Daniel’s POV
I positioned myself on the hospital’s first floor, scanning every corner with the precision that had kept me alive through countless mafia operations. My pulse hammered against my ribs as I caught sight of a woman slipping into the restroom like a shadow. I couldn’t tell where she’d emerged from, but every instinct I’d honed over years as Caleb’s enforcer screamed danger.
Without hesitation, I signaled Bella, my partner whose reputation for extracting information from enemies preceded her into every interrogation room in our territory.
"Check the bathroom," I commanded, my voice low and urgent. "I’ll cover the exit."
The sound of impact echoed from inside, followed by a grunt of pain. I burst through the door to find Bella straddling a woman on the tile floor, zip ties already binding her wrists with practiced efficiency.
"Capo, we got her," Bella announced, hauling the suspect to her feet with brutal force. "Same face from the security footage. She ditched the nurse disguise, but it’s definitely our kidnapper."
"You people are insane!" The woman’s voice cracked with desperation. "I have no idea what you’re talking about!"
Fury surged through my veins like liquid fire. I slammed her against the cold bathroom wall, pressing my Glock against her temple. The metal kissed her skin with deadly promise.
"Listen carefully, because I’m only saying this once," I growled, my voice dropping to a predatory whisper. "You’re going to tell me exactly where that baby is. Right now. Or I’ll paint these walls with what’s left of your worthless brain and tell the boss you attacked a made member of this family. Your choice."
Her body trembled against the wall, but after a moment, she lifted her chin with defiant arrogance.
"I honestly don’t know what fantasy you’re living in, handsome," she purred with sickening confidence. "But you’re welcome to search me if it makes you feel better."
My patience snapped like a dry twig. I grabbed her shoulders and hurled her toward the sink with enough force to rattle the mirror.
"Bella, search this piece of garbage," I snarled. "And don’t worry about being gentle. Family business comes first."
Bella’s eyes lit up with savage satisfaction. "Finally, someone who makes my day interesting."
She seized the woman and slammed her face-first against the wall with bone-jarring impact. "Spread your arms and legs, scum."
When the suspect hesitated, Bella drove her skull against the tiles with a sickening thud.
"Capo, did you witness that clear act of self-defense?" Bella asked with mock innocence.
"Absolutely, Bella," I replied, pressing my gun barrel harder against the woman’s head. "Follow orders, you baby-stealing parasite. I’ve got zero hesitation about pulling this trigger, and even less mercy for monsters who steal children from our family."
Fear finally cracked her composure. She assumed the position while Bella began a brutal pat-down that would leave bruises for weeks. I felt no sympathy whatsoever.
Bella’s hands stopped abruptly at the woman’s midsection.
"Something’s hidden here." She grabbed the suspect’s shirt collar. "Strip. Now."
When the woman froze, Bella’s palm connected with her cheek in a vicious slap that left angry red fingerprints.
"I said strip, you worthless piece of trash!"
Shaking hands fumbled with buttons, revealing a tactical harness strapped beneath her clothes. The gear included a stun gun, cell phone, and a syringe filled with unknown liquid.
"Well, well," Bella whistled appreciatively as she confiscated the equipment. "Should we check for more surprises, Capo? These street rats love hiding things in creative places."
The suspect’s face went pale as Bella snapped on latex gloves with theatrical precision.
"Remove your shoes. Slowly."
As the woman complied, Bella thrust her hand down the suspect’s pants with such force that she rose onto her toes, gasping in pain. Meanwhile, I examined the discarded footwear and discovered an identity card concealed in the sole.
"Disgusting," Bella muttered, stripping off the gloves and tossing them in the trash. "This filth is contaminated. I think that’s everything, Capo. Unless you want me to check other hiding spots. I’m happy to be thorough."
I studied the ID card with grim satisfaction.
"Well, Ms. Roxanne Moore, that depends on whether you’re going to cooperate or if we need to get creative with our family’s traditional interrogation techniques."


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