Chapter 7 - The Ransom
Salvatore forced himself into a sitting position, his heart pounding violently in his chest.
"Luca, get out there now!" Salvatore roared, his voice echoing off the cheap apartment walls.
Luca drew his weapon and sprinted toward the open bathroom window, climbing out onto the rusted fire escape.
Nadia collapsed onto her knees, sobbing uncontrollably into her hands.
"They took my baby," she wailed, rocking back and forth in pure agony.
Salvatore dragged himself across the floor, ignoring the burning pain in his lower back.
He grabbed Nadia by the shoulders, forcing her to look into his intense gray eyes.
"Listen to me, Nadia," he commanded softly but firmly.
"I swear on my own life, I will bring your son back to you safely."
She looked at him, her tear-filled eyes desperately searching his face for any sign of hope.
Luca climbed back through the window a minute later, his face dark and furious.
"They were too fast, Boss," Luca reported breathlessly.
"I saw a black van speeding away down the alley, but I could not get a clean shot."
Salvatore slammed his fist hard against the cheap wooden floorboards.
"Gianni must have had men watching the river route."
"He knows Milo is my weakness now."
Suddenly, the burner phone on the kitchen counter began to ring loudly.
Salvatore gestured for Luca to answer it and put it on speakerphone.
Gianni's arrogant, mocking voice filled the small room.
"I hope you are enjoying the cheap accommodations, Cousin."
"What do you want, Gianni?" Salvatore asked, his voice completely devoid of emotion.
Gianni chuckled darkly.
"I have the silent little rat, Salvatore."
"If you want to see him alive again, you are going to meet me at the old shipyard in one hour."
"Come alone, completely unarmed, and officially sign the family territories over to me."
Nadia gasped loudly, covering her mouth with her trembling hands.
"If you bring a single guard, or if you call the cops, I will throw the boy into the river," Gianni threatened.
"I will be there," Salvatore agreed instantly, hanging up the phone before Gianni could gloat further.
Luca shook his head vehemently.
"It is a trap, Boss."
"He is going to kill you and the kid the second you sign those papers."
"I know it is a trap, Luca," Salvatore replied calmly.
"That is why you are going to help me build a better one."
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Salvatore looked at Nadia, his eyes filled with a terrifying, cold resolve.
"Get me my spare wheelchair from the closet, and strap the C4 explosives from the vault under the seat."
