"Are you nervous?" Annalisa asks me as she eats cereal, on the couch.

I nod, clipping extra magazines, into my belt and then load a smaller gun, in my ankle boot holster. I also have my switchblade and other daggers on me. And my newest toy, a 12 foot blacksnake whip, that I have coiled and clipped on my belt as well.

 My phone buzzes and I know its Cristian, letting me know the car is downstairs, waiting for me.

Topo warns me to be ready for anything, patting my shoulder, but I hug him. I hug Annalisa, reminding her what to do, should something happen. She nods at me. "Nothing will happen. But if it does, we're ready."

I slip on my black leather jacket and glance back at them before I head out. I didn't want to admit to them, that I have an uneasy feeling, going into this meeting. 

"Where's the fire, baby girl?" Samantha laughs as I dash past her, on the stairs. "Can't talk, we'll catch up later, love ya!" I shout, rushing out the doors of the building. A large, sleek black car, is sitting idling, in front of the building. 

"We're cutting it close, cara, get in." Cristian's face appears in the back window. He opens the door and slides over, to let me in. As I get in I see there are two other men in the car. They must be his security detail.

"Are you ready?" He looks out the window, at the less than pleasant scenery, I'm sure he's used to.

I stare out the window as well and happen to see a small figure that looks like Lucy. She glances at the car; it's her. A sense of relief comes over me to know that she's ok, or appears to be. It's been almost a month since that night when she was beaten.

"Stella?" Cristian's annoyed, clipped voice, brings my attention back to him.

"Yes, I'm ready."

"Let's hope you're not as slow to respond or react in the meeting." He mutters. 

Ignoring his insult, I ask, "Where are we going?" His phone chimes and he pulls it out of his breast pocket , glancing at it.

"An old observatory. Where the meetings are held in Chicago." He says, distractedly. His eyebrows furrow as he reads whatever the message contains and quickly responds before returning it to his pocket.

He turns to face me. "Do not make me regret bringing you, to this meeting. As an employee, you are a representation of what and who I am. You will not let that fiery temper of yours, control you tonight. You will not speak out of turn. Or unless given authorization to.

Remember, this is a parley. No violence is to occur on these grounds. A full twenty four hours must pass after the meeting is adjourned. Do you understand?"

I grit my teeth at his demand to keep quiet, but nod my head.

"Say it."

"I understand." I smile sweetly. His mouth sets in a tight line, recognizing my feigned sincerity, which now genuinely makes me smile.

The rest of the car ride is silent, with the exception of an Italian opera, playing quietly in the background. Cristian continues communication on his phone. His fingers texting deftly, in quick successions as it intermittently goes off.

After another twenty minutes, we pull into a gated property. The guards at the gate tap on the back window and flash a light inside the car. Once the light lands on Cristian, the gates open.

My heart begins to accelerate at not only what the meeting signifies but the fact that I will come face to face with Timo, as well as Gio Dante. Not to mention, the strong possibility of seeing Jimmy, again.

I step out of the car and walk around, to stand next to Cristian. The men flank us as we ascend the stairs, leading to the main entrance.

Men in black uniforms greet us as we walk in. "The men working the security are my men, cara. Do not look so worried."

A balding, short man greets us next and slightly bows, in Cristians' presence. "This way, Signore Romano."

From the outside, the building appears abandoned and desolate, but the interior is anything but. The walls, floors and windows are immaculately cleaned. Large, oversized, antique portraits adorn the walls. There is a dim glow, from the light fixtures that are spaced symmetrically, down the long corridor.

We come to two huge double doors. Two guards are positioned just outside of the room. The guide pushes the doors open and makes his announcement. "Signore Cristian Romano."

The quiet murmuring that was taking place, ceases as Cristian steps in. His body guards take their place against the wall, following the position of the other guards in the room.

Just as Cristian warned me, there's judgement, shock and even anger, sent my direction as several pairs of eyes, fall upon me. There must be at least forty other men, ranging in age, sitting at the semi-circle table, not to mention their own guards or underbosses, who accompanied them as well.

"Gentlemen, pardon my tardiness. Is everyone accounted for then?" Cristian looks around the room as I do the same.

"Where is Timoteo Bracco?" He asks. No one responds right away. The sound of a chair scraping, gains our focus, as a man stands in a black, three piece suite, his dark hair swept up and back neatly. His clear green eyes hold my gaze as he speaks.

"He was detained and will not be in attendance, yet..."

"And how did you come to know this Dante?" Cristian questions him.

Dante. So, this is Giovanni Dante. The corners of his mouth lift ever so slightly as his eyes meet mine again. But before he answers, another man interrupts, standing abruptly.

"What is the meaning of this, Romano? Why is this woman here? Did our guidelines change? Are we allowed to bring our whores now?" The older man spits out, disgusted by my presence as he glares at me. Some of the men agree, while others snicker at his comments.

I would love nothing more than to drive my knife through his overgrown stomach and wrench it up, until I reach his heart.

"Be careful, Don Gallo. This woman, could end your life seven different ways, before you even registered you were dying, old friend." Cristian warns him.

Another man stands, his eyes scan over me. "So, this is l'angelo della morte?"  He introduces himself, as Don D'Angelo.

"While I am not keen on changing our traditions, personally, it is good to put a face to the woman, who has recently helped giving my family peace of mind. You helped bring my Arianna, safely back home to me. My family thanks you and is indebted to you." He inclines his head slightly, towards me and I return the gesture.

"Gentlemen, allow me to formally introduce to you to, Stella Bracco. Or as some of you have dubbed her, l'angelo della morte." Cristian says as he takes a seat at the large semi-circle table. The murmurs and shocked gasps, in the room grow as I take a seat, next to Cristian.

"You mean to tell us, your new siccario, is a relative of Timoteo?" Someone questions.

Cristian holds his hand up and the talking ceases. "That is irrelevant. Now, the reason she is here is because of a recent assignment she was given." He gestures for me to stand. I take my time walking around the table and walk in the center of the half circle. 

I glance at Cristian, who's trying to hide his smile, behind his steepled hands in front of his mouth. 

"I was recently sent to kill a hitman tied to the Irish mob, who's been working his way through several families' top soldiers on the East coast. I know this man and did not kill him." Some of the men glare at me with anger; others look at Cristian. 

"His reason for killing our soldiers was because you are all protecting, Jimmy aka Cassian Carminati, Gio's second in command." I inform them.

Just as I expected, several of them look away, ashamed or embarrassed, but there are a few who are unrepentant and hold my gaze, boldly. There are others who seem unaware of what is happening. I go on, explaining the reason behind Sean's vendetta. 

"The Irish hitman only wants Jimmy." I start pacing the open section of the table, slowly. "Based on some of your obvious reactions, it confirms the theory I have. You are all protecting Jimmy because Gio has something on each you." I stop as I look at each of the faces of the Don's in the room.

"The Irish man is not the only one who wants Jimmy dead." They wait as I pause, "I want him dead, too for different reasons. Let me be very clear. After the 24 hours are up when this meeting is adjourned, if you continue protecting Jimmy, I will come for each and everyone one of you and your families, " A few raise their eyebrows, others don't meet my eyes while others glare. Some even pound their fists on the table, in outrage.

But Gio responds by laughing. "You are smart, Stella Bracco. However, you have no say in what happens here or going forward, for that matter."

How quickly he forgets Cristian runs the show. It's my turn to laugh. "Let me ask you something, Gio. Are you a runner?" His eyebrows crease as he stares back at me.  I make my way back over, next to Cristian.

"I don't know what that has to do with anything, but yes, yes I run. So what?" He looks at me.

I nod my head, gnawing my lip, "Good. I was wondering if I'd at least get to enjoy watching you and your men try to outrun my gun or if it was going to be a quick end for you."

Some of the Don's in the room laugh but cover it by coughing.

He stands. "Are you threatening me?" 

I fold my arms. "I don't threaten, Giovanni Dante. I do."

He rubs his chin. "You are living up to your reputation, of running your mouth, Stella. You take after your father more than you know. Which begs for us to actually begin this meeting."

Gio addresses Cristian. "As much as you consider it irrelevant...Stella, is not only a relative but Timo's biological daughter, yes?"

Once again, the room erupts in gasps and questions. Giovanni's voice carries over the collective confusion in the room. "As it so happens, she is also my niece, as my sister, Isabella is her biological mother. Who, we thought to be dead but is quite in fact alive." More hushed questions and side conversations begin.

I look over at Cristian who leans back, apparently amused at Gio's taking control of the meeting.

Gio snaps his fingers and someone opens the large curtains that are directly across from us, revealing a black wall, but then I notice it's actually a screen; the biggest screen I've ever seen.

"You do look so much like my sister, Izzy. But your eyes are muddled no doubt from your father." Gio gives me a cold smile and I resist the urge to flip him off. I'm more concerned at where this is going, something feels off. 

"Cristian, something isn't right." I hiss under my breath. He gives a short, barely noticeable shake of his head.

Gio continues, "Speaking of which, let's find out what Timo is up to and what was so important that he could not attend the meeting in person. Claudio?" A short man who appears to be sweating profusely, connects a laptop to the projection like device, near the front of the room.

At first, the screen is black but then we can hear voices. "Are you there, Cassian?"

My heart sinks to my stomach. No, please no. My breathing is accelerating. I remind myself to control my breathing.

"Giovanni, what have you done?" Cristian stands, his voice low and menacing.

Suddenly, gun fire erupts outside of the doors and building. We all stand now, in confusion and apprehension. There's pounding at the doors we came in from as more gunfire is heard and then silence.

Before we realize what is happening, a few of the guards turn towards the other guards in the room and shoot them down. I reach from one of my guns but Cristian holds my arm in place. I look at him but his eyes are on the double doors as they push open.

"Hey, Sis..."

Sofia walks in, flanked by two men, who are wearing masks. Their eyes are the only thing visible. She smirks at me. I keep my eyes on her as she walks around to stand next to Gio. "You've been a naughty girl. Haven't you, Stella?"

"Your dumbass, still thinks we're sisters?" I give a short laugh. "The DNA results were doctored, to fool Cardinale." She doesn't hide her surprise well, and I smile back at her. "I'm glad you're here though, but you might not be when I kill you, bitch."

She tsks. "Now, now, no need for name calling, we can still be civil here, can't we?"

Gio smirks. "Now that we are all here, let's get down to business...It's time for Timoteo to step down. Several of the Don's here, are in agreement."

Several of them look away as my angry glare, meets their traitorous faces. Gio turns back to the screen. The camera moves from the floor and up, shaking until it's positioned upright. Jimmy's back is facing us. "Cassian, are you there?" He repeats, "I have someone here, who would like to say hello."

Jimmy turns his face towards the camera and his eyes meet mine. The slow grin that spreads on his face is sickening.

"How great to see you, again bella. You look good." He says as he looks back at me. "Although, if memory serves me right, you were wearing a lot less clothing, when we were together last." He says mockingly. I clench my jaw as I flip him off.

"There she is, same old Stella. Well, maybe not the same, I think you earned a couple of parting gifts, yes?" He laughs. "I must say, the scar Alfonso gave you seems to only add to your beauty." He clicks his tongue. "Wouldn't you agree, John Paul?"

I gasp quietly when the camera pans over to John Paul. He's on his knees, someone stands behind him, holding him by his hair, with a gun to his head. His nose is bleeding and the corner of his mouth is dripping blood as well. He looks at me as I look back at him.

The camera moves again. I now see, Santino, David, Timo, Isabella and a few other men all kneeling.

They too, have someone standing behind them, with guns to their heads. I see someone laying on the floor. I blink back tears as it looks like Tobias, but I'm not sure. My mind goes straight to Melanie and his kids.

Jimmy's voice brings me back to focus. "Tell me JP, did Stella tell you about our time together?"

He circles around JP and leans down behind him, so his face is next to JP's. "Did she tell you how, I had the pleasure of touching her?" Jimmy smiles as he looks up at camera at me. "Or that I found out exactly why you were so obsessed with her."

He straightens and walks to stand in front of JP. "In fact, I dream about it quite often. She has an addictive, sweet flavor, doesn't she?"

I watch as JP's face contorts in anger and he shoots out of his kneeling position, bulldozing into Jimmy. It takes several men to pull him off of Jimmy. He yells out in anger as they force him back on his knees, punching him in the stomach.

Jimmy laughs as he adjusts his suit. "We'll come back to you, John Paul. Give you some time to collect yourself and your thoughts. Let's see...who should we move on to next?"

Sofia speaks up. "Hang on Jimmy, we'll check in, in a few minutes." Jimmy nods and the screen goes black.

"Let's add more friends to the party, shall we?" She asks me. She nods to the guy Claudio and the screen turns on again.

"You are all in on this?" I say through gritted teeth. As I look at the faces of each of the men in the table, memorizing them for later, when I come for them.

"No, not all of us, Signorina Bracco." A young Don stands. But Gio points his gun at him and shoots him. His body slumps over the table.

"What are you doing, Gio?" Another Don questions. Gio turns, pointing his gun at him now. The man holds his hands up in defense and sits back down. 

"I'd put your phone away Cristian, unless you want to end up like young GianCarlo, here." Gio warns, referring to the Don he just killed. He turns to watch as Cristian yields and puts his phone on the table. 

The screen flashes and captures my attention before dread comes over me, immediately. I stare in alarm as I recognize the apartment I've been living in. 

The fear that is building within me is indescribable. My eyes dart around the screen, searching for Annalisa and Topo as the camera moves around the room, .

This isn't happening. This isn't happening.

The camera is finally perched so its stationary and I see Topo, Annalisa and Samantha. But my moment of relief is short lived as I notice they are all gagged, and tied to chairs, in the living room. Someone moves in front of the camera before turning to face us. An inaudible sound escapes my lips.

The voice and face that has haunted my nightmares, comes alive through the screen and speaker system in the room; confirming I'm not seeing things. I take an involuntary step back, bumping into Cristian.

"Buonasera, puttana."