Read Death Run for Free Online Page B

getting to him and sweat was running down his face.
    â€œYeah – what crowds?” Jade was right – the narrow side streets were almost deserted.
    â€œWe’ll find some,” Dad promised. “San Marco is this way. Loads of people.”
    They emerged into yet another small square. There was a church on one side, a small shop on the other. Its window was full of colourful Murano glass – vases and bottles, ornaments and figures.
    â€œIf we get that far,” Jade said.
    There were two other streets leading off the square. Two of the men in suits were coming down one of the streets. The skull-faced man, soaking wet, and another of his Mafia colleagues were coming down the other.
    â€œBack the way we came?” Rich suggested.
    But as they turned, Ralph and the man who had been with him on the bridge appeared round the corner behind them. Rich wondered if they could get to the church and find another way out. But Skull-face was already too close – they’d never make it.
    â€œLet’s go shopping,” Dad said quietly. Then louder: “Now!”
    They sprinted to the shop doorway and dashed inside. The shop was full of expensive glassware, all arranged on shelves and plinths. There were statues and vases, ornaments and sculptures. Dad was reeling off rapid Italian to a little old lady standing behind a low counter that boasted a cash till and a roll of floral wrapping paper. Without a word she pointed to the back of the shop.
    â€œGrazie,” said Dad.
    â€œCiao,” Rich told her.
    There was a door at the back of the shop and Dad barged through it. He held it open for Rich and Jade, then slammed it shut. They were in a small courtyard.
    â€œHang on,” Jade said. She grabbed a long-handled yard brush that was leaning against a wall and jammed it hard against the door. It wouldn’t keep Ralph and the others in for long, but it might slow them down.
    From the other side of the door came the sound of smashing glass – lots of glass. Then furious cursing in a high-pitched female voice, followed by a man’s cries of pain.
    â€œMaybe she’s got another brush in there,” Rich said.
    â€œNo time to find out, sadly.” Dad led the way out of the courtyard and into the street beyond. From behind them came the sound of splintering wood as the woman’s tirade increased in volume and intensity.
    Two streets further on, they slowed to a walk. All three of them were out of breath and feeling the heat.
    â€œStill bored?” Dad asked Jade.
    â€œStill wanting to have a talk about what happened in Mont Passat,” she shot back.
    â€œAh, that.”
    â€œYes,” Rich agreed. “That.”
    Dad shrugged. “No big deal.”
    â€œBeing chased through Venice by the Mafia and an Eastern European gangland boss is no big deal?” said Jade. “You still have some serious lifestyle problems, you know that?”
    â€œI know I could do with a drink.”
    Jade’s eyes widened, but Rich had seen Dad’s mouth twitch with amusement. “He’s winding you up, Jade.”
    â€œWell, we can’t go back to the hotel. What did Ralph want?” Dad asked before Jade could come back at him.
    â€œAsk him yourself,” said Jade.
    Rich thought at first she was sulking. Then he saw that a figure had stepped out of a side street just ahead of them. Ralph. Behind them, dark-suited men stepped out of alleyways and alcoves and stood with arms folded – blocking any hope of another escape.

5
    Jade’s fists were clenched so tight her nails dug into her palms. She was tense, ready to run as soon as Dad gave the word. The Mafia men stayed where they were while Ralph walked confidently towards Jade, Rich and Dad. He had his arms spread and hands open as if to show he meant them no harm.
    â€œAs I told Rich,” Ralph said, “I want to give you a warning.”
    â€œThreats?” Dad sounded amused at the