Sam had fought back, and after a high-speed pursuit through the beautiful Italian city, Alex had led the final members of the team to an empty industrial estate.

Sam executed their pursuers before realising that his war with General Wallace would soon cost Alex her life if she stayed with him. Despite her remonstrations, Sam told her to leave, and he watched as she angrily entered the car and drove off into the night.

Sam went back to finish his fight.

It took him longer than he’d anticipated. But it was over.

Now all that was left was for him to keep his promise to Alex.

‘Here we are, sir,’ Vikram said cheerfully as he pulled onto Holland Avenue. ‘Where should I stop?’

‘Just here is fine.’

‘Righty-oh.’

Sam smiled at his drivers’ positive attitude and he reached into his pocket and pulled out the roll of dollars he’d exchanged at Gatwick.

‘How much do I owe you?’ Sam asked, his eyes flicking to the metre.

‘Thirty-two dollars, sir?’

Sam poked two twenties through the screen.

‘Keep the change.’ Sam smiled as pushed open the door. ‘Thanks for the ride.’

‘Anytime, sir.’ Vikram raised his thumb. ‘Have a great day.’

Sam hoisted his rucksack over his shoulder and then closed the door. As Vikram signalled and pulled away, Sam wandered down the street, looking up at the large apartment blocks that lined it. The sun, blocked by the buildings, bathed the street in shadows, and Sam felt the cool breeze drifting through. The street was a residential block, littered with high-rise buildings. Scattered between were a few stores, a barber shop, and a pizzeria.

Eventually, Sam stopped at a small set of concrete steps that led up to the door.

This was the place.

Before Etheridge had fallen off the grid, he’d sourced Alex Stone’s last known address. It was a shot in the dark, as Sam had no idea if Alex had returned home, although Etheridge had been able to confirm she’d returned to America. Blackridge had pulled her into a shady part of the world, and Sam hoped she’d made it back all right.

That she’d reunited with her family and that his trip would be nothing more than a few days of sightseeing.

But Sam knew the world wasn’t so kind.

Whatever he could do, he would do without question.

Sam waited a few more moments until an elderly lady pushed open the locked door to the flats. Sam scaled the steps, holding the door for her and offering his best smile.

She nodded her thanks, and Sam entered the building in hope of finding Alex.

Chapter Three