I wait for her to get cleaned up and dressed before I stand up, slinging my bag over my shoulder. I ache everywhere, but I’m careful not to let her hear me wince.
I take out my wallet and check the contents, not much money left after booking this room. I’m surprised they didn’t take it off me, but then, they hadn’t expected me to leave alive.
We check out, and I lead Sofia down the road. “Are we walking there?” she asks.
“It’s a couple of blocks. We won’t die,” I say. I keep looking around to check that no one is following us.
I don’t know. Maybe now that I’m awake, I remember how irritating she is. But a part of me still wants to protect her, not just because it’s my job but because I feel something for her. I frown at my thoughts.
After a few blocks, she starts complaining, “Can we at least get something to eat? I’m so tired. At least get us some water!”
I sigh and stop. “Relax, we’re almost there.”
“Are we going to spend the night there?” she asks.
“I’m going to contact my brother and see what the plan is and let him know about Bruno,” I explain. “And ask him to confirm how Carmila was involved.”
I shouldn’t have said anything. The minute I mention her friend's name, Sofia gets a stony expression and shakes her head. “Just let it go. Let the poor woman rest in peace.”
“It’s you I’m worried about,” I say without thinking. There’s an awkward pause before I speak. “Come on. It’s about four blocks away.”
We walk in silence until we reach the house. A keypad is next to the gate, and I punch in my code so the gates open. I lead her inside, punching the code into the keypad by the front door as well. As we walk in, the lights turn on to reveal a well-stocked house.
“Where’s the kitchen? I need water.” She looks around, and I point down the hallway. “Wait there for me. I’ll come to tell you the plan shortly.”
She leaves, and I go to the study, where I get a burner cell and dial Alessandro’s number. “Yes?”
“It’s me,” I say. “I ran into some trouble.”
“Are you both okay?” he asks, sounding concerned.
“A bit bruised but okay,” I admit. “The assholes got what they deserved for it. We’re at a safe house. I won’t say which one over the phone, but there are some things you need to know.”
“Tell me,” my brother says.
“Bruno, Facuno’s second in command, is the traitor. He planted a tracking device on Sofia before she was taken. It was a hair clip. Also, a girl, Carmila, was somehow involved, and I need you to find out how she is connected to all this.”
“Wait, a girl called Carmila was shot recently. Was that you?” he asks.
“Yes, but I need proof that she was connected.”
There’s a moment's silence. “Why? She’s dead.” Alessandro sounds hesitant.
I frown. “Just consider it a personal favor to me.”
“I’ll keep an eye on Facuno’s second in command, but it’s perhaps for the best if you tell him in person.”
“When should I come back?” I ask. “Is it safe?”
“I don’t think it’ll ever be safe, but give it another day or two and then call Facuno and arrange to meet,” Alessandro says. “We will need a plan of action now that we’ve managed to piss off Jose Catalan twice.”
I sigh quietly and nod. “Okay, we’re going to get out of here for now. I’ll be in contact later today.”
Alessandro hangs up, and I get supplies. I pack a bag with weapons, money, and some burner cells before going to the kitchen. Sofia has made herself a bowl of cereal and is eating it on the counter.
“This house is so quiet, and I still didn’t hear you coming,” she comments, spooning another mouthful to her face.
I pour myself some cereal and add milk. The milk is room temperature long-life box milk, but it’ll do. I start to eat. “We’re going to stay in Central Park tonight, a bit closer to home. I’m going to see about getting you back to your father soon.”