CHAPTER 5: NO DOUBLE CROSSING ALLOWED

SERENA RICCARDO’S POV

I arrived at the casino and took a tour around it. I went up to my usual place and watched people play like their lives depends on it. I signaled Armando to bring Lia to me. Lia was one of those whom I hired to make sure all the money placed to win in a game returns back to me. Lia appeared before me. She hasn’t been carrying out her job effectively. I made Armando remind her of her job. Lia apologized for not being effective and left to meet one of our usual clients.

Lia placed her bet and I watched her win all rounds. Lia gathered the money and tried to leave but was stopped by one of the players who called her out for cheating all the time. Lia tried to break free from him but his grip on her was strong. I watched very closely and when I realized what was going on, I picked up my gun and rushed over to Lia.

“Let go of her hand” I said to the man

“No! He replied.

“Just on the count of threw and if your hand is still on her, you won’t be using that hand anymore” I said while I glared at him

“I dare you to do your worse! He yelled.

“You… ? You’re daring me? I sneered at him. “He’s daring me, Serena Riccardo. Very well then, one… two… , you ain’t letting go? Fine… three”

“I’m not letting go. Let her hand over my money to me immediately”

“You tempt me, I see” I fired a shot at his hand and he quickly let go of Lia's hand and wailed in pains.

He quickly glared at me and began to yell. I pointed my gun at him.

“The next shot will be fired at your heart if you don’t leave this casino” I said with a Stern look on my face

“You are a monster” he shouted

“No. I am Serena Riccardo” I smirked

“Serena Riccardo, the monster! I’ll make you pay for this! I will! He yelled and ran out of the casino.

“Armando take Lia inside” I said to Armando.

“Yes boss. Come Lia” Armando and Lia left for my office.

I had caused an uproar when I fired a shot at the player, I cared less. I turned and left for my office.

Lia placed the money on my table. I made Armando count the money. I placed the money in the safe and threw a bundle at Lia.

“I’ll transfer some money to you. I’m retiring you” I said to Lia and got up from my seat”

“Why boss? Lia asked

“First of all, you haven’t been effective lately and secondly, they found out that you cheat to win and how you cheated. No one would want you on their game table. That means, we’ll be loosing out on our money. The rule is that no one leaves here with any money. Come with me Lia”

“Yes boos”

I took Lia to my usual place where I get a clearer view of the casino and showed her the casino.

“My men and girls are on each table getting money back to the casino. You got discovered… you were so careless”

“My apologies boss”

“I should shoot you down”

“No please boss, don’t”.

“Take that money and get lost. Armando, get the car ready. We are leaving”

“Yes boss” Armando replied.

“Lia… enjoy your life and I hope you will. Now get out of this casino immediately. I don’t wanna see your shadow any where around or near this casino. Got it?

“Yes boss”

I arrived home and left for my room. I went in and shut the door behind me. I dropped my gun on the table and removed my wrist watch and other accessories. My body aches cause I had a lot to do today. I undressed and went into the shower.

I finished up with my bath and got into my pajamas and sat on my bed and went through my phone before lying down to sleep.

Why trying to force myself to sleep , I remembered Mr handsome and our meeting at the mall. I began to smile and blush so hard. On realizing what I was doing, I felt so embarrassed and quickly pulled up the duvet to sleep.

The next morning, dad Invited me to his office. He was pretty mad at me for yesterday’s incident. Dad had no idea what was going on in the casino. On realizing what I did, dad scolded me for playing dirty. I reminded him that mafias are known for playing dirty. Dad wasn’t pleased at all. The look of. His face made me apologize, though I never regretted my methods and I had no intention of ending my methods. I quickly returned back to my room and got dressed. I left with Armando for the wine company.

The company immediately became a graveyard the moment I walked in. No one spoke a word as everyone focused on their job and avoid making eye contact with me. I ignored their existence and left for my office. I got into my office and shut the door. Armando called in my secretary who rushed in with some files which I went through. I signed the necessary ones and asked her to leave with the files.

I began to cross check the account book which I requested to be brought to me with my own book. I realized that some money was missing. I signaled Armando to go through the book. We were on the same page after realizing that there was a mistake. I asked Armando to call in the accounts manager.

Mr Tommaso rushed into my office panicking. I threw the book at him and he bent immediately and picked it up.

“Care to do some explanations? I said leaning back.

“Uhmm…ma’am..how?. Mr Tommaso stuttered.

“Why is there a mistake in that book? I asked

“Mistake? What sort of mistake ma’am”

“How much have you stolen from this company? Be honest cause my gun isn’t far from me”

“Steal? Never. I can’t do such. I know the kind of person you are and I dare not mess with you. I didn’t steal from this company. I swear ma’am”

“You swear? I sat up and leaned forward with my hands on the table. “you swear? I took a break and within two months of my absence, such amount of money disappeared? Ain’t you wonderful? I’m shocked Mr Tommaso”

'I swear on my life”

“Your life is worthless. Tell me, where is the money? Be honest, I won’t hurt you”

“I didn’t take any money. You can investigate”.

“Armando, what do I do with him? Seems like he doesn’t value his life”

“His wife’s life worth a lot boss” Armando said.

“My wife? Please don’t hurt her” Mr Tommaso said falling on his knees.

“Armando get everyone in the account department over to the conference room ASAP”

“Yes boss” Armando said and left

“Mr Tommaso, you should be heading to the conference room too”

“Yes ma’am” Mr Tommaso quickly rushed out of my office

“Very well… it seems like he’s innocent. I thought he’s an accomplice. Seems like Agatha did this all by herself and how is that possible? Let’s find out.

I quickly left for the conference room. I waited patiently with Mr Tommaso for the others to arrive. They’ve got a lot of explanations to do. I just landed a contract and in two months such amount of money disappeared. They arrived and had their seats.

I hit my hand on the table scaring them. I stood up and threw the book on the table.

“I don’t have time for questioning. The culprit should step forward immediately or else, each one of you is going to have a bullet in his or her leg. Trust me, I can do that because my patience is so thin. So who’s the culprit! I yelled

They stared at each other looking so confused.

“I don’t repeat myself so I’m waiting or maybe, I should shoot Mr Tommaso now and end his story. Agatha… what do you have to say?

I turned pointing my gun at Agatha

“Ma’am please don’t shoot me”.

“Really? One reason I shouldn’t do so? Agatha, one the things I hate most is people stealing from me. Trust me, it doesn’t end well for them. Seems like you’ve forgotten who I am. I don’t forgive those who trespass against me. My gun does the judging and punishment”

“Ma’am,… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to. Actually… “

“I don’t want your stories. Provide the money in the next 24 hours or kiss your mother goodbye”

“My mother? Please don’t hurt her. I will return the money ASAP ma’am”

“ Good. 24 hours, no 23 hours 56 minutes. The countdown just begun”.

“I will leave now” Agatha said rushing out.

“You all can get out. And listen you all, don’t ever try to double cross me unless you’ve got a death wish which I’m always ready to grant. Now leave and go back to work”.

“Yes ma’am” echoed everyone.