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“Nicky’s throwing a fit upstairs,”I make out what the guy with a baseball cap is saying.

“Why? We fucking got her,”the other is in disbelief.

“We lost some of our guys in Frankie’s crew. The card game—”

“Yo! What do you mean? We were supposed to be playing hold ’em right next to them.”

“I know,”baseball cap says.“Six dead.”

“Six? What the fuck? Same time as we took her?”

“Same fucking time.”

“How? Can’t believe it, Stones. That’s gotta be some bullshit karma right there.”

“Yeah… worst part? The prick got away.”

A cannon of hope shoots endorphins through my body.Trinowas headed to Frankie’s shop. He said he was going to play nice with them, since strangling anyone in Nicky’s crew would mean a war between the families. So the only reason he’d act out… is because it was a trap from the beginning.

God, what the hell is going on?

Okay, think, Capri. Can I use any of this?

The sight of flayed cows hanging upside down in the light paints the worst horror movie scene in history. Here we are, in a freezing dark corner, waiting for our fate. We’d make a horrible dinner. Most of us are just skin and bones.

“I said give it a fuckingrest.” The biggest of the bunch scrapes his loafer, giving a death stare at Jacky.

He’s standing over us, blocking some of the light from the main room – just a huge silhouette with light shining around the edges. He’s wearing a suit, and his pants are unbuckled.

Oh no.

“This one might be off limits,” he points at me, “but boss didn’t say anything about freckles over here.”

“Don’t you fucking touch her.” Charlie gets to his knees, puffing his chest. He looks pathetic though with that gash over his face and chains rattling behind his back.

“Or what, little white-collar? You can’t talk your way out of this one.” He takes a step forward, angry eyes alive above his crazed smile. “You know what? Just for that little outburst, I think I’m going to have a little fun with her.Make you watch.”

“No,please.”Jacky shivers.

Gil shoves himself in the darkest part of the corner, unable to watch. If there ever was a moment to contrast the two men in my life, it’s now. Trino would never cower like that.Ever.

“This your girlfriend, white-collar? Want me to show her what a real man tastes like?”

“Check it. Darko’s at it again.”Baseball cap thumbs our way, then motions for him and the other guy to leave the room.

No!

I kick my heels over the pavement to inch closer to Jacky. If she’s shielded, he can’t do anything to her while I’m there.

“Scared. I’m scared, Capri,”Jacky cries. Her arms are like two quivering sticks around me.

“It’s okay, baby. We’ll get out of this.” I squeeze her hand.

“Move it, princess.” Darko grabs my arm, and I bite down so hard I draw blood.

“Arh shit!”He raises his hand to strike me, then balls his fist.

I stare at him while spitting out the nasty skin flap in my mouth. Nicky this. Nicky that. Everyone’s afraid of Nicky. No way he’d strike me without his approval.