“He brought thirteen with him. His lucky thirteen. Geno’s family did the investigation, and these thirteen men always surround Benito. They do his killing for him. They bring him the women he wants, and while he was in prison, they made certain all of his operations ran smoothly for him. They kept him informed through his lawyer of anyone that was out of line, and he sent back word what action he wanted them to take, and they carried it out.”
“He trusts them more than he does his brothers?” Taviano asked, a little shocked. “Why in hell would you put more stock in strangers?”
“Others were willing to follow his brothers,” Stefano said. “You’re a Ferraro. You could have a huge following if you wanted, where someone in our employ wouldn’t be able to muster an army against us.”
That made sense. Nicoletta nodded her head. “Are you going to ask any of the others to come with us?” Silence met her inquiry. “What?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Didn’t you hear what I said about brain trauma?” Stefano asked. His phone buzzed again, and he glanced down at it. “He’s on the move again.” He glanced down the street.
Nicoletta followed his gaze. The streetlights illuminated the various stores. About a block away was Masci’s, the popular deli owned by Pietro Masci. The deli carried meats and goods from all parts of Italy. It was right next door to Lucia’s Treasures. Nicoletta had worked at Lucia’s Treasures almost continually from the first few weeks that she arrived in Chicago.
Lucia and Amo owned the boutique. The merchandise was handpicked by the couple, beautiful, unique and very expensive, because often, each item was one of a kind. Clothing was often from designers not yet known from France, Spain, Italy, India or the United States, treasures that Lucia and Amo had uncovered and were willing to take a chance on because they found them beautiful.
“You’re saying that because you’re men, you can take the risk, but I can’t?” she asked.
“No,” Stefano answered, looking impatient with her. “I wouldn’t expect that of you. I’m saying we both have been riders for years and have no known complications. You haven’t. Until we get a baseline for you and know that the bleeding and headaches you suffered are just that initial starting adjustment, we aren’t taking chances with you. In any case, I need the outlet of action right now. I just found out that my brother, one I love more than life itself, suffered a horrendous attack at a young age, one beyond my comprehension, and I need to put that all somewhere before I have to face my parent again. I don’t want to strangle her and end up in prison when I have a son, wife and family I love. Give this to me, Nicoletta, because I swear to you, I need it.”
She believed him. But she needed to make certain they were both safe. “He’s heading to Lucia’s Treasures,” she guessed. “Or our home. One or the other. I can walk to the store or take a cab home. You do what you have to do, and I’ll text the other riders to meet you where you think they’re going to be.”
Stefano gave her a faint smile and shook his head. “Benito is headed for your home.” He stood there a moment looking at her. “What you did there in my home for your husband, taking control and getting Taviano out of a bad situation, was extraordinary. I am more than grateful that he has you, Nicoletta. So grateful.”
The raw sincerity in his voice burned through her chest straight to her heart. She managed a watery smile.
“Former home,” Taviano corrected. “Benito is headed for your former home.” He leaned into Nicoletta, caught the front of her shirt and pulled her into him to kiss her. “If you have to step into a shadow, and you should always have one close, just step into the mouth of it. Stay safe. Let us do the work.”
There was no use commanding her to stay away. This was Benito Valdez, and if Taviano was the one being asked to stand on the sidelines, he would still want to make certain Valdez couldn’t harm another person she loved or come after her ever again.
“I will,” she assured. “Did you already alert the others, or should I?”
“You go ahead,” Stefano said. “Although most likely, Rigina sent a group text to them already.” He handed her his cell phone, and Taviano did the same. The two men turned and walked around the corner to the alleyway.
Nicoletta trailed after them, already texting Mariko just to be certain. She’d trained the most with Mariko, and she immediately told her that Benito and thirteen of his men were on their way to Lucia and Amo’s home. Stefano and Taviano had gone after them. She was going to follow in a car. She was about to call for a cab but then saw the number already programmed into Taviano’s phone for the bodyguards. She called for Emilio. It didn’t take more than a few minutes for him to arrive.