“We have a deal, Paul,” I added, trying to find some leverage.

“Vincent promised me protection.”

“Vincent is a dead man walking,” Paul spat.

He reached out with his free hand, his dirty fingers twitching.

“Corrado promised me you’d be handed back to me as soon as the Moretti empire falls.”

“And it’s falling tonight.”

“You’re coming with me now, before the police block off the harbor.”

I took a half-step backward, but my heel struck the solid brick wall.

There was nowhere left to run.

The tunnel behind me was a dead end, filled with rusted pipes and stagnant water.

“I said stay back,” I repeated, my voice rising.

I pulled the gun from behind my leg and pointed it straight at his chest.

The flashlight beam caught the dull black barrel of the revolver.

Paul froze.

His eyes went wide, staring at the weapon.

Then, slowly, his face twisted into a mocking grin.

“Where did you get that?” he asked.

“Did the big boss give you a toy to play with?”

“You don’t have the guts to pull that trigger, Lena.”