53 • The Valtieris

• Ostia, Rome •

◇ MYKAELA ◇

Maybe this was what Miles meant when he told me, "Savagery is the default state of humanity."

From outside, the house didn't look old or dilapidated. Not at all. Just a bit lonely. Sad. Too quiet.

The paint on the five-foot concrete fence looked weathered. But only some portions. Like Enzo mentioned during the 20-minute drive, he no longer had the time or money to renovate this property. It wasn't huge, but it didn't look much smaller than his brand new house and lot in New York.

"Where's Rafa?" I asked while Enzo stood next to me.

"My calls go straight to his bloody voicemail," he sighed after shaking his head slightly. His eyes and hands stayed glued to his phone.

Carrying their handguns, Lele told us to stay on this patio, leaving us alone with the new guards. Next to the weed-grown front yard. With Marco, Lele snuck into the house through the damaged and unlocked backdoor.

A big padlock secured the iron gates when we arrived, but the rest of the