Page 99 of Dirty Hearts

The bigger picture was not my concern. That would indeed be sticking my nose where it didn’t belong.

“Nukes are a little above our game, aren’t they?” Gio stated.

I couldn’t have agreed more, and if this really was about damn nukes, then this whole thing really was starting to become a sort of déjà vu of seven years ago.

“I don’t give a shit about nukes. Yes, damn straight, it’s out of our game. It’s right out of the ball park, but they tagged us and pulled us right in.”

“So, what do we do?” Dante asked, raising his brows. “Warn the government?” He chuckled.

“We dig a little deeper. Cora, focus on the nukes. What info can you find out?” I didn’t know how she would be able to link any association between Barabbas and the nukes.

“I can find out everything.” She smiled.

“Everything?”

“Yeah, pretty much. Once I know what to focus on, there’s nothing I can’t hack into to get the intel I want.” She looked proud of herself. I knew she was a very resourceful woman to have. Also dangerous depending on what side she worked for. She seemed to me to be the type that didn’t care for loyalties; just whoever filled her pockets the deepest.

“Okay, do whatever it is you do.”

My phone rang, and I stood up and answered straight away.

It was number seven from the secret squad.

“Boss, we have intel that Barabbas has a meeting set up in a guest house at Four Peaks Quarry. It’s at six.”

“I know the place.” Good, a lead. “Good work. Get back to me if you get anything else.”

“Sure thing.”

When he hung up, I turned back to Pa and the guys. Cora gave me a curious look.

“Plan for today. We stay here for the next few hours helping Cora. More hands, less work, then we head to Four Peaks Quarry.”

Finally, a real plan.

Chapter 25

Ava

* * *

“These sheets smell of jasmine and freesia,” Gigi bubbled. She carried a stack of pink and purple bedsheets with little flowers embroidered against the silk. Her face brightened as she looked at me. On a different day, I might have looked more cheerful. Especially since those were my favorite colors and the pattern had that boho chic edge I loved.

I was at Luc and Amelia’s place. Claudius had brought me here very early this morning.

Amelia offered a supportive smile.

The two had come to check on me, probably because I’d been up here in this room all day.

I hadn’t eaten much either. In actual fact, I’d barely eaten anything at all. A nibble at a bread roll here and there was not a meal. I should know. I was a chef.

“Thank you.” I got up from the chair at the window and attempted at pleasantry.

Gigi put the sheets down on the bed. “I’m gonna make cookies. Chocolate chip with the gooey center, and we can watch a chick flick fest while the guys are busy.”

“That sounds great. Thanks.” I was really trying. Trying to hold it together and act like I was fine when inside I was worried sick about Claudius.

He hadn’t called me all day, and when I’d called him, his phone had gone to his voicemail.Nice.