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The van was empty except for a clear indication that the intruders’ intent was to capture and hold my sister and baby girl. There were ropes and strips of material I assumed would be used as blindfolds and gags.

My blood boiled.

Oh, fuck, no.

I knew exactly how to disable the van as I did with most vehicles. Only this time, I allowed my anger to take hold, ripping several hoses from the engine.

Carmella was watching everything I did and every time I glanced in her direction, I could tell that while scared, she had been well trained. Right now, I was thankful for the assistance.

Later, I’d kick myself for being such an ass.

She followed my lead as we headed across the street toward Maria’s house. With it being a cozy neighborhood with only one quarter to half acre lots, I had a slight advantage in that the men sent to abduct her would attempt to do so without making excess noise.

They’d entered through the back, but I had no plans on using a door. I headed to the bedroom window, praying Maria had listened to me. Finding it unlocked, I eased it open, peering inside. My sister had left lights on in other rooms in the house, leaving the bedroom dark. At least she’d remembered some of what I’d taught her even though she’d acted like she hadn’t wanted to listen.

I hoisted myself inside, listening for sounds. The house wasn’t large, but they’d either checked the bedroom already or hadn’t made it down the hallway. Time was of the essence. I pulled Carmella into my arms, cognizant of the warmth and electricity we shared.

It was wrong of me to feel a moment’s worth of desire during a time like this, but I had no control over my body when she was around. Fortunately, a noise kept my attention from falling hopelessly into the gutter. I threw open the closet door, pressing my lips against hers.

“Don’t die on me,” she whispered.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart.”

If anything happened to any of them, there would be no stopping the wrath I issued in every corner of this godforsaken town.

The moment I heard her knock on the hidden door, I took a deep breath and advanced.

All three of the motherfuckers were going to die.

CHAPTER27

Carmella

What the hell are you doing, Carm? You’re insane. You’re placing your trust in a man who obviously isn’t who he represents himself to be.

The nagging had persisted all through the drive to Maria’s house. I’d insisted on coming, but right now, I was shaking like a leaf, incapable of putting coherent thoughts together. I didn’t know the man at all. I’d said that at least a dozen times, but now I was certain no one inside the organization knew him either.

Granted, very few of the soldiers were buddies, at least not in the traditional sense. Sure, a few of them had drinks together, but they’d been trained not to develop friendships because the life expectancy was so short. However, there was a sense of camaraderie between the ranks, loyalty remaining high. They watched each other’s backs, willing to be shot or cut with a blade to help another.

That was the single aspect about the syndicate that I admired. When so many people inside traditional businesses were dog eat dog, only out for themselves, syndicate soldiers remained a true team.

Almost like those in the military. That’s why I understood and could recognize the behavior.

Including in Alejandro.

I took a deep breath after issuing the special knocks. When the door was cracked, a bright beam of light was immediately flashed into my face. I winced and held up my arm, trying my best to whisper words that would be audible without breaching needed silence.

“Maria. I’m here to help. Let me in.”

Whoever was holding the flashlight hesitated, but she finally lowered it. I crawled inside, slowly closing the door behind me. There was a thick lock, and I immediately engaged it.

“Is there a light?” I asked. That’s when I heard a muffled laugh from a little girl.

“It’s okay, Jess. We’re still playing a game. We just have a new player. I told her about hide and seek.”

Maria’s voice was shaky, but she was doing her best to keep it as calm as possible. “Yes, hide and seek. My favorite game. I think we’re winning.” I swung my flashlight around the room, noticing a switch. When I turned it on, a soft glow brought an end to the insufferable shadows.

I’d never liked the dark, but after tonight, I had a feeling the nightmares I’d experienced as a child would return.