Page 48 of A Game of Survival

Dario and Enzo enter the room, coming to stand in front of the desk, I gesture for them to take a seat opposite me. While I had time to sit and think of new ways to punish Lucille’s petulance, I knew I needed to get somebody I trusted wholly to watch her and Teddy, and who better than the men who already understood her new found sass. She did threaten them with a gun after all. And Enzo was found to be faithful, promising his life for the cause.

“Boss, what can we do for you?” Enzo asks. I watch him, narrowing my eyes until he fidgets slightly under my watch, deciding only then to put him out of his misery.

“I need you to accompany Ms Holland with Teddy to the park, she is visiting a friend and her daughter. I want it to go smoothly, with no hiccups. I want no harm to come to any of them. You are to protect her and the boy with your life.” I instruct, glancing between both of them who simply nod their understanding. “I don’t trust her not to try and sneak out before their arranged meeting time so I want you manning the door from here on out.” I advise. They both stand once I deliver my instructions. “I know you won’t let me down.”

“Never Boss. After losing my own son to those Irish bastards, I won't let that be anyone else’s fate.” Dario says solemnly. I notice the way his eyes darken, I know he will never get over it, and how could he? I know I wouldn't. It would be my undoing.

Dario had a ten year old son, Lorenzo. The Irish burnt down one of the apartment blocks we owned in a bid to start a war. Dario’s wife and son were not the only casualties that night. But it's the one that hit hardest among us all. We all watch out for him. I may be his boss but I ensure he is never alone at family times. I protect my family, my syndicate. I nod in understanding.

“We’ll keep them safe, Boss” Enzo confirms before they both leave, closing the door behind them.

I know that I made the right choice.

With Lucille and Teddy now in capable hands, I am able to concentrate on work. Time ticks on as I dive into finances and new and upcoming events to hold. We still have various businesses to run and I can't neglect them. Since the fire at the restaurant Enzo has already managed to find a new location to rebuild. Enabling us to already have the papers in place to purchase and get started. He’s falling into his new role well over the last few days and I am proud of him. Though I won’t admit that outloud. My brother would be proud of him too. Another reason I’ve entrusted him to watch over Lucille and Teddy today.

I glance up from a spreadsheet when I hear shouting coming from outside. Before I’m able to investigate, the door bursts open as Katrina rushes into the room cradling Teddy to her chest with her daughter in her shadow. I’m on my feet immediately, the hairs on the back of my neck prickling at my skin as a horrible sense of dread pools in my stomach. I rush over to Teddy and inspect him thoroughly, he’s covered in blood but none of it appears to be his. There are no obvious wounds covering his shaking body and no tears falling from his eyes. He looks empty as I stare into his eyes and pull him to my chest. He’s in shock. I look past Kat to see Max whose face has taken on that of a demon. His eyes are full of a blackness I can relate to so much of myself but I see no sight of Lucille. My heart begins to race as I try to remain calm.

“Where is she!?” I demand, glaring at both Katrina and Max. “Where the fuck are Enzo and Dario?” I growl. And for a second, nobody utters a word. The only sounds filling the room are those from Katrina’s daughter who whimpers behind her mothers legs.

“They were ambushed before they reached us at the park. There was nothing I could do. I hid myself and Bella from them but they were only interested in Luci and if Dario hadn’t hauled himself in front of Teddy they’d have killed him. Dario… Dario, he’s…” Katrina chokes, letting out a strangled sob as she reaches out to both Isabella and Teddy bringing them closer to her body.

“WHERE IS HE?” I snap, waiting for them to explain. They better fucking explain quickly, my rage is barely being contained but I have to keep a lid on it for Teddy and Isabella’s sake. They don’t need to be scared of me. Max moves forward protectively.

Katrina takes a gulp before saying a single word “Dead.” I take a step back stumbling into the chair. Dario, dead. Those bastards took his family and now him.

“Riposa in pace,” I murmur, clenching my fists. “What about Enzo?” I ask, unsure I want to hear the answer. I raise my eyes to Max this time. “And Lucille?”

Max looks at Katrina, almost pleading, like he thinks I’ll hurt her if left alone with her. “Max, you have to let me explain, you weren't there. Take the kids to the kitchen. Get Teddy checked over and into some clean clothes, He’s in shock!”

He attempts to open his mouth to argue but snaps it shut.

“Max, Katrina will be fine. We’ll join you after. You have my permission to come back if we are too long,” I tell him.

He scoffs at me and directs Teddy and Isabella to the kitchen, although I hear him mumble, “Permission, I don't need fucking permission.” I shake my head letting that one go as I need to find out exactly what happened.

As soon as they are out of sight, I gesture to the chair opposite for Katrina to take a seat. She moves from the doorway, closing it behind her and taking a seat. I watch her inquisitively, wondering what lies in her past. She knows more of this world than she has led my Lucille to believe. My background check came up with some interesting information about her. One day I’ll let Lincoln dive in and dig around a bit more. But that is for another time. Now she needs to answer my questions.

“So what happened?” I start, my stare hard. I’m trying to keep my cool as promised though my insides are a jumble of fucking nerves.

“I don’t know, they came from nowhere. One minute we were waving at each other, barely ten yards apart, then a white van pulled up and out jumped four men. They all wore balaclavas so I couldn’t get a look at their faces. But they were heavily armed and moving with planned precision. I grabbed Bella, dove for cover and shielded her away from what was happening. She was shaking beneath me, my daughter. You have to understand, I would have done something if I could but I had to keep Bella safe. Lucille tried to shield Teddy but they ripped her away and began shooting before Dario and Enzo could even intervene. Enzo had already gone down, and Dario… He threw himself onto Teddy, shielding his body from the bullets. They didn’t stand a chance. I don’t think they saw me, but If they did, I wouldn’t be here right now. I ran to Teddy as soon as they cleared the street and brought him straight to you.” Katrina explains. I watch her as she closes her eyes, a single tear slips from her lashes. She definitely knows more about us than she has ever let on.

“Katrina, I want you to be honest with me. I know exactly who Angelo Moretti is to you and your daughter. I know exactly what he can do. You have little contact with him I understand. But I need you to contact him, I want him to do what he does best and find out where they are keeping my brother and Lucille. We don’t have time to wait. Do this and I will never speak of your connection to this world to anyone unless asked. I will not tell anyone your secret, principessa mafiosa.” I threaten.

She glares at me, straightening her spine. “No one can know about me and Isabella. If I contact him, I will not let him come anywhere near my daughter. Do you understand? Do we have an agreement?”

“You have my word Katrina. Your secret will always be safe with me.” I nod. And hand her the burner phone I keep in the drawer of my desk.

“Now? You want me to contact him now?” she balks at me.

I raise my eyebrow at her. “Time is of the essence, Katrina. Call him and tell him to do what he does best. I will pay any price he asks.” She looks at the phone and back at me before punching in the number aggressively. She places the phone onto loudspeaker and places it on top of the desk between us, for us both to hear. It rings until I hear a male voice answer in Italian.

“Salve, chi è?Hello, who is it?

“Ciao, Papa. Bisogno di un favore. Mio amica è stato rapito da Ronan Costello. Io bisogno che tu scopra dove lei.”Hello, Papa. I need a favor. My friend has been kidnapped by Ronan Costello. I need you to find out where she is.Katrina speaks back in fluent Italian. He responds, demanding to know what she has gotten herself involved in but she continues. “Non sono più affari tuoi, Papà. Trasferirò i soldi una volta che avrai lei posizione.”It's not your business anymore, Father. I’ll transfer the money once you have her location...Katrina breaths out, glancing at me before adding, “Anch'io, ti dovrò un favore.”I will owe you a favor, too.

Interesting that she has something Angelo Moretti wants. She ends the call saying, “Addio, Papa.”Goodbye, Father.”

I raise my eyebrows at her before she stands. “Not a word to anyone.” She snaps before abruptly leaving the room and slamming the door behind her. She has her fathers temper, that's for sure. I have only met the man once but he is not someone I would want to double cross. Whatever favor he asks is not one she will be able to refuse.

---