CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY – DECAY IN THE RANKS?

As they ran, Jasmine heard the sound of gunfire behind them. She risked a glance back and saw Elena crumple to the ground. They burst through the back door into the kitchen, startling the staff. "Everyone out!" Marco yelled. "Now!" As the kitchen staff fled, Jasmine and Marco barricaded the door. The sounds of a scuffle outside told them that Don Cesaro's men were engaging the attackers. "We need to call your father," Jasmine said, her voice shaking. Marco nodded grimly, pulling out his phone. As he dialed, Jasmine sank to the floor, her mind reeling. Elena's accusation, the attack... it was all too much. "Jasmine?" Marco's voice pulled her back to the present. "My father wants to talk to you." She took the phone with trembling hands. "Don Cesaro?" "Jasmine, listen carefully," Don Cesaro's voice was tense. "I'm sending more men to secure the Bistro. But I need you and Marco to get out of there. Go to the safe house we discussed. Trust no one. Do you understand?" "Yes," Jasmine