INTERCUT: DANTE - Day Thirteen
The call came at midnight.
"We've lost everything north of the river."
Dante sat up. "What?"
"The Volkovs. They pushed through. Took the territories. Your men—Isabella's men—they scattered. Some surrendered. Some ran. Some switched sides."
"How many?"
"Forty. Maybe fifty. We're down to skeleton crews everywhere else. Boss, the empire is—"
"I know what the empire is." Dante stood. Paced. "Where are you?"
"Safe house. South side. With the few who are still loyal."
"Stay there. I'm coming."
"Boss—there's something else."
"What?"
"They're saying you've lost it. That you're not fit to lead. That you care more about the woman than the business." Silence. "Is it true?"
Dante closed his eyes. "Tomorrow she comes home. Tomorrow I'll have her back. Then I'
