“I loved your father,” Romano said. “And I loved your brother.”

“You’re a liar!” Marcus screamed.

The tall man watched them, a faint smile playing on his lips.

He lowered the phone slightly, but the screen stayed lit.

“This is very dramatic,” the tall man said. “But we are on a schedule.”

He looked at one of his armed men.

The man stepped forward, raising his weapon.

Vincenzo shrank back against the side of a rusted shipping container.

Romano did not look at the armed man.

He looked directly at Vincenzo.

“Vincenzo,” Romano said.

Vincenzo flinched.

“You have been with my family for twelve years,” Romano said.

“Boss, please,” Vincenzo whispered. “They have my family. Tony has my sister.”

“Tony does not have your sister,” Romano said. “She is in a safe house in New Jersey. I sent her there three days ago.”

Vincenzo blinked, his mouth hanging open.

The rain ran down his forehead and into his eyes.

“You lie,” Vincenzo muttered.

“Call her,” Romano said. “Go ahead. Use your phone.”

Vincenzo’s hand drifted toward his pocket, then stopped.

He looked at the tall man with the umbrella.