Page 7 of The Bonventi Hitman

Time seems to slow as the chaos continues. The remaining mobsters scatter, desperate to find cover as the Russians continue their deadly assault. I turn my head toward the door, and the desire to run fills me. I see Gabriel jump into action, his movements swift and deadly as he moves like a machine, his body a blur as he methodically takes down each of the hitmen with speed and precision. His eyes focus on the task at hand. He seems calm. He seems in control.

The gunfight finally subsides, and the room falls silent except for the sound of my own breathing. It's like I've run ten miles, and I'm struggling to catch my breath.

I look up and see an Italian mobster cowering in the corner. I then look to Bill and I can't believe what just happened – he's is dead. I look at him, his body riddled with bullets, and I can't process it.

He's fucking dead. Oh my god, he's dead.

Gabriel doesn't give me time to dwell on my thoughts. He grabs me and literally picks me and carries me in his arms. "We need to get out of here," he says, his eyes scanning the area for anyone else that may harm us.

I nod, still in shock and he runs with me.

We make our way to the door, I look over his shoulder. The room is a mess, with broken glass, bullet casings, and blood scattered everywhere. I can see the bodies of the shooters sprawled out on the floor, their blood pooling around them. It's like something out of a nightmare. No training could prepare anyone for this.

Once we're out of the room, Gabriel stops and sets me down. "Stay close," he says grabbing my hand.

I nod, my heart still racing as we walk quickly down the hallway.

We make our way through the crowds of people.

Gabriel's firm grip on me makes it impossible to get away.

"You're coming with me," Gabriel says as we walk toward a group of parked cars.

I try to protest, but my voice fails me. All I can think about is Bill, and how I need to get back to him. I try to jerk my arm away, but Gabriel's hold on me is too strong, and I can't break free.

"I need to go back to Conner."

Gabriel's expression hardens, and he leans in close to me. "He's dead," he says, his voice low and serious. "And you will be too if you don't listen to me."

I try to pull away again, but Gabriel's grip won't allow it.

He practically drags me to a black Mercedes, the windows tinted so dark I can't see inside.

Using his free hand, Gabriel opens the door and forces me into the car.

I fall into the cool leather seat. I try to scramble out, but he slams the door shut, trapping me inside.

I watch as he walks around the car and slides inside. He shifts the car into drive, and I'm pushed back into my seat as we speed down the long driveway and out into the street.

"Who were those men?" I ask, my voice shaky.

He doesn't respond.

I take a few deep breaths to calm my nerves and assess the situation. The traffic lights seem like a blur as Gabriel weaves in and out of the lanes.

I look at him, and he seems determined and focused.

"Where are you taking me?" I ask, and again no response.

I can't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. I don't know where I'm going or what he plans to do with me.

All right, Anna, here we are. Bill's dead, and I'm now in a car with one of the most feared hitmen in Chicago, and he's taking me someplace. Shit, I hope he doesn't know who I really am because if he does - I'm fucked. If I'm lucky, I can use this to infiltrate the Italians. I can take this fucking monster next to me down. Bill would be proud. I need to be strong.

"Can you answer me?" I ask, raising my voice, "Who the hell were those men?"

Gabriel's jaw clenches, his eyes on the road, "The Russians," he says, his voice low.

"What are you going to do with me?" I ask, a slight tremble in my voice that I can't hide or shake.