Page 51 of Married to the Mafia Monster

I nod, reassuring her with a look. “Do it.”

She returns to the call, listening for a moment before hanging up.

“I’ve got it,” she says. “Will you be here when I get back?”

“You have my word. Remember what I taught you. Stay sharp.”

She nods, her eyes meeting mine. “I’ll be fine, Alex. Just promise me you’ll be here for me.”

I take her hand, squeezing it gently. “I promise, Bella. No matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you.”

As she walks out the door, I feel a mixture of pride and fear. Pride in her strength and fear of what might happen next. But one thing is certain – I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and end this once and for all. “What are you waiting for?” Ricardo asks once she’s gone.

“Nothing,” I reply, handing him the report before walking out for good.

THIRTY-FOUR

Bella

New York City is alive with its usual hustle and bustle, the energy of the city both invigorating and overwhelming.

I flag down a cab, the bright yellow car pulling up to the curb with a screech. The driver, an older man with kind eyes and a grizzled beard, gives me a nod as I slide into the back seat. "Where to, miss?"

I give him the address from the note, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me. "And please, if you could take the fastest route."

He raises an eyebrow but obliges, pulling away from the curb and merging into the flow of traffic. As we drive, I glance out the window, the familiar sights of my city blurring past. The cabbie's voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Got a lot on your mind, huh?" he asks, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

I nod, offering a small smile. "Yeah, you could say that. It's been a rough few days."

He chuckles, a warm, rumbling sound. "I hear you. Got kids?”

“No, why?”

“Mine make me look like you look. Always keeping me on my toes. My eldest, he's been acting out a lot lately. Can't figure out what's going on in that head of his."

His words strike a chord, and I find myself opening up. "Have you tried talking to him, asking him what’s bothering him?"

The cabbie nods thoughtfully, his eyes focused on the road. "Yeah, but he just clams up. It's like pulling teeth. You’re a woman. Got any advice on how to get through to him?"

I think back to my own childhood, the times I felt misunderstood or scared to speak up. "Maybe try finding a common ground, something he’s interested in. Show him that you’re there for him, no matter what. It might take some time, but if he knows you’re not going anywhere, he might open up eventually."

The cabbie smiles, a glint of hope in his eyes. "Thanks, miss. I’ll give that a try. Kids, huh? They’re a handful, but my wife won’t let me give them to a thrift store. Guess I’m stuck with them."

The cabbie pulls over to the side of the road. "Here we are, miss. Good luck with whatever you’re dealing with."

I hand him the fare, adding a generous tip. "Thank you. And good luck with your son."

He tips his hat, giving me a reassuring smile. "Take care now."

Stepping out of the cab, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s to come. The building in front of me is nondescript, blending in with its surroundings. But I know this is the place. My heart pounds as I approach the entrance to an abandoned store.

I push open the door and step inside, ready to face whatever awaits me.

The air is thick with dust and the faint smell of old wood. The place is deserted. My heart races as I walk down a dimly lit hallway, my footsteps echoing softly. I reach the end of the hall, where a small, forgotten room lies hidden behind an old, creaky door.

Taking a deep breath, I push the door open. Inside, the room is sparsely furnished, with a single table and a chair in the center.

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