“Who sent you?” Dante asked. He wasn’t expecting an answer, but he needed to buy time.

The man advanced with lethal calm, searching for the next angle to fire.

The air in the bedroom was dense, electric. Hidden behind the heavy dresser, Dante sharpened his senses. He heard the footsteps—measured, feline. The attacker moved like a predator, but Dante was no prey. His whole life had prepared him for this.

The man raised the weapon. Pulled the trigger.

Nothing. A dry click broke the silence. The g