Chapter 11 - THE DEVIL'S BARGAIN
I tried to slam the door, but one of Carlo’s massive bodyguards caught it with a heavy leather boot, pushing it open effortlessly.
I backed into the foyer, my heart hammering wildly.
Carlo stepped inside, admiring the sleek, modern art on the walls.
“You’ve done well for yourself, Evelyn,” the old Don said, leaning on his silver cane. “A beautiful home. Federal protection. It almost makes me believe a person can truly walk away from our life.”
“Get out of my house,” I demanded, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “The FBI has agents stationed in the lobby. If I press the panic button, they’ll be here in sixty seconds.”
Carlo smiled softly.
“The agents in the lobby are currently taking a very long coffee break, courtesy of my payroll,” he replied. “I didn't come to hurt you, Evelyn. I came to make a business transaction.”
“I have nothing to sell,” I spat.
“You have the boy,” Carlo said simply.
The blood drained from my face.
“If you touch my son, Vincent will kill you,” I whispered, a primal, violent protective rage flaring in my chest.
“Vincent is sitting on a park bench three blocks from here, surrounded by six of my best marksmen,” Carlo stated, checking his gold Rolex. “He is alive because I allow it. Now, shall we sit?”
I had no choice.
I walked into the living room, my legs feeling like lead.
Carlo sat on the expensive white sofa, resting his hands on the head of his cane.
“The Moretti family owes the Commission a great deal of money,” Carlo began, his tone strictly business. “When your father-in-law died, and that fool Alberto took over, they hid billions in untraceable bearer bonds. We know where the vault is. But it operates on a biometric lock.”
He looked directly at me.
“It requires the DNA of a direct male heir of the Moretti bloodline.”
“Vincent is an heir,” I said quickly.
“Vincent’s blood was burned from the system when he turned federal informant,” Carlo scoffed in disgust. “The lock rejected his profile years ago when Alberto tried to bypass it. The only pure, untainted male heir left… is Anthony.”
“He’s a child!” I yelled. “I will never let you put him anywhere near your world!”
“You don’t have a choice,” Carlo said coldly.
He reached into his tailored suit jacket and pulled out a small, velvet jewelry box.
He tossed it onto the glass coffee table.
“Open it,” Carlo commanded.
My hands trembled as I picked up the velvet box. I popped the lid open.
Inside rested a beautiful, antique diamond ring.
My wedding ring.
The one Vincent had worn on a chain around his neck since the day he took the bullet for us.
“Vincent wouldn't give this to you,” I choked out, tears of panic finally breaking through. “He would die first.”
“He fought bravely,” Carlo admitted, a flicker of genuine respect in his cold eyes. “But a cane is no match for six armed men. He is currently resting comfortably in the back of my van downstairs.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, a sob tearing from my throat.
“Here is the deal, Evelyn,” Carlo said, standing up. “Tomorrow morning, you and the boy will board my private jet to Chicago. You will bring him to the vault beneath St. Jude’s. He will place his hand on the scanner. The vault opens, I take the bonds, and I give you back your husband.”
“And if I refuse?” I whispered.
Carlo adjusted his coat.
“If you refuse, I will mail Vincent back to you in pieces. And then I will take the boy anyway.”
He walked toward the door.
“Pack a bag, Evelyn. My men will remain in the hallway tonight to ensure you don’t do anything foolish. Flight leaves at 8 AM.”
The heavy door clicked shut behind him.
I collapsed onto the sofa, clutching Vincent’s ring to my chest, sobbing into the silence of the penthouse.
We had fought so hard. We had sacrificed everything to get out. And now, the ghosts of Chicago had dragged us right back into hell.
I wiped my tears, forcing myself to breathe.
I couldn't call the FBI. Carlo owned them.
I couldn't run. The men were outside.
I looked down at the letter from Vincent’s father, still resting on the floor where I had dropped it.
I picked it up, re-reading the words.
You were always the smartest person in the room, Evelyn.
A dangerous, desperate idea began to form in my mind.
Carlo thought I was just a terrified mother. He thought I was the docile, weak wife Claire always claimed I was.
He didn't know that for seven years, I had watched Vincent run an empire. I knew how the Commission worked. I knew how they thought.
I walked into the bedroom and pulled a duffel bag from the closet.
I wasn't going to hand my son over to the mafia.
May you like
And I wasn't going to let my husband die.
I was going to Chicago. And I was going to bury the Commission for good.
