“We can head back through the Piazza della Signoria on the way back,” he suggested. “There are several statues there. Perhaps they will give us some clues.”
“That sounds perfect,” I told him. “I’m confident we will be victorious. We just have to keep looking.”
We covered the blocks quickly. As we neared the bridge, everyone was on high alert. “I’m going to check it out from above first,” Ray said. “Wait for me across the street.”
“Good idea. And, by the way, when did you get so bossy?” I joked.
He snorted. “The day I was born, Hannon. The day I was born.” He took off before I could get in a snappy comeback. He had been bossy since birth, but I was just learning to appreciate it. It was what had made him an excellent cop. Ray and I had finally achieved a bond, and I was grateful for it.
After the next block, the bridge came into view, and we all slowed.
“So, do you think this note is just going to be sitting right there in the open for us to grab?” Tyler said. “Or are we going to have to search for it?”
“I have no idea,” I answered. The bridge wasn’t that big, but it was thick with people. It was a unique structure. It was wide and there were parts where it stood three stories high to accommodate living quarters. It was built on massive pilings sunk deeply in the Arno River and was painted in vibrant yellows and golds to give it that eclectic Italian feel.
“This used to be a bustling marketplace back in the day,” Lucas informed us, “full of merchants, mainly butchers and larders. They would throw their waste into the river, thus polluting it. Now the big draw is gold. There is jewelry store after jewelry store crowding this bridge. It’s prime real estate for tourists, not so much for everyday Italians.”
He wasn’t kidding. There wasn’t even a gap where you could see the sidewalk.
That was a good sign. I didn’t think Enid would risk doing something in the middle of a horde of humans. I could be wrong, but I didn’t think so.
What do you think? I asked my wolf. Is this a trap? She gave a low growl, but showed us walking across the bridge with no issue. I agree, I think we should try. Something tells me they won’t find the note if I’m not there.
Rourke’s voice rumbled his dislike. “Let me go first. You stay here. If I don’t find the note, then I’ll come back and get you.”
“There is not much you like when it comes to my safety being in question.” I chuckled. “If we all go together, we’ll have strength in numbers. Let’s wait for Ray to get back and see what he finds. If he’s uncovered something suspicious, we can talk.”
It didn’t take long for Ray to return. He landed behind Lucas, who startled. I grinned, glad I wasn’t the only one with the vampire-landing problem. “I couldn’t sense anything amiss,” Ray said. “There weren’t any weird signatures, and I didn’t pick up on any creatures lurking. But I didn’t sense anything back at the apartment building either. I don’t like it. It feels too easy.”
“Join the club,” I cracked. “There’s no way around it. This entire mission is going to be full of danger. Jeb said that I couldn’t follow all of Enid’s missives, and I won’t, but we’re just picking up a note. The chances of her wanting to do a swap right here on this crowded bridge are next to none. We all walk together, keep our eyes peeled, find the instructions, and get out.”
Tyler nodded. “I think Jess is right after all. Enid can’t take us all out, and she knows we’re all together anyway. We go as one, and if we detect danger, we haul ass out.” He glanced directly at Ray. “If shit hits the fan, grab Jess and get out. We’ll meet you back at Julian’s.”
Ray nodded before I could protest.
I didn’t enjoy everybody making plans about my well-being without my consent, but I understood why they were doing it. “If we sense danger,” I said, “I’ll get myself out, or I’ll fight.” I refrained from adding, like a big girl. “Ray, I want you to take Kayla out if anything happens. She’s the most vulnerable. We regroup at Julian’s, like Tyler said.”
Ray grumbled, but nodded. He knew I was right.
“If I may ask, what exactly are we searching for?” Lucas asked. “You mentioned a note, but is it written on parchment paper? Will it be sealed in an envelope? A Post-it Note? I’m pretty good at finding things, and I’d like to help.”
“Of course,” I said. “We are grateful for your help and everything you’ve done so far. Kayla, please show Lucas the previous note.” Kayla complied, pulling it out of her pocket. “I’m assuming the next one will be similar, but we don’t know for sure.”
Kayla held out the small piece of paper. The Kitsune was quiet for a moment, looking thoughtful. “I take it these are the friends of yours who are missing,” he said. “The ones Enid wants to swap for your life.”
“They are more than friends, they are family, but yes.”
“Then it’s imperative we get them back,” Lucas said. The fox understood completely. I was really beginning to like this guy. “I will do my best to aid you.”
“Thank you,” I said. “And the first step in retrieving them is to actually set foot on the bridge. Let’s move out.”
“Marcy and I will stay back and cover the rear,” James said.
“I’ll cover the rear with you any time, babe,” Marcy quipped, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“Must you?” I joked.
“I must.” Marcy linked arms with James, smiling.