CHAPTER 006

CHAPTER 006

Lucia shut up her coat tighter around her shoulders as the wind bit at her cheeks. There she was, staring at the busting square edge, a building that seemed imposing as if it got erected here. This was not what she had anticipated from Nero Orsini. It was not exactly a city of neon signs. There were no obvious signs of mafia doings. It was instead a simple, well-guarded warehouse, its tall gates shading the men who stood by, hands on their weapons.

Lucia took a deep breath. This was it. There was no turning back now. Her hands trembled a little, but she jammed them deep into her pockets, wrapping large fingers half about the small dagger kept hidden. This precaution was taken just in case.

Her boots crunching with the gravel, she went up to the gate. The guards noticed her, and one nudged the other. Men turned to her, their expressions unreadable.

The random man grumbled, 'Who are you?'

She hadn’t said it, had it? Her heart pounded in her chest, afraid she might have made a mistake. She had to. “I need to see Nero Orsini.” She made herself look the man in the eye. “It’s important.”

The guards exchanged glances, conveying a sense of judgment. One of them shrugged finally. “Do you have an appointment?”

“No,” Lucia admitted. “But I have something better. A deal.”

The other guard smirked. “A deal, huh? You, along with every other desperate individual in this city, need to get lost. Get lost, kid.”

She resisted dismissal and took a step forward. ‘Tell him I have information about Matteo Vulpin.’” Tell him it’s worth his time.

That got their attention. The frown replaced the smirk. A guard pulled out a walkie-talkie and whispered into it. The silence was strange and lasted longer than Lucia liked. But her posture remained straight, and her palms were damp with sweat.

The gate creaked finally open. The guard said, without looking back, “Follow me.”

She walked through, Lucia’s heart hammering. Crates and machinery filled the vast space of the dimly lit warehouse. Purposeful men moved around, their conversations low and quick. They watched her, measuring her up, wondering what she was doing there.

The guard led her up a set of stairs into an office that overlooked the floor. He pushed the door open and knocked once.

“She says she’s got something about Matteo, boss.”

Behind a large wooden desk sat Nero Orsini, his wheelchair slightly to the side. He was not at all like she had pictured. His sharp gray eyes scrutinized her thoroughly. But he was calm, even relaxed; something about him made her uneasy. He was waiting for her to make a mistake.

After a long moment, Nero finally spoke, and his voice was smooth and commanding. “You’ve got my attention.” “Speak.”

Her knees felt like they might give out, and she stepped forward. She took a deep breath and began, "I offer you loyalty, skills, and knowledge." I need protection in exchange. Resources.”

Nero leaned back slightly and raised an eyebrow. A stranger’s loyalty is a dangerous gamble. Why should I trust you?”

“I want the same thing you do,” she said calmly. “To take down Matteo Vulpin.”

The room fell silent. Nero watched her closely as he tapped his fingers on the desk. Why would a girl like you be interested in Matteo? "What's your angle?”

Lucia hesitated. She couldn't reveal all the details to him just yet. ‘He wronged me,’ I said. Badly. I intend to hold him accountable. “We can help each other,” you and I.”

Nero smiled faintly. “Ambitious. Ambition without proof is worthless. “If you’re serious, you’ll have to prove yourself.”

Lucia said quickly, “I’m ready.” Too quickly.

Nero’s smirk widened. “Good. Then here’s your test.” He slid a file across the desk. You’ll find the details of a shipment Matteo’s been guarding like it’s his firstborn inside. You’ll intercept it. Bring it to me.”

Her hands shook only slightly as she picked up the file. She nodded as she glanced through it. “Consider it done.”

Nero’s voice stopped her as she turned to leave. He said, his tone colder now, “One more thing.” Don’t bother coming back if you fail. ‘I don’t deal with liabilities,’ he said.”

Lucia met his gaze. “I won’t fail.”

And when the gates closed behind her, the weight of her task pounded down on her, and the guard escorted her out. She had no allies, no backup. If they caught her, there would be no second chances. She couldn’t think about that now. Failure wasn’t an option.

---

That night the docks were quiet; salt and a muffled hum of machinery filled the air. Her heart racing, Lucia crouched behind a stack of crates and took in all she could see. More men than she’d expected guarded the shipment. Her mind raced; she bit her lip. She couldn’t afford to rush it.

She watched their patterns and their movements and waited. As the time came, she glided by the guards, her tread muffled. She pried open the latch on the crate she needed, just enough to see inside.

This was it. Matteo had been secretly transporting his weapons. If she could successfully deliver these weapons to Nero, it would be a significant blow to Matteo's operations. Reaching for the crate, she heard a hand on her shoulder.

A voice growled, “What do you think you’re doing?”

The man spun, and Lucia drove her elbow into his stomach. He grunted, doubling over, but she didn't get far before another guard saw her.

“Hey! Stop her!”

She dove under another swing and grabbed a long metal rod off the ground as panic coursed through her. She swung it hard, knocking the guard out. Now the others were closing in. She had to move.

Her muscles screamed in protest, but she grabbed the crate and drug it towards the edge of the dock. Bullets hit the crates around her, splinters flying, and shots rang out. She didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop.

She eventually got to the edge and saw a small motorboat tied near by. She pushed the crate onto it without thinking and jumped in, fumbling with the engine. The guards reached the dock, shouting curses and firing wildly, just as it roared to life.

Lucia didn’t look back. The cold night air stung her face as the boat sped away. However, she experienced a fleeting sense of relief. This was only the beginning.

---

She returned to Nero’s office, the crate in tow, and it was quiet. His men were surprised to see her alive, let alone successful. Nero looked at her, but his expression was unreadable as the guards unloaded the shipment.

Finally, he said, “You’re full of surprises.” “Most wouldn’t have made it back.”

Lucia shrugged, but she felt like collapsing. “I told you I wouldn’t fail.”

Nero nodded, a respect flicker in his eyes. "For now, you deserve to be here."

Nero’s voice stopped her as she turned to leave. “One more thing, Lucia.”

Her chest tightened as she looked back.

You know more about me than you think. Keep that in mind.”

His words sent a chill down her spine long after she'd left. What did he mean? And how much did he know?