Chapter 264 The House
Dakota's P.O.V.
"Where are we going?" Xavier asks from the driver's seat. As we leave, crime scene vans are pulling into the driveway. I pull out my phone and text Noah.
Are you able to track Raul's phone?
Yes, I was already pulling up the information as soon as the police went to look at Enzo's room. I'll send you the address now. They asked about checking the shed out back, but Tyler and Shea told them it's locked and that no one could have gotten in. They are staying out back, so no one gets tempted to take a look.
Good. Don't let them get into my desk or anything, either. They should only be looking at things directly related to Arkadi's stabbing and the kids' kidnapping. Our family business is not something they need access to.
I sent you the address. Be careful. His phone shows he left the compound and arrived at his current location not long ago. So either he's reckless, or it's a setup because he knows we can track him.
We will. Keep me updated on what's going on there. Noah sends a thumbs-up emoji, and I give Xavier the address.
"We need to keep in mind that Raul may know we would come for him, so this could be a trap. If he's there, don't kill him unless we have to. He does not deserve a quick death." Everyone nods, and Ari takes my hand. No one says anything as we drive. Why do people keep kidnapping members of my family? First it was Enzo, then my sister, and then me. Now it's Enzo again, with Addy. I am tired of this shit, and I'm about to go full-blown bitch on the next person who pisses me off.
As we approach the address Noah gave us, I see a black car parked in the driveway of the two-story house. We're in a regular middle-class neighborhood with kids playing outside and people walking their dogs. Why did Raul choose this neighborhood and this house? I don't believe it was random.
"How do you want to do this?" Galdino asks me. It amuses me that even the big Italian mafia boss defers to me in these situations, which, unfortunately, have been too many to count lately.
"Let's see if we can see inside the windows first. Keep your guns hidden for as long as possible; I don't want to attract the attention of the nosy neighbors." We get out of the SUV and walk toward the front door as though we're visiting whoever lives there. I can see the men itching to take out their guns, but they resist the temptation. Sarah and I go onto the porch and look in the window beside the door. What I see makes my blood boil. Enzo and Addy are sitting on the floor, tied together with their backs against each other. They have duct tape over their mouths, and I can't help feeling proud when I see neither of them crying or even looking scared. They look mad. I can't see who they're looking at, but someone is with them.
"Enzo and Addy are inside, and someone is with them, but I can't see who. Xavier and Benny go to the back door in case someone tries to go out that way, and the rest of us will go through the front door. I'm going to knock, stand to the side in case they shoot before they open the door." Benny and Xavier run around to the back of the house. Ari and Galdino pull out their guns. Ari gives Russell a gun, too. I don't want anyone going into the house unarmed. I knock on the door, and we move out of the way.
"Who is it?" A man asks, but I can't tell if it's Raul.
"You know who it is, asshole. Open the door," I say while still standing off to the side in case he decides to shoot.
"I will let you in, Dakota, but no one else. Or I will kill the little brats." I look at the others, and they shake their heads no.
"I have to," I whisper.
"Be careful," Ari says. I nod and put my hand on the doorknob. As I open the door, Raul is standing behind the door with his gun pointing at the kids.
"If anyone else tries to come in, your precious Dakota and the children will be killed," Raul says. I walk inside and shut the door behind me.
"Okay, Raul. Let's talk."