CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY SEVEN – THE ESCAPE STRATEGY

"That's where I come in," Pietro said, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I've arranged for a little... fireworks display. Should keep the coast guard busy while we make our escape." Alessandro raised an eyebrow. "Fireworks?" Pietro shrugged. "Well, more like a few strategically placed explosions. Nothing too dangerous, but enough to cause chaos." Joan shook her head, marveling at the complexity of their plan. "And once we're on the boat?" "We head for the mainland," Caporelli said. "I've got contacts in Naples who can help us disappear. But we've got to make it there first." The group fell silent again, each lost in their own thoughts. Joan looked around at these men who had become her unlikely allies – Alessandro, the love of her life, who had given up everything to be with her; Caporelli, the gruff ex-criminal who had become like a father to her; and Pietro, the crafty local fixer who had thrown in his lot with them. They were an odd bunch, but they were all she had now. "We