Chapter 17 - The Trap is Set
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The morning sun broke over the Amalfi coast, painting the safehouse in deceptive, peaceful golden light.
But inside, it was a war room.
Gio stood by the window, a burner phone pressed to his ear. He was speaking in rapid, hushed Italian, orchestrating the final moves of a deadly chess match. Isadora sat at the table, transcribing the names from the ledger, building the kill list of every capo loyal to Silvio.
"It is done," Gio said, ending the call and turning to Isadora. "Silvio believes I perished in the shootout at the bank. Luca fed the rumor to a compromised guard. Silvio is convening an emergency meeting of the commission at the primary warehouse in Salerno this evening. He plans to announce my death and claim the throne."
"He will have all his loyal men there," Isadora noted, looking at the list. "It’s a fortress."
"It’s a tomb," Gio corrected, his eyes cold and dark. "I built that warehouse. I know every structural weakness. We are going to lock the doors from the outside and let them realize they crowned a dead man."
"What do you need me to do?" Isadora asked, standing up, ready for the fight.
Gio walked over to her, his expression softening instantly. He reached out, gently tucking a stray curl behind her ear.
"I need you to stay here, with Matteo to guard you," Gio said softly.
"No," Isadora argued immediately, her heart hammering. "I promised to help you. I belong by your side."
"You promised to get me the book, Isadora," Gio reminded her, his voice heavy with a sorrowful finality. "Our deal was your freedom for the truth. You upheld your end. Tonight, I uphold mine."
He pulled a thick, pristine envelope from his jacket pocket and placed it on the table.
"A new passport. Untraceable cash. And a ticket on a private charter leaving from a private airstrip at midnight," Gio said, refusing to look her in the eye. "You are free, little bird. You never have to look over your shoulder again."
Isadora stared at the envelope, feeling a sudden, agonizing tear in her chest. This was what she had fought for. This was what she had begged for on her knees in the restaurant.
But looking at the man walking away to face an army alone, the freedom felt entirely worthless.
"You're sending me away because you don't think you're coming back tonight," Isadora whispered, tears pricking her eyes.
Gio stopped at the door. He didn't turn around.
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"I swore on my father's grave you would be free, Isadora," Gio said, his voice cracking slightly. "It is the only promise I intend to keep today."
He walked out the door, leaving her alone with the envelope and a breaking heart.
