Domino Effect (2019 Edition)

sixteen. Not since the day Pia told her she wanted to live with me, not her.”
Lancaster put his hands in his pockets, his chin down. “Nothing like a tragedy to remind someone of their true feelings.”
“I guess,” Russo said.
As they began to head back, Russo stopped Lancaster. “Besides the messages and video you showed us inside, have you heard from the kidnappers?”
Lancaster’s eyes narrowed. “No. Why? Have you?”
Russo pulled out his cell. “I received this message last night. Aria doesn’t know, and I want to keep it that way.”
Lancaster read the message, his face blanching. “Five million! Christ, who could come up with that kind of money?” Russo remained silent as he pocketed his phone. “What did you tell them?” Lancaster asked.
“The truth. That they have the wrong man. I have no access to that kind of money, not easily accessible, anyway. When I gave you my word two years ago, I meant it. I was blackballed by my own family.”
“Is there someone you can contact, if needed?”
Russo spit, his sputum landing next to Lancaster’s shoe. “Listen to you,” he hissed. “Three years ago, your face was everywhere on international television, telling the world how you were going to shut down organized crime. Like a fool, I believed you. I personally gave up the heads of all the ‘Ndrangheta families in the United States as well as some in Italy. Between the two of us, we virtually shut down the drug and gun trade in much of the U.S. Now, you’re asking me if I can call someone and get millions of dollars.” As Russo spoke, his pitch deepened, and his face reddened. “You hypocrite.”
“You and I both knew whatever we shut down would sprout again,” Lancaster said. “We both became rich from the deals we made. I didn’t hear you complaining then.”
Russo just shook his head. “That’s the problem with blood money. With blood comes pain. You better hope this O’Malley finds my Pia, and finds her safe, or I will be the one spilling the blood.”
“Let’s not do anything rash, Dominic,” Lancaster implored, “just answer my question. If needed, can you get the cash?”
“I still have people loyal to me. I can make some calls.”
“Give my people a little more time. I’ll let you know when to make the call.”
“You have two days. Then, we do this my way.”
“Let’s pray my people find them before then.”

10
Sin thanked Major Sterling once they landed at Homestead.
“It’s not every day I get a call from the Director of the FBI asking for a favor,” Sterling said, handing her his card. “Consider this an open invitation if you need assistance.”
She pocketed the card and saluted him as a sign of respect. “Much appreciated. In my line of work, I might just take you up on that offer.”
Two and a half hours later she slowed as she passed the newly opened House of Hope. She felt a sense of accomplishment as she rolled to a stop at the guard house. The old Church of the New Son, the building that was used as the headquarters of the human trafficking ring she shut down was now a haven for girls rescued from trafficking.
As she sat on her Harley looking at the grounds, the window of the guard house opened. “May I help you?” The security guard squinted in the late day sun. As his vision cleared, she could tell he recognized her. “Ms. O’Malley. I should have known it was you from the sound of your bike. Would you like to go in? It’s an amazing thing you’ve done here. I’m sure the house mothers and the girls would love to see you.”
“Hi, Slim,” she smiled. “Unfortunately, I’m here on business, but I couldn’t pass by without stopping and taking a peek. I promise I’ll stop by before leaving the Keys.”
Slim nodded. “I’ll let Gloria know you came by. She’ll hold you to that promise.”
She saluted the guard before jumping on her kick-start. A few miles up the road, she rolled past the cemetery where both her parents were laid to rest. Sadness rose from her gut and rested heavy on her heart knowing she should stop, but every minute counted in finding and rescuing Becca and Pia. With a quick twist of the throttle, she shook the thought from her head and rode straight to Key West.
About five miles from the big island, she heard the buzzing of motorcycles coming up from behind. As they raced past, she shook her head. Rice burners, she thought. Sin watched as the bikes, in bright neon colors, six in all, weaved in and out of oncoming traffic; their riders, in full leathers matching their paint schemes, leaned forward, twisted their throttles, and gunned their way toward Key West. It’s a wonder more of those idiots aren’t killed.
Sin met Troy and Tiffany at a pre-planned location off Duval on the southern tip of the island. Stepping into the diner, she spotted them conversing at a table. Approaching, Troy spotted her and smiled. He reached her before she could make it halfway to the table. The smell of his cologne made her heart skip as they hugged in an awkward fashion.
She watched as Troy eyed her jacket as they separated. “Interesting jacket you have there, Suzy.”
She laughed. “A gift from a friend.”
Troy just shook his head. “You always did have the most colorful friends.”
“You should know, you’re one of them.”
Tiffany interrupted the playful banter by squeezing in between and wrapping her arms around Sin. “I missed you,” she mouthed.
Sin hugged her back. “Me too,” she said as they made their way to the table.
Sin pulled up a chair, tugged an elastic band from her wrist, pulled her ebony hair back and tied it in a loose ponytail.
She watched as Troy sat back, looked at her and Tiffany, and smirked. “It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Sin bit her lower lip. She thought about coming back with a snide remark but decided this