It was a line that could never be uncrossed.

“He’s done,” Frank said, looking at Silvio.

“He’s a rat.”

“A rat doesn’t get a trial,” the third captain agreed.

They both raised their guns, their sights aligned on Leo’s chest.

Leo’s men looked at each other again.

This time, they took two steps back, completely separating themselves from Leo.

“We’re out,” one of the guards said, dropping his pistol to the floor.

It hit the rug with a heavy thud.

The other guard followed suit, his hands rising slowly into the air.

“Smart boys,” Silvio said.

Leo was completely alone now, cornered against the dark wood of the desk.

But he didn’t drop his weapon.

His eyes were wide, frantic, the eyes of a trapped animal that knew it was going to die.

“You think you can just cast me aside?” Leo screamed.

“I am a Romano!”

“You’re a disease,” Dominic said from behind the chair.

I reached out with my left hand, keeping my right arm wrapped tightly around both babies.

My fingers found the loose brick.

I pressed my thumb against the rough edge, feeling it give way slightly.