{STEPHANIE}
I looked at Francesco and felt the tension rolling out of him in waves. I watched his jaw go taut and his hands curl into tight fists. He looked at Emilio and the man's face turned from pale to ghostly transparent.
Ignoring Julio, Francesco locked his eyes on Emilio. "I'll be more precise this time... Did you or did you not hear Greco Waldorf say his boss' first name?"
"I...I..." Emilio swallowed and his eyes flickered to Julio, somehow seeking rescue from Francesco's most faithful.
Julio shook his head in a silent warning. "Think carefully before you say another word, Emilio."
Emilio's gaze dropped to the floor, his body rattling. He remained this way for minutes before muttering, "I only heard Fedorov. I didn't hear a first name."
Julio's mouth opened, but Francesco spoke first. "I will not ask Ivan any questions without anything to prove his involvement in this." He fixed his eyes on his friend, and Julio finally nodded.
