Page 137 of The Fates We Tame

There are no signs of drones or other vehicles. At least, no obvious ones.

But I’m hopeful that Alessio just set the tone for this meeting by showing up as instructed.

“Biker,” he says when I flip the lid on my helmet.

“Mobster,” I say, leaning the bike so Sophia can get off.

Vex appears and holds out an arm to help her stabilize herself. I debated long and hard about bringing the truck, but as Bates pointed out, our exit would be faster on the bikes.

Alessio rubs a hand over his face. “I love your definition of ‘come alone.’” He tips his head in the direction of the bikers behind me.

“I like to think it’s insurance.”

“Can you two stop bickering?” Sophia says. She walks closer to Alessio, and in spite of the urge to hold her back, I let her go to him. “Hey, Ale.”

“Hey, Puparu.” There’s emotion in the way he says it.

And the next thing, they’re hugging.

And while I’m watching, Vex shoulder checks me. “You didn’t think to stop her from going over there?”

I shake my head as they say something to each other I can’t hear. “No. He’s not gonna hurt her.”

Vex glances at me. “How do you know?”

“Call it a sixth sense.”

Alessio throws his hand over Sophia’s shoulder and leads her back to me. When he’s standing in front of me, he offers me his hand. “Welcome to the family,” he says.

I take it and shake it.

I glance back at my brothers, who are standing in an arc behind me. “Wish I could say the same.”

Alessio laughs. “Fair. So, tell me what you know.”

I let Sophia lead, telling Alessio what she found. About the spreadsheets and the double accounts and the syphoning of money off the top of every project. Vex loaned us a laptop that is cleaned of everything except the files and evidence. There is also an email address specifically for her and Alessio to communicate that Vex has worked his magic on to make sure Sophia will never be tracked when using it.

She explains that she doesn’t know what it all means, that she can’t remember compiling it all, and can’t necessarily confirm all her sources.

But it’s enough.

Alessio blows out a breath, then looks up at the sky. “Sulu pa morti un c’è rimediu.”

“What does that mean?” I ask.

“Only for death is there no remedy.”

“What are you going to do?” Sophia asks.

“I’m going to speak with our brothers. You are welcome to join, but only alone. I’ll share this information, and we will vote.”

Sophia rolls her eyes. “You men and your votes.”

“It’s the only way,” Alessio and I say at the exact same time.

A measure of respect passes between us.

“We need to get ahead of this before?—”