FORTY.

ALESSANDRO, AKA DON VALENTINO.

The alarm on my new phone goes off in my hand, and I swipe the red X icon to the right, shutting it off.

Time has expired. Forty-five hours vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving me with nothing to show for them.

I do not possess the documents and am uncertain whether they exist.

“Capo!” Gio comes barging through my office door.

I shut my eyes, saying a silent prayer, hoping he has some good news for me.

As I peel my eyelids open, my eyes meet his.

Steel-grey clashes with clear blue irises.

'Per favore, just utter the magic words, and we will be out the door in a heartbeat.' My inner beast howls with anxiety.

“What is it, Gio?” My voice is cold, full of uncertainty and anticipation.

'Per favore don't say anything stupid!'

“Your phone, the alarm just went off.” He runs his hand through his light-brown hair. “We are out of time. It's too late.” He sighs with disappointment.

I hold my phone up, “Do you mean this phone?” I ask him, astounded by his