The escape groaned under their weight as they climbed down into the alley behind the bakery. Isabella's heart hammered against her ribs as she helped support Matteo's weight.
Rafa gestured toward the shadows ahead. "This way," he whispered, leading them toward a narrow passage between buildings.
Behind them, Isabella could still hear her mother's voice calling from the apartment above. Each word felt like a knife twisting in her chest.
"Isabella, please. I'm here to help you."
Help me? Isabella thought bitterly. By leading killers straight to us?
They made it to Matteo's car parked three blocks away as Matteo collapsed into the passenger seat, his face gray with pain and exhaustion.
Rafa slid behind the wheel, starting the engine. "Where to?"
Matteo winced as he shifted position. "Safe house number two."
Isabella's eyebrows rose. "You have more than one?"
His eyes were already closing. "I have seven. In this business, you can never have too many bolt holes."
