CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE – KIDNAPPED

"Like hell they will!" Julian's roar made them all start. His fists were clenched, cords standing out in harsh relief in his neck. "I'll take those Euro-trash mobsters and that backstabbing worm Alexander out with my bare hands before I let them lay a finger on what's mine!" Wheeler surged up with an agility that belied his advanced years and gripped Julian's shoulder hard. "Get a hold of yourself, son! The only way to combat snakes is with cold, ruthless precision." His rheumy gaze was piercing. "We cannot afford any more unforced errors or histrionics. Are you with us?" Julian's jaw worked as if he were grinding granite between his teeth. Finally, he gave one tense nod, shoulders slumping almost imperceptibly. "For better or worse, you two are all I have in this hell." His eyes flicked to Charlotte, liquid anguish swimming in their depths. "You and my wife." In a move that would've seemed impossibly tender coming from anyone else, Wheeler patted his cheek once and stepped back,