“I can’t find anything in their files that says they know. Maybe they are completely innocent in all this. Who gave us the tip off, again?” Carter asks from the backseat, his tone not filling me with confidence.

“A note was passed to one of our men. We need to check it out,” I reply, my hands gripping the steering wheel. My body tenses under the stress and anger that are now permanently vibrating through my body. I don’t trust the note, not one bit, but with no other leads, I can’t ignore it.

“Look, man, we will find them. Little Red will be back with you in no time,” Carter says, obviously feeling my frustration. “She is a little pocket rocket that can survive anything… including your wrath.” As he continues, I shoot him daggers in the rearview mirror.

“You know, Dante, when all this is over, it will be time for you to move forward, with or without her,” Sebastian adds, not looking me in the eye, and I grind my teeth in reply. “I’m serious, you need to make a decision; either be with her, or let her go.” He turns to look at me. “I think we all know what you want to do, so just fucking claim her already and bring her fucking home. She is not Angelina, so get rid of this fucking chip on your shoulder that has been there for the past few years and fucking get your girl.”

I know he is right. Little Red was made for me. I knew it the moment I saw her, and I have been a stupid, stubborn asshole these past few weeks. Before I can reply to Sebastian, my cell phone rings, and Nico’s name flashes on the screen. Since I only left him less than an hour ago, I am surprised he is calling, so I pick up the call quickly.

“Nico,” I say, but that is all I get out.

“Fucking get here! Now!” Nico screams down the phone line, and I hear loud pops in the background. Then I hear her. Little Red screams, and I slam on the brakes, turning the car around so fast, I am surprised that we are not rear-ended.

My foot is planted to the floor as Sebastian, Carter, and I speed through the streets, listening to Nico on the other end of the phone. I hear him yell at her to get in the cupboard, and I know she is being placed in her wardrobe. Thank God, she is so small and able to fit.

My eyes look straight ahead, deep in concentration, as I weave the car in and out of traffic, running red lights and trying to miss the pedestrians that have begun to move around the streets in search of their morning coffees.

I have never moved this fast in my life.