Chapter 14
The cathedral fell totally silent, the smoke from the gunfire drifting up toward the vaulted ceiling.
Julian and Elias stood up cautiously, their weapons still drawn.
Carmine Russo was gasping for his final breaths against the altar, clutching his bleeding chest.
Julian walked over to the dying patriarch and looked down at him without pity.
"Your blood betrayed you, Carmine," Julian said softly.
Carmine coughed, a bloody froth appearing on his lips. "Kill him... kill Dante."
With those final words, the old man’s head slumped forward, and the Russo reign officially ended.
Above them, the distinct sound of a grappling hook reeling in echoed through the rafters.
Elara dropped down from the loft, landing gracefully on the stone floor, her rifle slung over her shoulder.
She surveyed the carnage quickly, her face remaining entirely stoic.
"Dante escaped through the east alley," Elara reported. "He has a vehicle waiting."
Elias cursed loudly. "He’s a cornered rat now; he’ll be more dangerous than ever."
Julian shook his head, buttoning his long coat against the chill.
"No," Julian said. "He has no men, no money, and he just killed his own uncle."
"He isn't a threat anymore; he is just a loose end."
May you like
Elara met Julian’s eyes, reading the silent command perfectly.
"I will find him," she promised.
