"The capo wants to see you," one of the capo's men announced, his boots coming to a halt just inside the threshold of the holding room. The iron door groaned on its hinges.
Alex and Grace looked at each other, the fragile peace of their quiet conversation instantly shattering. The fear that had briefly receded came rushing back.
Grace swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing her voice to remain steady as she looked up at the guard. "Both of us?"
The man let out a low, irritated grumble, shifting his weight. "Yes. Both of you. Now get up."
They stood up from the hard floor, smoothing down their wrinkled clothes, and followed him out into the narrow hallway. The walk to the main office felt longer this time, every footstep echoing like a countdown.
Upon reaching the room, the guard pus
