108: Too close to home

"Take her back to the house and ensure she remains confined. Deploy at least six soldiers to secure the premises. I don't care about the circumstances; you make damn sure she's under constant watch. Since those bastards knew where to find me, it's only a matter of time before they try again," I growled, my words infused with a sense of urgency as if Axel and his men lay in wait for my return. "When you get back, check in with Angelo. I've brought in a friend to oversee certain operations. That arrangement ends when I return. Ensure there's no trouble brewing, but if there is, contact me immediately. If there's any word regarding Axel, no matter how insignificant, track me down. Is that clear?"

Dante exhaled, his response swallowed by a moment of hesitation.

"What?" I demanded, my gruffness exceeding what he deserved.

"It's nothing," he finally responded.

I stepped in front of him, locking eyes, and asked firmly, "Is there something you need to tell me?"

"I'm just surprised you bro