My St. Christopher medallion is beside the sink. I pick it up, ready to slide it into my bra cup but realize everyone will be able to see it. I can’t leave it here and I wouldn’t put it on Bobby’s chain even if I had it on me.

A hard rap on the door. “Miss Whitehall, we’re done.”

I look at the medallion and for a crazy second, I think about swallowing it. Then I shove it into the side of my bra. There’s a risk whoever I’m meeting will see it and take it from me, but I’m not going anywhere without it. “Coming!”

I wrap my arms around my body to try and cover myself from Mr. Gretzky.

He barely glances at me. “About time.” He grabs my elbow and leads me to another set of hardwood stairs.

“Where are we going?” I ask, trying not to trip in my heels.

“Sitting room.”

My pulse jumps. Am I going to be touched or killed? Allowed to choose my future or given to someone for reasons I don’t understand? Or am I wrong about everything? Am I about be used and sent back to the basement?

We move through a dark set of double doors into a room where the only light is coming from a roaring fire. It splashes orange over leather couches. I see the backs of four men. One blond, one glossy black, one boyishly brown, one with shaved sides. My mouth dries over. They’re all here.

The hand on my elbow tightens and Mr. Gretzky drags me toward the fire. I keep my eyes on the carpet as heat washes over my body.

“Good evening, Miss Whitehall,” Eli drawls.

I know better than not to respond. “Good evening, Mr. Morelli.”

“Look at us.”

My head feels like it’s made of concrete, but I meet his gaze. He and Adriano sit in winged armchairs, Doc and Bobby are at opposite ends of a couch. The air seems to thicken around me and my chest heaves as though I’ve been running.

Eli is wearing a dark blue suit and his pristine white shirt is open at his throat. He looks like a magazine spread. Why does he have to be a murderer?

He raises his tumbler to me. “We have news for you, bella. Your time at Velvet House is almost over.”

My heart stops. “Are you going to kill me?”

He smiles indulgently. “No. But you’ve been in that basement long enough. We’re sending you to Naples.”

My legs wobble as if the floor beneath me is moving. “Naples?”

“Yes. My cousin Gio lives there. He can find you a job and a safe new home. Would you like that, bella?”

“Of course,” I say automatically. What happened to my choices? Is this part of the plan to mess with Mr. Parker? Will any of them go with me? Or are they lying, and I really am about to be strangled with string after all?