Tara woke up in sweats.  Oriana was the one who normally had nightmares but this week, with all the talk of contingencies and preparations for the worst before they left, Tara had been able to think of nothing else.  She never saw her parents die in her dreams, she always saw them as she did before leaving America.  Alive.  Together.  Happy… but worried for her and the other kids.  It was more a feeling, a sense that she would never see them again, that goodbye, had been just that and it caused her to once again cry softly into her pillow.

Oriana rolled over and pulled her into her arms tightly, kissing her neck from behind.  “Nightmares?”  

Tara couldn’t bring herself to tell Oriana about them.  It seemed silly by comparison to what the other woman had been through and still occasionally had nightmares about.  Instead, she dried her eyes and nodded and tried to laugh them off, “Stupid.  I know.  God, I’m starving.  I hope Bacchus’ breakfast table is half as impressive as the dinners.  I could about as much as Gavin this morning.”  She sniffled and slowly the feeling of terror receded.

Tara extracted herself from Oriana’s embrace, got up, dressed in an airy sundress and brushed out her hair letting it hang long and straight down her back.  With nightmares behind her, her mind returned to thoughts of the last few days.  Making love to Oriana, Bacchus, the wine, the food… so much contentment filled her to bursting but soon, very soon, it would be over and her real work would need to begin.  Returning to the states, building her House of Pleasure, business plans, hiring, she was going to have so much work to do that it would likely be years before she could open her doors.

Oriana stretched and put on a light dress of her own. “You might be sore. That’s normal. And breakfast… might be too ambitious. You stayed up late last night. It’s the afternoon, I think.”

“Oh my god, it is.”  she chuckled.  “I… wow.  I am sore.  It’s a good sore if that’s a thing.  How about you?  How do you feel this morning?”
Hppcmohj ‘
“Good,” Oriana smiled. “I-” She stopped herself. “I had fun. But I don’t need that. Last night was… really good. But I liked the costume party more. But at least you understand what I mean, now. It’s different.”

“Yeah.  I’m sorry I confused you.  I didn’t know you didn’t get what I was asking and then when you said what you did, well I was so happy I thought it felt stupid to try and clarify.  I knew I’d get an answer eventually.  I don’t like not knowing things.  I could have asked Brigitte, but I knew I wanted to understand it myself so…”  she shrugged.  “It seemed like an opportunity and I took it.  I’m glad you weren’t bothered by me taking initiative like that.  I don’t ever want you to feel forced into taking part in things or doing things… I want to protect you and take care of you.  You should never, ever, feel like you have to do something for me.”

Oriana slipped on a pair of leather sandals. “Don’t be silly. Let’s go find some food before I collapse.”
 

Tara held open the door for Oriana and then closing it behind them, she walked with a slight skip in her step through the hallways of Bacchus’ palazzo.  She smiled at people she saw along the way, chatting about the weather as she saw the sunshine outside. “Maybe we could do some shopping. I seem to recall you enjoy a good shopping trip from time to time?”

“Sure. I’ve got some money from your father I’d be happy to spend. Could even take a trip to Venice, if you’d like. One of the only spots you missed in your tour last time…”

“Well, and I have some pocket money too.  If you can call it that.” She chuckled. “Thought it would be nice to spoil you a bit.  You deserve it.” She said rounding a corner, the sound of the dining hall growing closer.  “I would like to see Venice though. I mean, it’s your old turf, right? You could give me the grand tour.”

“I’d love to.”

They turned the corner to the large dining hall, and they were greeted by a familiar face. Renato Cambio, wearing an impeccable three-piece suit, stood and flashed a subdued smile at the two women as they walked in.

“Tara! Good to see you. Perhaps you can add some sense to our conversation.”

Bacchus glowered at the man. “You’re a welcome guest, Renato, but don’t test the boundaries of respect. Trading in your tattered clothing for fancier trappings does not make you omniscient. And being able to order around Rome’s underworld does not apply in this place. Good morning, my most welcome guests.”

Renato stepped forward and hugged Tara warmly, nodding at Oriana over Tara’s shoulder.

“Ren.”  She said warmly, dashing over to hug her friend.  “I’ve missed you so much! And,” She pulled back to look in his eyes.  “Thank you for finding the ring. I never thought I’d see it again!”

“Crupi is the one who told me about it. It seemed like a worthwhile endeavor to try to help our operations in Rome make good contacts in New York- not to mention a chance to help an old friend.”

The mention of Crupi made Tara’s smile falters as she remembered the last time she saw him, covered in his own blood, having taken bullets for her.  “He was a good man, Crupi.  I should have known he would have told you.  That ring means worlds to me.  But look at you!  All cleaned up!  You’re quite the dapper gentleman!  This life suits you I think.  What are you doing here?  Come for recreation?”

“The last generation of mafiosi here lived large, public lives. Mussolini and his government have made them examples. The next generation, we survive by staying hidden- under the radar. I am trying to warn our friend here that he should go underground. There’ve been rumors. A place like this can’t exist without the backing of the local government.”

She glanced to Bacchus and then looked back to Ren.  “Our gracious host doesn’t want heavy topics, business, discussed in front of his friends.  We should respect that.  Let’s take a walk and you can fill me in quietly.  Perhaps there’s some way to assist you and help my Patron and we can find it together.”

Bacchus nodded to Tara, approving of her discretion.

Tara looped her arm into Ren’s.  “But as we depart, you should tell Oriana how beautiful she is today.  She’s a vision, isn’t she?”  She winked to Ori and gave a nod to Bacchus as she lead Ren out of the dining room, still wishing for some of the food on the table and regretting she hadn’t grabbed some. Ori, moving toward the breakfast table, lofted a muffin in Tara’s direction.

Once out of the room Tara was all business, quietly, “What have you heard?  How serious or urgent is this warning?”

“Very serious. Very urgent. Bacchus defies the government openly. They sent a man to him to threaten him and gain compliance, and he had him tossed into the street. That was three days ago.”

“What?”  Tara paused.  She couldn’t believe the man wouldn’t see the necessity of woo’ing the government to his side but her God-King patron was very wrapped up in his world.  His reality.  His truth was the only one here.  Perhaps his pride had blinded him to truth, maybe he’d forgotten how he’d probably had to fight up to this point in his life where he enjoyed such comforts and untouchable status.  Or, maybe, he was always this rich… maybe he’d never known such struggles.  Maybe he’d never had to fear anything and so was truly blind to the threat.

“You should leave Naples, Tara. Today. If not today, then tomorrow. Come with me to Roma.”
 

“Surely there are men in the government who see the value in a man like Bacchus and this place.  Mussolini is only one man,” protested Tara. “What hope would he have against all the others who have been here for many years enjoying such favor as Bacchus offers?”

“Mussolini sets the direction of the government,” explained Ren, “and he is determined to eliminate other sources of power in Italy. Also… some of the rumors mention the knowledge that Bacchus has. He has hoarded secrets his whole life, but…” Renato shrugged. “This is a different Italy. Fascist Italy. This government is not interested in playing the old games; instead, they break the board, the pieces, and the players, if necessary. The men at Mussolini’s side, Cesare Mori and Rinaldo Vari… they are determined to purge the underworld.”

Tara stared for a moment, her brain processing the information, playing out possible outcomes, trying to get a step ahead in her mind.  If she could find some way… but no. Already she’d heard about the mafia’s failings against this change of fate. Bacchus and his secrets would have to go if the powers that be were to keep control.  It was obvious. She suspected as much when she first came here, that the man had been spying and collecting scandals to use as he needed to protect himself over time. In any normal situation it would work.  He’d blackmail politicians and police and no one would come near him. But in a world like this? With the changes happening here? Perhaps they would burn their kingdom just to keep it. Bacchus would likely be a casualty and if he wasn’t immediately one, he would be pulling hard on every favor he had to try and survive - be damned anyone else crushed in the process.  It was why he wanted her debt so badly. It was why he was willing to give his blessing and why he doted on her so. He saw it coming from the moment she walked in the door, before really. Tara was a means to an end. The end was her father’s money, guns, power… Bacchus, the great God-King was mortal after all.

“I have tried to convince him to leave Naples. To leave Italy. I believe I greatly offended him. If I hadn’t made such a good impression on my earlier visit, I wouldn’t be standing here,” shrugged Renato.

“He won’t be convinced to leave.  He’ll pull everything he has, it won’t be enough.”  she finally said in a grave tone, her eyes sad. “His only hope was to win them over - to become something they could delight in, but … he wouldn’t bow to them.  He’s old God. He doesn’t bow. Olympus will fall.” She shook her head. “You should leave Ren. Soon. Bacchus will not be happy that you’ve brought the news of his impending doom and everyone here is likely to suffer if you’re right.”

Tara drew a breath, there was nothing for it, she shook her head.  “I hope we’re wrong.  Maybe he has some tricks yet that will leave me stunned but I believe what you say Ren.  I can’t imagine Bacchus being capable of the tricks we Americans in the life would use to survive.  I’ll try to talk to him, but I know better I think.  He won’t listen.  Maybe that’s the real reason he gave his blessing… maybe he knows it too.  He’d just rather die a God on his throne  than on his knees as a mortal.  Maybe he hopes I’ll carry on his legacy...”  

Renato nodded. “You have the right of it, I think.”

“I’ll call up the plane.  Get ahold of my parents, let them know plans have changed.   Ori and I will try to talk to him.  I’ll offer him a place with us in the US.  I’ll help him rebuild there.  If he can be convinced of it.  Maybe he’ll see it as a grand adventure and come with us.  You’re good to have come, please let the Godfather know that I will remember his kindness in sending you.  Bacchus is a good man.  A truly good one.  I do believe it.  There is no dishonor in his fall if he chose it, you and your family have done all you could for him.  May God Bless you and keep you for it.”

“Come to Rome, even for a day, before you leave?”

Tara sighed.  “Two days.  One night.  Do you have a place for us?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll leave here before the sun sets.  Please, understand that this isn’t a failure on your part.  Bacchus is … set in his ways.  It was good of you to come and try.”

“I should have brought Jo with me. Bacchus always liked her better. But she’s running a similar errand in Milan.” Renato shrugged. “She’ll be in Rome, too.”

“Do yourself a favor, Ren.  Marry that girl before she decides to run off with Ori and I on our next great adventure.  You won’t find a better woman.  You could use her good head and someone to stitch your sorry ass up when you’re pulling heroics like you did at the bridge.”

He scoffed. “I tried. She turned me down. I think you rubbed off on her too much. She got a taste for excitement, and now she’s chasing that taste.”

“Well, I’m sorry for that.  I’ll try to bring her home to you in one piece from time to time.”  Tara gave Ren another hug.  “I’ll be in Rome with you tonight.”
 

“Nothing to worry about. Jo and I are friends- and we’re walking our own paths. And tonight would be good. I hope I’m wrong. Every day, we hear more rumors. Perhaps today is the day. Perhaps tomorrow. Or a week. Or never- but I don’t believe that.”

“Yes, well, this is a lot to walk away from.  I can’t imagine how he could, but I’ll try.” She didn’t think there was a snowball's chance in hell of that man leaving his kingdom.  Tara wasn’t sure she could blame him. If roles were reversed, she was fairly confident she wouldn’t either.

Renato smirked. “You should have asked him last night. I heard you two- you three- had quite the time.”

“Well, it seems gossip spreads around here far too easily.”  Tara said blushing.  

“Not much gossip. I had a private breakfast with Bacchus. He was… effusive in his praise.”

Tara laughed.  “Oh dear.” She shook her head.  “Well, I have no shame. Bacchus is … delightful.  I still prefer Oriana by miles, but he wasn’t a terrible companion for the evening.  I might try it again, if the right man were to appear.”

“Well…,” said Renato. “You do have my number.” Smiling, he rested her hand on her shoulder, but his face turned serious. “Tonight, if you must. This afternoon would be better. I will see you in Roma.”

“In Roma.”  She agreed and turned to walk back into the dining hall.  Pausing in the doorway she looked around at the assembled people, soaking up the sights and sounds.  Her eyes were sad and her mind troubled.

In the dining hall, Bacchus and Oriana were eating and silently staring at each other from across the table. Then Bacchus smirked, and Ori laughed.

Tara realized then, there was no point in wasting her breath.  He could not leave this place, his calling. He could leave it no more than her mother could put down her guns, or her father stop dicing.  It was who he was, all he knew. He didn’t hate Renato for coming in here and talking business, he just already knew and didn’t want to hear of it until the hour of his doom was upon him.  Why should he live in fear of what could not be avoided. A man with a death sentence hell bent on enjoying the last hours of bliss he had remaining. Maybe days. Maybe years. He would not count and he would not run.  If she came to him now with her worries, if she darkened his door, she’d only punish a man who had been nothing but good to her and Oriana. All he wanted was whatever time he had left - and all talking to him about it would do, would be to ruin it.  If she was to honor her friend and what he’d taught her… she’d do as he wished. And she knew it.

“Tara Mastrosimone! Come, eat something. You must be famished after the night you had.”

“Of course,”  Tara said with glassy eyes.  “Everything smells fantastic!”  She tried to grab onto the illusion of the place again, but now it was ruined.  She’d never again see this room and not think of what was coming.  All she could do was pretend.  The image of her parents at the car waving goodbye seemed to bubble up to the surface in her mind as Tara sat down beside Ori.  Under the table, she put a hand on the other woman’s thigh and gave it a squeeze. Ori glanced at Tara, noticing the look on the other woman’s face. Tara had a good poker face, but…

“What’s wrong, Tara? Everything okay with Ren?”

“He’s asked us to join him for dinner in Roma tonight.  I’ve agreed.  I’ve missed him terribly.”

“A wonderful idea,” said Bacchus.  In that support, Tara could hear it.  See it.  Perhaps it was imagined but she could not help but wonder if he wanted her to go before trouble arrived.  For her to run with this seed he’d given to her - a small bit of what he’d done here.  His immortality. 

“Well,”  Tara continued, “the last time we were in Rome I didn’t get to enjoy it.  He promised me a grand tour.  I’m looking forward to it and some shopping.  We’ll spoil Oriana here properly.”

“She is already far too spoiled, but your grand tour still sounds well-deserved on your part. I’ve been thinking of our discussion, Tara,” said Bacchus. 

“Of course, my friend, what of it?”  She said digging into the food with zeal.

“I have, only somewhat, changed my mind. When I imagine you trying to recreate my House of Pleasure in America… I only see pale imitations.”

“Only because I lack you personally.  I don’t suppose you’d consider coming with me, adventuring in the New World and bringing your divinity to the simple masses there?”  She laughed only half-joking.

The laugh seemed to save her from a rebuke; Bacchus simply shook his head. “No, but I do want to ensure a certain level of quality. I am cashing in the favors you owe me. There are several people who have worked for me for many years. My chef. My accountant. Some of the men and women who have been… well trained disciples. I am sending them to America to help you get established. They will ensure that any echo you try to create is genuine. When the work has been completed, they will return to me,” he said without a hint of deception.

Tara locked her jaw to not react emotionally.  The man was doing a great thing for these people and her, but he didn’t want her to take it as a gift.  He needed her to do this as her repayment of debt. His pride demanded it. He could not be seen as failing.  Not in front of all these people. More than that, his open discussion of these things - of sending his people to her - was all the endorsement she would ever need.  He had made her his heir. Her future was assured with every patron who heard his booming voice.

“You will, of course, need to look after them. They have rather exorbitant salaries, which you will cover until they return to Naples.”

Tara nodded, her look of worry wasn’t entirely an act.  Her father was rich, but if things went south in the United States while they were away, Tara would have to scramble even with all the safeguards the Mastrosimones had put into place.  People who had worked for her father, or with her father, would be scrambling to steal the legacy he’d built. She’d have to fight for it, tooth and claw. “I will see that they are cared for in a manner to which they are accustomed and return them to you as they were once we’re done.”

“Excellent.”

“Even in what you ask of me, you are merciful and kind.  A benevolent God-King. A good friend. Thank you. I will do all I can to make you proud of what we do in America.”  This she said with a deep sincerity. 

“Running a business is very much like fucking,” said Bacchus as he popped a grape into his mouth. “Each is different. Unique. The same principles apply, but there are nuances. You will never build what I have in Naples. If you try, you will fail. Build your own and- along with the help my people will give you- you will be a worthy partner.”

“Partner is too generous.  I would settle to be known as your protege.  You are gifted man, in many ways.” She smiled.  “To have learned at your… feet, has been a privilege and honor.”

“Protege, then.” He looked at Tara carefully. 

“I will miss you when we must return,”  Tara admitted, “... but I will come back as soon as things are built and settled.  Assuming I do not enjoy my own throne so much that I can not part with it, of course.”

Bacchus looked at Tara steadily, and Tara could see Oriana try to figure out what was passing between them.

“Indeed. Will you visit my chambers again? Before you leave?”

“Yes. I think I will.”  She said, inclining her head. Oriana frowned.  “I very much enjoyed our last visit.”

“Then come, there is more I will teach you. You also, Oriana, if you are done making faces.” He laughed, then stood and walked to his chamber past a pair of armed guards.

Tara rose from her seat and whispered near Ori’s ear, “He’s doomed.  We leave as soon as we can politely do so. Say your goodbyes. We may not see him again.”

“What the fuck?” Ori whispered.

“Ori, don’t make a scene.  Give the man his dignity. He’s chosen his ground.  They’re coming for him.” She shook her head. “There’s nothing to be done now.”

Sighing, Oriana followed Tara. “Then what are we still doing here? We should leave. Now.”

“I don’t think he’s asking us to his room for pleasure.,” said Tara. Oriana coughed, skeptical. “He can’t say what he wants to here.  He needs them all to think that’s what it’s about.  Now kiss me or we look like we’re plotting.  And make it hot.”  She smirked. Oriana pinned Tara back against the wall, kissing her neck and saying. “I think… you’re wrong.” But she still followed Tara to the chamber of Bacchus.

Tara knocked politely and waited to be called inside before opening the door and entering.  She wasn’t sure what she expected to find, perhaps he meant to fuck them both one more time, but she didn’t suppose he’d only called them away for that. No, he had to have other reasons, surely.

“I’d like to fuck you both again,” said Bacchus promptly as they walked into the room. He was pouring a glass of wine and standing in his silk shorts. “If you’re amenable to it. I had quite a bit of fun last night. This morning, eating my breakfast, I regretted that the night had passed. I do not do well with regrets, to be frank with you.”

Tara shrugged to Oriana, “It seems I have a lot more to learn about men.”

Ori sighed. “Quick recharge.”

She nodded.  “Well, that’s got to be a nice gift to have.  Everyone has talents I suppose.”  She smirked.  

“Show me yours,” said Bacchus, as he lowered himself into his chair and sampled his wine. “And take your time.” 

***

Aspirin was Tara’s best friend.  The muscles all over her ached in ways she hadn’t imagined they could.  She had muscles hurting that she swore she didn’t know she even had and yet, and she didn’t feel a single drop of regret about it… save maybe one.  

Bacchus had kept them in his chamber all afternoon; as the sun lowered in the sky, he continued to indulge himself. Oriana seemed perturbed and kept looking toward the clock, but Tara seemed focused on learning from Bacchus as the time slipped away.

If Tara was being honest, the experience paled compared to the previous evening. She had too many worries occupying her mind now, and she couldn’t look at Bacchus without thinking about the words of Renato. 

When the man had finally finished, Ori practically dragged Tara into the shower, where they quickly washed. Oriana shook her head. “We should have just left. I know you didn’t want to offend him, but…” She frowned.

“There’s no way they let him live.”  she said softly, barely above the water.  “No jail. Not for a man who has the secrets of so many.”

“So this was what? Indulging the man’s last request?”

Tara’s eyes seemed to say that was exactly what this had been, “He took care of you.  I will never be able to repay that debt, and he is a good person. I don’t want to leave him.  I didn’t want to leave…” she snapped her jaw shut and changed her words, “But I know what I can’t ask of people.”

“I like him too, but I don’t want to take a bullet making sure he gets his rocks off. Again.”

“Ren said we could come tomorrow, but he thought today was best.  I don’t think he would have offered up tomorrow if he thought they were moving today.  He would never have left me in this place if he knew they were coming today.”

“I think you’re underestimating his need for a distraction. He was different today. More selfish. It’s unlike him.” Oriana paused, repeating what she’d said hours earlier. “We should leave. Now.”

 “A few hours to give a man a good memory to go to his end with… it seems a small ask.  That and taking his people with me, getting them out of the country so they don’t share his fate?”  She shook her head, “He’s a better person than even I gave him credit for. We’ll dry off and say goodbye.  We’ll be on a plane to Rome in an hour. We’re okay, Ori. I know we’ll be okay.” Tara turned off the water.

“Tara. Oriana.” The voice of Bacchus called them.

Tara grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself quickly.  Handing a second one to Oriana she then moved to the door and looked into the bedroom, “Sorry we took so long, need to get ourselves cleaned up for dinner.”

“Dinner may be delayed,” said Bacchus as he moved to his closet and began dressing himself. The man stepped into a pair of pants and seemed… foreign. Both women had only ever seen him in his usual attire. He buttoned up a shirt, leaving the chest open, then he removed a shotgun from a locked cabinet. “You have my sincerest apologies. I should have sent you away earlier. My hope was that your friend was just being nervous, as usual. Government men, soldiers, are outside.”

Tara looked at Oriana, both women in their bath towels and she sighed.  Her eyes fell to the floor, “I’m never going to hear the end of this…” 

All humor had left Oriana’s face as she moved to throw her dress over her head.

“Are your people ready to leave?  Now?”  She said to Bacchus.  

“No,” admitted Bacchus. “I sent them away after our earlier conversation. They are already en route to New York.” He handed Tara a piece of paper. “This is how you will contact them.”

“Good.”  Tara said taking the paper.  “That means all I need to do is not die.  Where are our weapons?”

“You do not seem surprised. Did Renato tell you this as well?”

Tara crossed the room to her mentor, “I knew you wouldn’t listen so I didn’t try.  I wanted you to have your dignity, your choice.  One last roll in the hay.”  She smirked.  “There’s still time to change your mind though… it’s a nice shotgun.”

“Tara, I have not left the walls of this palazzo for almost twenty years. I am not about to run to America. It would… stifle me. And you, as well. Take care of my people. Enjoy your life- I have not risked yours. There is a secret exit I will show you.”

One of the guards appeared, handing a bag to Bacchus, who handed it to Tara. Their weapons were inside. Oriana, however, had slipped away.

“Well then, I’m afraid this is where we part ways.  If you manage to pull off a miracle, my God-King, I will see you again.  And if not… thanks for everything.” She kissed his cheek and threw on her clothing and gear as fast as she could.

Bacchus nodded, seemingly unconcerned.

Oriana returned, dressed in her customary pants, blouse, and long coat. She immediately strapped on her gunbelt and arming herself.

He led them out in the hall as gunfire and shouting exploded near the front door.

Bacchus growled. His men seemed to be putting up a fight, at least.

Two men, soldiers with rifles, turned the corner in front of them. Tara saw her life flash before her eyes, but she, Ori, and Bacchus managed to fire a fraction of a second before the soldiers did. The two assailants fell to the floor. 

They continued walking down the hall and made it halfway to the dining hall before they were ambushed again; this time, a single soldier had crept out of a side room. Ori leaped forward, putting herself between the gun and Tara as an errant shot fired overhead. Ori grabbed the gun and held it in the air, but before she could act Tara stuck her gun in the man’s ribs and pulled the trigger twice. Bacchus, nodding, continued to lead them on as quickly as they were able to travel.

As they reached the dining hall, Tara could practically feel Oriana’s discomfort. They were in an open area. Exposed. Ori’s grey eyes darted around. 

Bacchus grabbed a torch and pulled it as a cabinet swung open to reveal a door. 

“Through here. Go. Live well.”

Tara didn’t stop, just connected eyes with him and brushed past his body as she went through the door.  Ori followed, tracing a hand along his chest as she went. There was no time for any further goodbyes.  All that could be said, had been said and more and she’d put them in grave danger to say it.

They could hear him close the door behind them, plunging them into darkness. Tara heard Oriana’s breathing for a moment before she heard a mechanical noise and a flame sprang from Ori’s hand. Holding the lighter aloft, she led them through the tunnel. All around them, they could hear gunshots and shouting.

Tara was silent, both because of the need not to be found and the guilt.  Oriana could have been killed.  She hadn’t been thinking straight since she got on the plane, not since saying goodbye.  This whole damn mess was her doing because her head wasn’t in this place and time.  She should have called New York as soon as she woke up.  She hadn’t.  What if something happened?  The weight on her chest was almost unbearable.  She couldn’t break now.  And so, she pushed through her emotions, clinging to the logic of navigating in the dark and trying not to let the sound of gunfire scare her as much as it did.

As the two women approached the end of the tunnel, they saw a door. Oriana flicked off the light and opened it slowly. They were in a warehouse, and they weren’t alone. They could hear a group of men conversing in Italian. Tara and Oriana found themselves behind some crates. A military truck was visible outside the window.

“We should kill her,” said one of the men. 

“She is too beautiful to kill.”

“But our orders….”

“Our orders clearly state that we should kill anyone who tries to exit through this warehouse. It said nothing out people trying to sneak in.

Ori glanced over the crate, dropping back down. “Soldiers. Six. Prisoner.” Ori’s brow furrowed like she was second-guessing herself, and she risked another look to confirm her suspicions. 

“They have Jo,” whispered Ori. “On three. Shoot fast, but shoot accurately. I’ll start on the left on move right. You start on the right and move left. Ready?”

Tara took a moment, but only a moment, to shake off her panic.  She nodded and moved her lips in silent prayer. As Oriana gave the signal, Tara stood up and moved with as much confidence as she ever had.  All other thoughts but survival fled from her mind. She was singular, focused, and later would be ashamed to admit that she hadn’t thought much about Jo or Ori when she was shooting at the men.  There was only the gun, and her targets.

Ori moved with her usual precision and grace, calmly targeting each man before moving onto the next. Tara was… just slightly off, not that Oriana could blame her. But Ori covered for her, putting down the rest of the men with ease. Ori moved toward the men and reloaded as Tara focused on Jo.

“Jo!”  Tara cried out as soon as it seemed the danger had passed and she rushed forward to the woman.  “Are you okay?!?”

“What the fuck?!” shouted the blindfolded, auburn haired woman, whose ears were still ringing.

Tara pulled down the blindfold the moment she reached Jo and hugged her before trying to help her free.  “We gotta get out of here…”

“Tara! No! We have to get Bacchus; I came to get him out of-”

“It’s too late.”  Tara said firmly. “He sent us out.  We have to go, now.”  Her tone was riddled with the bitterness she felt towards herself.  Now had been Ori’s word. Twice. She hadn’t listened.   

Ori just nodded. “Let’s move. Someone probably heard that.”

Tara nodded and followed Ori’s lead, helping Jo to her feet. Ori handed Jo one of the rifles and took one for herself. “Tara, we only stuck with pistols before. Do you have any hunting rifle experience that I’m forgetting about right now? If not, I’d stick to the pistol.”

As they looked outside, they saw an open square. The entrances were all blocked by trucks and soldiers, gathering information to assault the warehouse. 

Tara’s heart dropped at the sight.  She’d never seen anything like it.  Police, sure, but actual military vehicles?  This wasn’t bad.  It was impossible.  “Oh … shit.”  She whispered her brain frantically working trying to solve the problem that seemed utterly unsolvable.  

“Back inside, quickly. In the tunnel,” said Ori. A group of soldiers was making their way toward the warehouse, rifles raised.

“They don’t know where the door is; otherwise they wouldn’t have left the crates there.” She frowned. “But they’ll…they know from the gunshots that someone is here. And if they go looking more…” Ori swallowed. “You two go through the tunnel. I’ll meet you back there.

Tara fell back her mouth working but no sound coming out.  Her brain processing more information and fears than she’d ever had before to no good results.  Looking around the warehouse she began to take in the environment, what was here, what they might have to work with. 

“Maybe we wait in the tunnel.  They might not find it.  On either side.  We can wait them out.  When they leave we’ll slip out.”  Tara wasn’t leaving Oriana anywhere.

“I can make it. I’m better in a city than either of you.”

“If the tunnel is safe for us, it’s safe for you too.  Come with us.  There’s no need to try to get past them, you don’t have to be a damn hero, Ori.”

“They could find us, trap us.”

“We are trapped.”  

Ori growled, grabbed Tara, and pulled her into the tunnel.

“And it’s my fault.”  Tara held in a sob.  “I’m sorry, Ori.  I’m so sorry.”

“Not the time. Focus.” Ori pulled the door closed behind her, walking quickly through the tunnel with Jo and Tara. The lighter showed their way again. Ori whispered as they walked, “Someone ratted. Bacchus seemed confident that this passage was a secret.”

Tara said nothing.  It was probably true.  Someone within Bacchus’ operation had bought their life or freedom with his secrets.  The man who had trucked in secrets his whole life, that and hedonism, had perhaps been ended by both.  It shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone really and yet, none of this felt real. Tara wasn’t sure if anything had felt real in days.  All dreams and nightmares and none of it feeling real.

They reached the other end of the passage, and Ori flicked the light off. They could still hear the occasional gunshot, but it was quieter than it had been. Cautiously, Oriana pulled the lever and slid open the secret door. 

The dining hall was as silent as a tomb. The place had been ransacked, and three pairs of eyes watched for threats. Ori heard Jo’s stifled cry before she noticed anything; she turned to see Bacchus sitting on his throne with his white shirt stained crimson and brown with bullets and blood.

Tara stared at the sight only a moment before turning away.  “Maybe it’s a message.” she shook her head. “A warning.”

“They wouldn’t leave him here if they left,” said Ori. “Maybe. I don’t know. Let’s move.”

Aiming her rifle, Ori led the way out of the dining hall. An occasional gunshot or shout disturbed the silence, but it was growing quieter each minute. Ori led them upstairs as the three women walked in a triangle, with Ori at the front and Tara and Jo on either side, looking sideways. 

“Where are you going?” whispered Jo. Ori didn’t answer; instead, she knelt down to pick the lock of a door as Tara and Jo covered her.

Opening the door, Ori led them down a flight of stairs. “If we stay here, we’re fucked. They’ll sweep the place; I bet the warehouse troops are almost here as well.” She flicked on the light, revealing a large room with a few expensive Italian cars.

“We’ll have to shoot our way out, drive past them.”

“Better odds than on foot.”  Tara added. “Not that I like our odds particularly but it’s what we have to work with.”  

“I can drive,” offered Jo. “Unless one of you is really good at it. I’m nothing special.”

“I should be shooting,” said Oriana.

“You probably know your way around better than I would," said Tara.  "I mean, I can drive… but, you know what? Just give me the keys.”  

She walked around to the driver’s door of a beautiful brown Alfa Romeo Touring Spider., “Is now a good time to tell you this runs in the Luciano family?  Driving? Yeah. It’s a thing. I’m pretty good at this. I’ll get us out, just don’t die or anything, okay?” She chattered nervously as she settled into the seat and prayed Nona Bella’s skills were with her today.

“Jo," said Ori, "hit the button on the garage door, then run and jump into the car. I want to be ready to start shooting as soon as the door opens.”

Jo nodded. All three women took a deep breath. They looked at each other. When Jo flipped the switch, all hell broke loose. As soon as the doors open, Ori started shooting from her perch in the back seat and Tara hit the gas. Jo, from the passenger seat, took an occasional shot with her pistol but mostly kept her head down.
 

“Where did you learn to drive like that!?!?”  Sixteen-year-old Tara squealed with laughter.  

“My mom.”  Aurora said sadly.

“Wow.”  Tara said still catching her breath and finally releasing her white knuckle grip on the door handle.

“You wanna try?”  Aurora said with a devilish smirk.
 

The sound of tires squealing, of rubber peeling and the engine of a car made for speed roaring to life mingled with the sound of frantic voices and gunfire.  Tara wasn’t sure whose screams she was hearing, if maybe they were her own or someone else's, but it was a scream worthy moment.  What they were doing was insanity, pure and simple.
 

“"Thirty, gun it."  Aurora instructed.  "Second gear.  Listen to the engine.  There you go."

"Oh god!"  Tara started to panic and turned the wheel into the apex.

"Too soon!"  Aurora scolded.  "Careful now, we’ll never make the curve."  She reached over to grab the wheel.
 

“FUCK!”  There was no way out on this side, Tara revved the engine, throwing the car into second and waited until what felt like the last possible moment to turn the wheel.  

Jo screamed as the car drifted around the left corner in a smooth wide arc, giving Ori and her fellow gunner ample time to clear out some of the men who wanted to make them all very, very dead.

Tara came round the corner and right into another truck.
 

"Foot on the clutch, pull the handbrake."  Aurora instructed.  "Foot off the gas, when you want to exit, release the clutch.  Straighten the wheel."

Impossibly, Tara certain that they were all gonna die, found herself laughing madly as she accelerated.  She cranked the wheel hard again, at first looking to drive into the warehouse and then, revealing her true intent as the car came around in a full circle and exited safely back in the opposite direction.

Soldiers who had been giving chase dove out of the way of both bullets and the mad woman behind the wheel.  Just past the door they’d come out, around the right corner of the building this time, revealing more soldiers.  They were well and truly surrounded. Tara sunk as low in the seat as she could while walls of bullets tore through the beautiful car, and then she saw it.

“GET DOWN AND HOLD ON!”  She screamed out and put the pedal to the floor.  The car increased in speed, the needle shuddering at the top end of the speedometer.  

Tara muttered the only Psalm that came to mind, “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day!”  The car was sent careening at the barricade created by the soldiers - this time not trucks but wooden saw horses and lumber.

As the car crashed through the wood, sending a shower of splinters everywhere and men leaping out of the way for their lives.  Tara screamed in joy as they cleared the initial line and made it onto the open street.

She didn’t know where the hell they were going, anywhere she supposed, so long as it was far away from here.

Jo, riding shotgun, let out a triumphant yell. 

“Tara! That was fucking amazing!”

Ori didn’t match Jo’s enthusiasm, but she did feel safe enough to switch to the other rifle in the back seat.

Tara reacted instinctively as the military truck barreled out from a side street and clipped them.

“FUCK!”  Tara snarled.

It took all of Tara’s focus to keep the car from flipping. Ori looked over as the truck pulled up alongside them and three soldiers trained their rifles at Tara.

Tara was too busy trying to steady the car, but she heard Jo cry out, even as the former nurse unloaded her pistol in the direction of the truck. It was at that point that Tara saw Ori jump out of the speeding car and onto the truck.

“DAMN IT, ORI!” shouted Tara.

It was an instinctual motion; if Ori stayed out, Tara would get shot. There was no doubt about it. She took two running steps and launched herself at the truck. She shot one soldier in the air, but the hard collision forced her to drop the gun. Her hand went to her back and her knife sang as she started attacking the surprised group of soldiers. In the chaos, most of them were stabbed before they recovered. When the last two raised they’re rifles, Ori found herself with nowhere to go. She stared down the rifle barrels and realized there was nothing she could do in time.

“JO - TELL ME YOU CAN GET A SHOT WITHOUT HITTING HER!?!”

Jo answered by spraying bullets in the direction of the two soldiers. Ori took that opportunity to jump out the back of the truck, using the grip on the ceiling to snake her legs up and climb onto the roof of the truck feet-first. With the wind whipping at her, Ori stabbed her knife in to the top of the truck and shrugged off her coat, which flew away behind her. 

Tara tried to keep one eye on the road and the other on the truck. As the two men inside recovered from Jo’s shooting, Tara hit the brakes, dropping them back behind the truck and out of range.  She didn’t want to run Ori over or cause her to be hurt by running into the truck suddenly.  She tried to keep the vehicle steady and moving forward, but she knew it was only a matter of time before luck gave out and something was in front of them - god forbid it was a person.  At the speed they were moving, who knew what would happen to their car or the truck with Ori in it.

Grabbing the knife on her calf, Ori used the two knives like climbing axes, pulling herself forward one stab at a time. As she approached the front of the truck, she kept one knife between her teeth and removed her pocket pistol from her ankle. 

Hanging down headfirst from the roof, Ori shot the passenger in the head before the driver aimed a pistol at her and she retreated. As gunshots blasted up through the roof, Ori rolled, sliding on the roof of the truck near the back until she stabbed her knife in the roof to arrest her fall. 

Tara cried out as Ori disappeared from her sight, she frantically searched the rearview mirror but didn’t see her.  “Jo?!?  JO!”  She cried out not finding the words to ask if Ori had been killed or thrown or hurt.  It took everything in her to not stop driving, forcing herself to keep her eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

“She’s okay!” yelled Jo. “Just watch out for those two in the-” She ducked as the two men in the truck sprayed gunshots in the direction of the car. 

Tara screamed, unable to go nearly as low as Jo did.  “JESUS!” She cried out in terror.

As the men inside the truck shot at Tara and Jo, Ori swung back inside. With no more gunshots incoming, Tara sped up behind the truck. Ori had stabbed one man, but the last soldier had one hand on Ori’s neck and was trying to throw her out the truck; Ori was fighting him, but he seemed to be succeeding.

Tara pulled up behind the truck, trying to give Jo a shot. Ori glanced desperately behind her, then did the only thing she could think of. Jumping up, she planted both her feet into the man’s chest and pushed off. He went stumbling back into the wall of the truck; Ori went flying back into space, landing hard on the hood of the car with a painful grunt. As Tara began to slow down, Ori flipped onto her stomach, grimacing in pain at first, then smirking at the successful maneuver. She was just about to say something when the soldier picked up a rifle and shot Ori twice in the back. The grey eyes flashed with anger for a moment, then Tara saw them close.

Jo reached forward, holding onto Oriana’s arm to keep her from rolling off the car as Tara hit the brakes. Ahead of them, the truck halted as well. The soldier in the back jumped down, shooting with his rifle, as the driver emerged with a pistol.

Tara didn’t think.  She just acted. Out of the car, gun in hand, she returned fire giving Jo cover as she tried to get Ori inside so they could flee for safety.  Unfortunately, Tara wasn’t prepared to leave yet. Not even after the first one went down and there was fair odds they would not be followed. Two more bullets, after the first, before the second man fell.  Only then was Tara aware of Jo calling out for her to hurry. Tara nodded, seeming to remember why she was so angry in the first place.  

“Help me get her into the back seat!” yelled Jo.