Page 13 of The Bonventi Hitman

The first thing I need to do is find a way to get in contact with our FBI handlers for this mission. I need to break away without it being obvious. I don't exactly know how I'm going to do that just yet; I'll see how tomorrow plays out, but that'll probably be my first move.

I rub my forehead to fight off the headache and know I can't sleep until I've done one thing - shed myself of this damn night.

I turn on the shower and practically tear the dress off of me. I throw it in a small trashcan under the sink and step into the shower. The warm water cascades down, washing the night off of me.

I slip into a heavy cotton robe that hangs from a hook and tie the rope into a knot.

I lay on the bed and take a few deep breaths and before I know it, my eyes shut and I fall into a deep sleep.

Morning arrives too soon. I sit up, rubbing my eyes and take in my surroundings in daylight. The suite feels empty and cold without the cover of darkness.

Just as I'm about to hop out of bed, I hear a loud knock coming from the front door. Instinctively, I tense, my heart pounding in my chest.

After a few moments, another series of firm knocks breaks the silence. "Room service," someone calls out.

I clutch my robe tighter around myself and walk over to the door. I notice a small screen atop a table; it's a camera showing who's on the other side of the door. I see a young man in a crisp uniform standing there, a covered tray in his hands. I can't make out any obvious threat, but I remain on guard as I place my hand on the handle to open the door.

Nothing happens.

Shit, that's right, I can't open it.

"I'm sorry," I yell, "I can't unlock the door," I continue as I shift to look at the small screen again.

I see a man come between the young man and the door and wave something, and hear the door unlock.

"Good morning, ma'am," he says with a polite smile. "You're breakfast. Courtesy of Mr. Romano."

He walks past, I look at the man who opened the door. He looks down at me and I recognize him from when Luca was here - he's the one given the task of guarding my door.

I turn and follow the waiter into the kitchen, where he's arranging a place for me to eat.

"I'm sorry, who is this from again?" I ask.

Without looking up, the man replies, "Mr. Romano."

"Mr. Romano?"

"Yes, ma'am. Luca Romano."

He removes the steel cover, revealing a full spread - pastries, toast, jam, fruits, eggs, and a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.

"Mr. Romano also wanted me to inform you that he will be by later this afternoon to escort you out."

"Did he mention a time or place?" I say without hesitation.

The man finishes what he's doing and looks up at me, "No, ma'am. He did not, but he did want me to give you this as well.”

He disappears back out into the hallway and then returns with a large box.

“What is that?” I ask, as he places the box down in front of me.

“It’s for you, ma’am. I am not sure.” He smiles and nods, "Please enjoy your breakfast."

He walks past me and out of the hotel suite. Luca's security enforcer just stares at me blankly.

"Would you happen to know when Luca's coming?" I ask. The man says nothing and shuts the door.

I hear it lock and I'm alone once again.