Chapter 16: Loyalty's Expensive Price

The only sound disturbing the quiet of the safehouse was the odd groan of the injured and the distant cry of sirens—a terrible symphony highlighting their just fought struggle. Dante stood in the middle of the room, the weight of the struggle shown on his harsh lines. Though he fought to let it show, he could feel his bones tired. His guys needed a leader who never wavered, not now.

Enzo moved forward, his face fixed, his temple quickly bandaged cut. "Scouts are returning reports to us. Giovanni is reorganizing his troops on the south side. He has a staging area out of the old docks.

Dante nodded, working over the material. Giovanni's soldiers could assault quickly and withdraw just as quickly if necessary, thus this was the action he had expected. Still, knowing it made it no less risky.

"Enzo, double the perimeter guard," Dante declared. Giovanni is mistaken if he believes he can strike us once more free from opposition.

Enzo's eyes strayed to Elena, who stood close by, her stare un