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"I don't think we should judge them outrightly. If someone ever thought to speak out, they wouldn't be alive anymore. This is too deep. Even if someone were to compile evidence and show it to the authorities, how would they knowwhoto show it to? There are too many people involved in all chains of command. The system is simply rotten to the core."

"But isn't this like fighting with windmills then? We end Miles' reign, but who's to say there won't be another Miles just taking his place?"

"That's what you get when you reach the belly of the beast. You cut one head, another grows in its place. It'snevertruly over. Especially when it comes to something as profitable as this. Where there is demand, there will be supply."

"I get that," she sighs, "but it makes me feel helpless, and I don't like it."

"I wish I could shield you from all the horrors of the world, Sisi," I turn to her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "but I can't. The only thing Icando is vanquish any danger that might threaten you," I pause, "and make sure you're strong enough for when I'm not there."

Her hand reaches out for mine as she gives me one of her stunning smiles.

"I'm strongbecauseyou're with me," she says quietly, "I don't want to think of a time that you won't be with me, Vlad. Because that's out of the question."

I grunt, because I could not fathom a moment without her either. But no matter how much I'd like to be with herforever, the truth is that this lifestyle might take me out eventually.

Even I am not invincible.

Hell, the fact that I've made it this far it's astounding. But while the odds might not always be in my favor, for Sisi I'm willing to go through hell and back to ensure that she'll never have to shed a tear for me.

We continue to watch the footage in silence, until Sisi points to the screen, stopping the video.

"I think there's something underground," she notes, her finger on a small vent at the bottom of the building.

I zoom in, noting the bars and the fact that there seems to be something there.

"Might be where he houses his project, if he keeps the hospital strictly for transplants."

"What are we going to do, then? We can't just barge in." She bites her lip, looking at me worried.

"No. We're going to need help," she frowns and I clarify, "backup. I've already spoken with your brother and he's willing to help. Enzo and Nero are in too, so our combined forces should be enough."

"But it's still federal ground. How are you going to get around that?"

My lips twitch.

"I'll be jumping the gun a little," I add, amused, when I see my phone blink with a confirmation message from Nero.

"I'll be using Meester," I tell her, and her eyes widen.

"How come this is the first time I'm hearing this?" She raises an eyebrow, almost offended.

"Because I've been trying to finalize the plans with Nero and your brother and make sure it's a viable alternative."

"Explain." She leans back, her arms crossed over her chest.

"The island is clearly well protected and they will see us coming immediately. We need a trump card to get in there undetected."

"And how will you convince Meester to get you on to the island when he's been trying to kill you for the last few weeks?" she asks skeptically.

"Nero's got it covered," I chuckle. "He has his precious daughter currently in his possession. In fact, we'll be doing a video conference with Meester once we get to your brother's house, and I'm sure it's bound to be very convincing."

"Damn," she whistles, "that's not a bad idea."

But then she frowns.

"How old is his daughter?"

"She's probably in her mid-twenties." I shrug. "But don't worry about her too much. She's not innocent either."