Chapter 14 - The Night the Restaurant Went Dark
Castellano's had reopened with temporary doors and extra security.
Lily returned just after closing. Marcus nearly dropped the stack of menus when he saw her.
"Where have you been?"
"Trying to keep people alive."
"That's a terrible hobby."
She almost smiled.
Sofia was in the kitchen, washing a pan. When Lily said her name, she turned and went pale.
"Who told you?"
"Detective Ruiz."
Sofia set down the pan. "I don't know what she told you, but I don't remember anything."
"You don't have to remember it alone."
Before Sofia could answer, the lights went out.
A crash sounded from the dining room.
Marcus swore. "Back door. Now."
A red emergency light flickered on. Men moved through the front entrance, their faces hidden behind masks.
Lily pushed Sofia toward the pantry. "Lock the door."
"What about you?"
"I'm right behind you."
Lily grabbed a fire extinguisher and stepped into the dining room. A man was forcing Eddie against the bar. Another had Marcus pinned beside the host stand.
"Looking for me?" Lily called.
The men turned.
She discharged the extinguisher. White powder filled the room. She moved through it low and fast, struck the first man's knee, and drove the extinguisher into the second man's ribs.
Eddie got free and tackled the man holding Marcus.
Then a gunshot cracked from the kitchen.
Lily ran toward the sound.
The pantry door hung open.
Sofia was gone.
On the floor lay her bracelet and a small card.
May you like
Matteo's handwriting was printed across it:
BRING THE ORIGINAL LEDGER TO PIER 19. COME ALONE.
