Is Rachel here?” Scott asked.

“She’s here.” Mansi lowered the gun. “And, you’ll see her when we see the money. You’re not running this, Stone.”

“How do we know she ain’t dead?” Stone asked. “We supposed to hand you the money for you to run off?”

“You don’t get it.” She leaned over, red blouse hanging to where Scott saw her black bra. “If you don’t hand over the money now, then all three of you are dead.”

“Here it is.” Scott raised the box.

“What the fuck is that?” Mansi swayed her hips toward Scott.

“It’s a rare coin collection that’s worth at least five hundred thousand dollars.”

Mansi glanced back at Herman.

“This is the best we could do,” Scott said. “Now let Rachel go.”

“Coin collection, huh?” Mansi gestured to the table with the gun. “Sit it on the table.”

Scott did and opened the box.

The entire room sparkled from the rare gold and silver coins.

“Jesus.” Herman whistled.

“My god.” Mansi examined them. “These are old as hell.”

“And, they’re real gold and silver too.” Herman scooped up a handful. “My uncle appraised antiques and coin collections. He showed me what to look for.”

“Are these worth as much as they claim?” Mansi asked, mesmerized by the coins.

“I’d say more than five hundred thousand,” Herman said. “This should make Fusco happy for sure.”

“Good.” Scott stood. “Then let us see Rachel—”

“Shut up.” Mansi shoved Scott back on the stool. “I got to make sure this is straight with Fusco first. He might not want coins.”

“What difference does it make?” Stone snapped. “Money is money.”

“Herman, get the tablet,” Mansi said.

He left and came back with a computer tablet.

“Let’s have a video call, shall we?” She dialed a number and then propped the tablet on the table. “Don’t want to leave anyone out of the conversation.”

A slim man in his late fifties or early sixties reclined on the patio of a lavish estate. Specs of black peeked through his silver hair.

“Good morning, gentleman.” The square-faced man stared into the screen, flashing thick white teeth.

Stone’s lip rose in the corner. “Fusco.”

“How are you doing, Stone?”

“I’d be better if you’d let my sister go.”

“Wish you were here.” Fusco propped up his leg. “Surely you miss this Miami weather and the women who are even hotter.”

“You’re Fusco?” Scott asked. “I expected more.”

“You must be Scott West.” Fusco’s eyebrows constricted as he smirked. “We’ve had our eyes on you.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” Fusco smiled. “I make it a mission to know everyone who is in my business.”

“They brought this.” Mansi held the coins in front of the tablet. “The collection is worth at least five hundred thousand.”

“Over,” Scott said.

“Hm.” Fusco moaned. “I love antiques and that’s quite a collection. Where did you get it?”

“Does it matter?” Stone asked. “Will you tell these idiots to let Rachel go now?”

“You know what I want more, Stone?” Fusco glared. “I want you to have learned your lesson. To understand why you shouldn’t betray my trust.”

“I’m sorry for stealing the stash. It’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. But, Rachel has nothing to do with this. Dario, come on. You want me, not her. Don’t make her pay for something I did.”

“Your brotherly love is admirable. I value family so I understand how you feel.” Fusco gestured in Mansi’s direction. “Let Rachel go.”

Mansi nodded on her way out the room.

“I don’t know about this,” Scott whispered to Stone while watching Fusco. “I got a funny feeling.”

“One thing Fusco is, is fair.” Stone sat erect. “It’s cool.”

Instead of Stone’s confidence reassuring Scott it made the knots in his stomach tighter.

Mansi brought in a shivering Rachel.

Her hands were tied behind her back and she had silver tape over her mouth.

“Rachel.” Scott flew to her and yanked the tape off her mouth. “Oh, god.” He gave her a juicy kiss. “Are you all right?”

“You came for me?” She watched him with dazed eyes. “I didn’t think you would.”

“I love you.” He kissed her again. “I’m sorry for turning my back on you.”

“I’m sorry for not telling you the truth.”

“Rach.” Stone pulled her from Scott’s arms and smothered her in his hug. “I’m so sorry, baby. If I lost you, I don’t know what I’d do.”

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

Fusco chuckled. “What a lovely reunion.”

“Untie her,” Stone ordered Mansi. “He’s letting her go.”

“Is he?” Rachel asked.

“Do it, Mansi.” Fusco jumped out the chair. “Do it now and everything I promised will be yours.”

“Change of plans, Stone.” Mansi shot, hitting Stone in the shoulder.

“Stone,” Rachel screamed.

“Fuck.” He fell on the floor, holding his shoulder.

Scott pulled Rachel aside, shielding her.

Mansi stood over Stone, aiming the gun. “Nothing personal, right?”

Scott ripped the gun out his pants and shot at Mansi but hit the wall instead.

“Ah!” Mansi dove to the floor.

“You, idiots,” Fusco shouted. “You didn’t pat them down?”

As Mansi scrambled on the floor, Herman aimed at Scott.

Stone pulled his gun and shot Herman between the eyes.

Herman staggered back and fell into the table.

Rachel covered her mouth. “Oh my god.”

Mansi grabbed her gun. “Put the gun down, Scott.”

Scott huffed and puffed, the gun shaking in his hand.

“Put the gun down!” Mansi aimed at him.

Rachel panted, whispering. “Where did you get that gun, Scott?”

“Napoleon. Bobby made him take it for protection.”

“Put it down.” Mansi walked toward him.

“Stop, Mansi.” Stone raised his gun while holding his injured arm. “Don’t make me do this.”

“Don’t make me do this!” Mansi grabbed Rachel, dragging her through the door.

“Mansi!” Stone lay flat, groaning. “Get her, Scott. Don’t let her hurt my sister.”