The man stiffens, before his features, once more, assume the look of boring aloofness that he’s worn since being captured.
"So, it was Freddie, eh?"
He stays still.
"Your body language gave you away. Your muscles tightened there for a second, and I caught it. So, you may as well give up the pretense."
His gaze widens for a fraction of a second, but he still doesn’t say anything.
"What does the bastard have over you? If he’s threatening a family member, we can help you."
The corners of his eyes tighten. Again, it’s only a minute tell, and I might have missed it, if not for the fact that I’ve been watching him so closely.
"Who is it that he is threatening? Your wife? Children?" His jaw tics and this time he glowers at me.
"I have a daughter, and I’d do anything for her, too." I sense my brothers glancing toward me, but I keep my gaze trained on the man’s face. "It’s why I understand why you must have felt compelled to do as he asked. It’s why we’re here talking, and I haven’t shot you yet."
The man’s throat moves as he swallows.
"Girl or boy?" I ask.
He blows out a breath then closes his eyes. "One of each." The muscles of his shoulders bunch.
"Does Freddie have them?"
"And my wife." He swallows.
"What did he ask you to do?" I lean forward on the balls of my feet.
He opens his eyes. "He wanted me to simply draw your attention. He wanted me to attempt to break in—"
"—knowing that you would be caught?"
"Maybe." His forehead wrinkles. "If I got through, I had to mess up your house enough that it threw a scare into you. If I’d known you have a daughter, I would’ve… been more careful. As it is, I’m glad your security caught me before I broke in."
I rub the back of my neck. "We need to rescue your family."
His features slacken. "You… you’ll help me get to them?"
"Provided you helpme."
"Anything." He straightens. "Anything you want."
"You sure you want to join forces with a man who was sent to break into your house?" Luca asks.
"Look at him. Does he look like he’s going to hurt us further?" I ask.
"I don’t know." Luca crosses his arms across his chest. "I’m not sure I’d trust him quite so easily."
"What do you think?" I look the man up and down. "Can I trust you on this?"
"You can." He glances from me to Luca. "I have everything to lose here, if I'm lying. And this is my family we’re talking about. I’d do anything to save them."
"Do we even know where thestronzo’s taken them? Or are we going to have to track them down first?"
"I have an idea where they could be." He turns to me. "Look, there’s no reason for you to believe me, but I think I know where he’s taken them."
"Where?" Massimo asks.