn’t call Viktor even though I knew he wanted a crack at Luca, too.”

“Don’t be a hero, Nico. This guy will split you in two with his bare hands. You saw what he’s capable of. Do you want to end up laying in a casket with your head sitting next to you instead of on your shoulders?”

“I’d like to not be in the casket at all.”

“Then let me come with you. I’ll stand down, but don’t go in there by yourself. I promise, I’ll let you take the shot. I won’t steal your thunder. But if shit goes sideways, at least someone’s got your back.”

I throw my hands into the air. If anything, my crew is fucking loyal to a T. “Fine, but you’re following me. And I go in first. I don’t need a bodyguard.”

She snickers. “I never offered protection. I just said I’d have your back. I’m not taking a bullet for you.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “You’re not exactly going for inconspicuous in that outfit. And you’re okay fighting in those shoes?”

“I’m not running a marathon. I’m potentially plugging a few bad guys.” She shrugs, checking herself out from behind. She smooths down the front of her low-cut, black tank top and runs her hands over her hips. The denim looks painted on, it’s so tight. “Why not look good doing it? Let them get a last look at the goods before I gauge out their eyeballs, you know? It’d be a nice parting memory for them, don’t you think?”

I shake my head and throw up my hands. “I don’t even have words, Kat.” I slide back into the driver’s seat and fire up the engine. “Let’s try to make it there in one piece.”

She salutes me and jumps back into her car, peeling out of the dirt after me. I pull back onto the exit ramp that spits us out onto a service road. Late afternoon sunshine peeks between the buildings lining the road. I glance down at the navigation system. Only a few more miles to go. The thudding in my chest becomes more intense with each passing minute. Shaye knew I needed backup. She always seems to know what I need.

I definitely need her, and I also know Kat isn’t about to stand guard and let me go in there alone. If anything, she gets off on the plugging part. She’d never let her friend down. Or me.

I flip on my blinker to take the next right turn down what appears to be a more desolate road than most around here. I pull into a parking lot next to the dilapidated restaurant I’m about to invade. There are a few cars scattered around, and the last thing I need is to have my car spotted. I want a quick getaway…from what, I still have no idea. But I don’t need anyone tipping off my old friend if my Audi should roll up on their turf.

I shut off the engine, and Kat jumps out of her car seconds later, waving me on. I take a deep breath. What’s the plan, Nico? Is there a plan? How the fuck is this going to play out? I’ve never been the guy who goes into something without a clear exit strategy.

I hope to hell the exit strategy for today doesn’t include wheeling me out in a body bag.

Kat raps on the window. “Wake up, Nico. Let’s shred his ass.”

I swallow past the lump in my throat and almost choke, it’s so damn big. I push open the door. “Did you ever want to fly under the radar? Just once?”

“Oh, hell no,” she responds with a big toothy grin. “I’m more of a Bam! Here I am! Let’s start this fucking party! kind of girl in case you didn’t already know that.” She winks at me and cocks her gun before sticking it in the waistband of her jeans. I have no clue how there is any bit of room in there, but somehow she manages.

“Yeah.” I roll my eyes. “I got that. But let’s not blow the roof off the place right away, okay? Can you handle that?”

She pretends to think about it, tapping a finger against her cheek. “You’re asking a lot. That’s not exactly my MO.”

“I’d love it if you can make an exception, just this once.”

She taps the toe of her shoe on the concrete and lifts an eyebrow. “I hate to break it to you, but strutting your fine ass in there is going to get you noticed. You’re officially on the radar once you walk through those doors.”

“I don’t want a massacre, Kat.”

“I get it. Except they’re never going to let you leave unless someone has bigger plans for you. Someone named Luca Cappodamo. How do you even know he’s here? Do you really think he’d be waiting for you to show up like this?”

“I think that’s exactly what he wants.”

She shakes her head. “I think whoever gave you this location knows you’re walking into a trap.”

“Impossible. Rocco’s dad gave me the address. He’s one of my most loyal guys.”

“Rocco, Rocco…” She furrows her brow. “Isn’t that the guy I almost popped?”

“Yeah. He and his dad are with us, not Luca.”

“And you’re sure about that?”

“I’d bet my life on it.” Ninety-nine percent, but I keep this last bit to myself. I have a lot of reasons to be suspicious of everyone right now, but I still can’t imagine that Santino would set me up. Not after everything my dad has done for him and his family.

Right?

The lump gets bigger and bigger with every passing second. I left without telling Max and Rocco to stay behind, but they haven’t shown up. Was that on purpose? Do they know something I don’t? Could it be because—?

Fuck! I hate feeling suspicious of every goddamn person surrounding me. My throat tightens as if it’s being squeezed by an invisible hand…a strong, beefy one at that. Breathing has become a definite issue, and it’s a really inconvenient time to pass out.

A sharp pain shoots down my left arm and no fucking way will I have a panic attack right here in front of Kat. I’m here for Luca. I’m not running away again. I’m going to face whatever waits for me beyond those dingy doors. If my guys fucked me, it’ll be a harsh reality to swallow but it’s not stopping me.

No fear. Just plain old fucking fury. It’s what courses through my veins and pushes me toward the entrance of the old hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

Kat’s heels click on the pavement behind me. “I think I should go in first. I’ll distract whoever is inside and that’ll give you some time.”

I don’t answer. I just keep walking, my focus on the door. What lies beyond is the great unknown. Could be death. Could be salvation. Either way, I’m about to find out.

“Nico? At least let me—”

I stop short, right before grasping the door handle. “Look, Kat. I appreciate the enthusiasm, but this is my shit show, okay? I’m here to settle up with Luca. I don’t need a diversion.”

“Stupid is as stupid fucking does,” she mutters as I pull open the door to the darkened space.

I squint, stepping into the foyer. The stench of rotting garbage immediately assaults my nostrils, and Kat gags a little behind me. My stomach rolls as the smell consumes me. The only light that streams into the place comes from the blinds covering the dirty windows. A couple of the slats are cracked enough to allow some brightness, but it’s not nearly enough to get a long and hard look at the apparently deserted restaurant. Flies buzz around my head, but I can’t see too far in front of my face.

“What the hell is that? It’s goddamn rancid!”

The smell gets stronger as I inch my way farther inside the place. It’s dark, dank, musty, and reeking of death. I take a few steps toward what looks to be a bar, my foot crashing into a heavy wooden chair leg. “Shit!” I hiss. My toe throbs from the impact, but I don’t let the pain stop me from trying to figure out why the fuck I’m here and who the fuck is waiting for me.

“You said Rocco’s dad gave you this address?” Kat whispers, creeping next to me with her gun in hand.

“Yeah.” I twist my head around to see a doorway in the far corner of the place. Light shines from underneath another door. “Someone’s back there,” I mumble, pointing.

“I can’t wait to find out who…or what…is waiting for us.”

A loud squeak sends Kat flying into me. She covers her mouth to prevent the shriek from erupting in the empty space. “Holy fuck!” she whisper-shouts.

I let out a quiet snicker. “Don’t tell me you of all people are afraid of a little dipshit mouse.”

“Screw you, Nico.” She flips her hair and shudders next to me. “I can’t stand those disgusting little fuckers.”

“Hmm. Noted. Mice freak you out, but you’re fine walking into a restaurant that’s potentially full of assault rifles. Interesting.”

“Everyone has a…motherfucker!” Kat yelps, her body jerking backward toward what looks to be the kitchen. A thick arm winds its way under her neck, a butcher’s knife poised to pierce her skin.

“Drop the gun, fucko.” A deep voice with menacing dark eyes comes from behind Kat’s head.

“Don’t do it, Nico!” Kat gasps as his grip on her tightens.

Jesus Christ, what the fuck did I walk into?

“Who the hell are you?” I hold my gun steady, pointed directly at the ominous glare opposing me.

“We knew you’d come.” He speaks slowly and deliberately, his words dripping with disdain. “Must mean I finished the job. And now that your old man is out of the picture, looks like you’re sitting at the top. And trust me, it’s gonna be a painful fucking fall, Salesi.”

“Where’s Luca?” I grit my teeth, knowing full well he’s not here. Santino. Goddamn it, he totally fucked me, and as of this second, I can’t say for sure I’m going to be able to return the favor.

“You think he’s sitting around, waiting for you to come and blow him away for giving the order?”

My shoulders tense. “Let her go. It’s me you want. Leave her alone.”

“Fuck that, dickhead. I’m gonna have some fun with her first.” He runs a hand down the front of Kat’s chest. She cringes as his thick fingers plunge into the front of her shirt. Her shoulders shudder, quivering as the tears fall from her eyes. “Don’t cry, bitch. Not yet anyway.” He presses the knife to her neck and nods to me. “Now drop the gun before I cut into her like she’s a fucking steak.” With his free hand, he pulls her gun out of her waistband and drops it on the floor.

Kat widens her eyes as I move toward a table and drop the gun on top of it. She’s mouthing something…looks like Russian. That’s no fucking help.

Why did I think it was such a great idea to come here alone again?

The guy who always has a plan now has absolutely nothing except an apparent death wish.

“Good move, Salesi.” He yanks Kat backward, making her stumble. He’s got one hand on the knife, one hand over her chest, her gun clenched in his fingers. Her shoe gets caught on the ratty carpet as he’s dragging her and she grabs one of her spiky heels faster than I can blink. She twists away, shoving the heel of her shoe right into his beady black eye.

“Ahh, you fucking whore!” Kat’s shoe is still sticking out of the asshole’s head when he raises his arm at me and cocks her gun.

“Трахать тебя мудак!” She screams in Russian, kicking him with her other shoe before ducking out of the line of fire. “Shoot him, Nico! Fucking do it now!”

Crack!

A glass vase explodes next to me as he manages to fire off a single shot.

Crack!

A pitcher shatters, liquid and glass flying through the air. I pull Kat toward me and fling her to the ground before I can pick up my gun and blow away the bastard who attacked my father. My hand juts out, my fingers gripping the cold metal.

He swings himself to a seated position and points the gun at me again. Blood pours down the side of his head, courtesy of the four-inch heel protruding from his eye socket. “You’re dead now, asshole!”

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Blood spurts out of the guy’s skull, bits and pieces of bone and brain now decorating the mouse-infested restaurant. His body lands backward on the floor with a loud thud, the knife and gun landing on the floor next to him.

“Yeah, that’s what it looks like to me, dick.” Rocco’s voice booms as he picks up the gun and swings it around his trigger finger. Good Christ, the guy won’t learn until he shoots himself in the fucking head.

“It’s still cocked!” Kat yells at Rocco. “Вы чертовски ума!”

“Jesus, woman. English!” Rocco rolls his eyes and bends to free her shoe from the guy’s eyeball.

“No, he’s not fucking crazy, Kat. Just fucking stupid.” I grab the gun from him and hand it back to Kat.

Rocco dangles the bloody shoe in front of her. “That’s not a nice thing to say when I come bearing gifts.”

She recoils and grabs her gun, pointing it at him. “Get that bloody thing the fuck away from me.”

“But they’re…” He peers into the shoe. “Jimmy Choos. And really? You’re gonna shoot me after I saved your life? Don’t you think I at least deserve a thank you? And maybe a blow job?”

She snorts and pushes past him, hobbling on one shoe-clad foot, headed in the direction of the door. “As if I’d ever willingly lay a finger on you.”

“Who said anything about your finger?”

Kat flips him off and reaches for her gun again, but I hold up a hand. “Shut the hell up, guys. Someone’s back there.” I squint at the bottom of the door and dark shadows move around in the light.

Kat reaches out to grab the door handle, but I push her straight into Rocco right before it swings open, slamming against the wall. We fall to the floor and duck down behind some tables, guns raised.

“Guys! Don’t fucking shoot!” Max’s voice echoes in the empty back room, and a hand suddenly appears from one side of the doorway, waving in mock surrender.

“Max! What the hell are you doing in there?” I leap to my feet and rush past Kat and Rocco.

“I came in through the back. Just in case there was trouble up front.”

“So he could make a fast getaway.” Rocco snickers.

“No, dickhead, it was so I could surprise the enemy.” Max glowers at me. “Seriously, Nico? This guy?”

“Can you guys cut this shit out for now? We already took out the asshole who hit my dad, but there’s no sign of Luca. That means he’s somewhere else.”

“Great detective work, Sherlock.” Max rakes a hand through his hair. “But there’s something else you should see. Luca was here, and from the looks of it, pretty recently.” Max waves us into the back room.

Kat is on my heels as we follow Max inside, craning her neck to get a look at what Max already found. “Jesus Christ!” she gasps.

“Goddamn…” Rocco mumbles. “It’s Matteo Fabrizzi, with a hole punched through his fucking throat.”

Just like Carlo Batta.

Luca had been here.

That was what smelled so rancid when we came in.

And he killed his second in command. Beat him to death, and for what?

Because he knew I’d show up here, and he wanted me to know that there are no limits to what he’ll do to get what he wants and who he will destroy if they get in his way.

As if I didn’t already know that.

I’d seen it first fucking hand.