Chapter 4 - The Whisper Decoded
The town car was silent as we drove away from the Drake. The city lights smeared against the wet windows, a blur of red and gold.
The moment the privacy glass partition between us and the driver went up, I turned to Salvatore. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely form the signs.
They are setting a trap, I signed rapidly. The scarred man... he whispered to his partner. He said there is a shipment arriving at Warehouse 4 at midnight. They are going to call the federal agents the moment you sign the contract.
Salvatore stared at my hands. His face didn't show panic; instead, a terrifying, cold stillness washed over his features.
Are you sure? he signed. Did you read his lips correctly?
I am certain, I signed, my chest heaving. He said: ‘Once Marquetti signs, we tip off the feds. He’ll be locked up before the weekend.’
Salvatore sat back, his eyes narrowing as he looked out the window. The silence in the car was heavy, charged with a lethal energy.
He pulled out his phone and typed a rapid, encrypted message. A few seconds later, he turned back to me.
You just saved my life, Tessa, he signed. His hand reached out, gently covering my trembling fingers. If I had signed that contract, my entire organization would have been dismantled by Monday.
What are you going to do? I signed, looking at his hand on mine. His touch was warm, grounding me in the middle of the storm.
I am going to change the destination of the shipment, Salvatore signed, a dark, predatory smile appearing on his face. At midnight, the federal agents will raid Warehouse 4. But they will not find my cargo. They will find Dominic Valenti's personal contraband. And Dominic will be the one spending his weekend in a cell.
He looked at me, his eyes burning with a sudden, intense heat.
You are more than a translator, Tessa. You are my guardian angel.
I looked down, my cheeks flushing warm. I just want to keep my brother safe. And keep you safe.
Salvatore’s grip on my hand tightened slightly.
You do not have to worry about Danny anymore. The specialist in Boston has already been booked. He will fly here next Tuesday to examine him.
May you like
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them away, nodding. Thank you, Salvatore.
No, he signed, his eyes locked on mine. Thank you, Tessa. For the first time in thirty-three years, someone is actually listening to me.
