As Crystal approached an alley, a big black sedan turned right in front of her, cutting off her path.
Valentina moved quickly, pushing Crystal into the back seat where Flavio and Jade were seated. “Get in the front,” she told Jade.
“My name is Valentina Roberto,” Jade heard her say from the back seat, as the car pulled away. “I apologize for snatching you off the street like this.”
“Where is Gandola?” a soft, German-accented voice said, almost a whisper. She sounded frightened. “I don’t understand - what is happening?”
“Do not be alarmed,” Valentina said reassuringly. “We will not hurt you. Gandola is fine. You will see him very soon, I promise.”
Jade couldn’t resist turning around to look.
When she saw Crystal’s face, she was flabbergasted.
The deep-set eyes, the heavy black eyebro
