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It’s true what they say, time does stand still.

The streamlined metal nugget rips through my back and out through my chest. My body collapses to the ground. The bullet’s path through my body burns, searing a tunnel through flesh, and crimson liquid flows from it in an instant.

I stay completely still, facedown on the gym floor.Don’t move, I tell myself.

The sirens are getting louder. I play dead, praying that my shooter won’t fire another round into me. His initial shot may well still kill me, but I don’t want to take my chances with a second.

“Got her,” a snarl sounds from a few metres away and I recognise it. “Move out now. Go, go, go.”

Rapid footsteps retreat and the whimpers of frightened gymgoers become audible. The sirens are louder still and I hear the screeching of tyres outside replacing the thunderous departure of motorbikes just moments earlier.

I manage to roll myself onto my back, but the sheer amount of blood I leave behind on the floor sends me into a panic.I’m going to die.

“Francesca! Francesca!” I open my eyes with some effort, not sure how much time has passed since I lost consciousness if any at all. I’m still bleeding out on the gym floor, but Sammy is desperately putting pressure on my wound with her sweatshirt. The fabric is turning red pretty quickly.

“Don’t close your eyes! Don’t you dare!” She screams at me.

“It’s okay,” I mumble and smile at her. My body suddenly feels really warm where I had been shivering a few seconds ago. It’s okay, I tell myself and let my eyes flutter shut.

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Giovanna

I spent all night trying to find a way to fix it. To make things right so she can be with me now that Stefan is gone, but the thing about the Rossis is that there are so bloody many of them that the capos will no doubt just suggest another of their family could step forward.

There are only two things I have truly wanted in my life. One is to work for theFamigliaand the second is her.

I swear to myself and her that I will figure it out, but first I have to get through this meeting with the Police Commissioner. I knew he’d have questions about the car ambush after Tiny and Sarah’s wedding eventually.

He is waiting for me at the Famiglia Table down in the back right-hand corner ofLa Fazenda.I swear the fat fuck only meets with me so often so he can eat here on the house.

“Commissioner,” I shake his hand and sit opposite him.

“Giovanna Marino!” He says jovially and I raise an eyebrow. Too much enthusiasm always makes me suspicious.

“That’s me. Have you ordered? Let’s get some tucker on the table before we talk shop, yeah?” I wave to Sarah and she hurries over.

“Go on then,” he grins. “Twist my arm!”

I order a few of his favourite dishes and then wait for him to initiate conversation. He clears his throat, scratches his nose, and readjusts tie before opening his mouth.

“Our last meeting…I apologise,” he grimaces.

“You wanted to get outta there pretty quick, didn’t you?” I shrug.

“Mmm. These aren’t conversations I thought I’d ever have. You don’t think you’ll be the guy sitting in front of the mob asking them to take the law in their own hands.”

His voice is a whisper and he hunches over the table toward me. Sweat has gathered on his upper lip and hairline. I remain silent. Watching and waiting for him to continue.

“The bikies,” he finally breathes. “I’ve…I…They’ve gotta…go.”

I raise an eyebrow and nod for him to continue speaking.

“I don’t want to know how. Don’t tell me anything. Just…can you do it?”

His phone vibrates on the table next to his hand and frowning he answers it, “Yes?”

“Christ. How many dead? Fuckin’ hell. Text me the address and, Morrow, media blackout until I get there.”