TWENTY-THREE
The pounding in Francesco's head intensified as he climbed out of the back of the Escalade, the effects of last night's drinking still lingering like a fog over his thoughts. His jaw clenched as he fought off the dull ache behind his eyes. Henri and Louis had taken the lead, driving the convoy of black Escalades through the city streets, while Francesco and Enzo sat silently in the rear. Behind them, three more Escalades pulled up, their engines humming ominously as men piled out, each of them prepared for what might come. Francesco wasn't taking any chances today. The news that Paolo had been behind recent betrayals churned like acid in Francesco's gut. He had no illusions about what this meeting might turn into. He turned to the half-dozen men assembled behind him. "Make yourselves s
- Writer
