Chapter 6 - THE SETUP
Over the next three days, Emma remained at the penthouse. What began as a protective custody arrangement quickly evolved into a powerful partnership. Emma’s sharp eye for detail helped Luca analyze intercepted financial ledgers and security logs from the Bellini family.
“Look here,” Emma pointed to a tablet screen as they sat together in his office. “This offshore account transferred two hundred thousand dollars to a local catering supplier three days before the Gold Coast dinner. But the supplier is registered under an address in the West Loop.”
Luca leaned in close, his shoulder pressing against hers, his scent of cedarwood and faint leather intoxicating. “The West Loop address is a front for illegal weapons trade run by Vanessa’s cousin, Dominic Bellini.”
“It’s not just a front,” Emma added, zooming in on the delivery logs. “They ordered five industrial freezer trucks for tonight at midnight. Why would a small catering supplier need heavy refrigeration unless they’re moving something large... or fleeing the city?”
Luca’s eyes flared with realization. “They’re packing up their main asset vaults and preparing to flee Chicago before I strike.”
Luca immediately called Marco into the room. “Assemble the strike team. We hit the West Loop warehouse at midnight.”
“Luca, wait,” Emma said, standing up with concern written across her face. “It’s too easy. If Dominic is smart enough to use a fake catering company, why leave the shipment logs accessible on a shared server? What if it’s a setup to draw you into the open?”
May you like
Luca looked at her, deeply impressed by her strategic instinct. “If it’s a trap, we make sure we are the ones holding the trigger.” He gently caught her face in his hands, his thumbs softly stroking her cheekbones. “Stay here where it’s safe, Emma. I promise I will come back to you.”
Emma felt her heart flutter. “Please... be careful, Luca.”
