Chapter 72

The coordinates led to an industrial district on the edge of the city. Rusted warehouses lined the street, their windows blackened like empty eyes. I parked the car under a broken streetlamp, cutting the engine.

Axel scanned the area, his gun resting on his lap. "If Lorenzo wanted us here, it's not for tea and sympathy."

"Or he's overplaying his hand," I said. "He's desperate to control the board, and desperate men make mistakes."

Axel gave a humorless laugh. "Tell that to Sofia."

The reminder hit like a punch. I stepped out of the car, slipping my gun into my jacket. "We go in quiet. No shots unless necessary. If this is a trap, we flip it on him."

Axel followed, his boots crunching on gravel. "You think she's inside?"

"She better be."

The door to the warehouse was ajar, swinging slightly in the breeze. Axel nudged it with the barrel of his gun. It creaked open, revealing an empty loading dock bathed in dim, flickering light.