Chapter 4 - THE BROTHER WHO SOLD HIS BLOOD
Marco Bandi had been Nicolo's younger brother for thirty-eight years.
His closest friend.
His right hand.
The man who knew every secret.
Every weakness.
Every hidden account.
Nicolo had trusted him with everything.
Now federal investigators were telling him Marco had sold access to his movements.
He refused to believe it.
Until they showed him the messages.
The first was dated eighteen months earlier.
A meeting with an offshore financial broker.
The second concerned a shipment.
The third listed Nicolo's private security schedule.
Then came the café.
Thursday.
3:00 p.m.
Corner table.
Two guards.
Nicolo stared at the screen.
"Why?"
Sofia sat across from him.
"Money."
He shook his head.
"Marco had money."
"Power, then."
Nicolo looked away.
Sofia continued.
"He believed you were becoming weak."
Nicolo laughed bitterly.
"Weak?"
"You were considering moving some of your businesses into legitimate operations."
Nicolo looked at her.
"How do you know that?"
She raised an eyebrow.
"I was investigating you."
He stared.
Then laughed without humor.
"Of course."
Sofia's phone rang.
She answered immediately.
"Bellini."
A pause.
Her face changed.
"Where?"
She stood.
Nicolo watched her.
"Is it Elena?"
Sofia nodded.
"She's safe."
He exhaled.
Sofia closed her eyes.
Her sister had taken Elena to a neighbor's house after noticing an unfamiliar car outside.
They had left their phones behind.
The attackers had found the wrong location.
For the moment, Elena was safe.
Sofia sat down slowly.
Nicolo watched her hands tremble.
"You're shaking."
She looked at him.
"Yes."
He hesitated.
"Do you want some water?"
She laughed softly.
"That's a first."
"What?"
"Nicolo Bandi asking instead of ordering."
He looked down.
"Maybe I've had a difficult day."
Sofia nodded.
"That makes two of us."
Then the door opened.
A federal supervisor entered.
"Agent Bellini, we have a problem."
Sofia stood.
"What?"
The man looked at Nicolo.
"Marco Bandi has disappeared."
May you like
Nicolo closed his eyes.
And knew the war had only begun.
