CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVE – BACK TO THE OLD COUNTRY

As dawn broke, they knew they couldn't stay in the safe house much longer. It was time for the hardest part of their plan. "You need to go to Sicily," Alessandro said softly. "My Uncle Scipione will protect you there." Joan looked at him, confusion and fear in her eyes. "What do you mean? Aren't you coming with me?" Alessandro shook his head, pain etched on his face. "I can't. Not yet. I need to stay behind, try to salvage what I can. Find out who betrayed us. It's the only way we'll ever be truly safe." "No," Joan protested. "It's too dangerous. We should stay together." "Joan," Alessandro said, taking her hands in his. "This is the only way. I need to know you're safe while I deal with this mess. Please. Trust me." Joan wanted to argue, to insist on staying with him. But she saw the determination in his eyes and knew this was a battle she wouldn't win. "How long?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know," Alessandro admitted. "But I promise, I'll come for you as