I am using this opportunity to thank all my readers and subscribers for starting another mafia journey with me. From this chapter onwards, the characters will be telling the story from their perspectives. Sit tight and enjoy the swift turn. Please, don't forget to vote and comment. Your comments and feedback go a long way in helping me provide you with the best possible quality. I love you all!!
MarcoWith one arm pressed tightly against my bleeding wound, I clench my teeth in pain, firing two precise shots at the speeding motorcycle approaching me. The third shot finds its mark, sending the bike crashing to the ground and its helmeted rider sprawling. The bike chimes aggressively as the wheels roll in the air. I quickly duck behind my car, narrowly avoiding a hail of bullets aimed my way as I fire another shot. Amidst the chaos, a desperate plea reaches my ears, “How much were you paid? I'll give you triple, just let me go.”I hesitate, my heart pounding. I'm not sure of the identity of my victim. I cautiously approach the fallen rider, nudging aside the discarded weapon with my foot. Standing over the quivering body, I keep my gun aimed steadily at him. The man beneath me looks like he's been sufficiently neutralized by the gunshot wounds.“How much can you afford?” I inquire, a cruel glint in my eyes. I tug at the victim's leg, causing fresh crimson to spurt from the w
Sarah Marco is back. Weak and defenseless—terribly injured. This is the best time to run away, effortlessly. I reach for his breast pocket, leaning forward, to pull out the keys with two fingers stretched to their limits. Unfortunately, it is the wrong key. I toss the bunch over the bed checking for any other keys that fit but find none, except a few dollar notes. Using my toes to feel his trousers for a bump, I finally hear a clicking sound. With my toes, I try to pull out the keys from his pocket, horror-stricken at the thought of him waking up at the same moment.The keys fall out of his pockets with a mild clash on the rugged floor while he remains lifeless, losing blood. Heaving a sigh, I drag the keys, pulling them gradually towards me until they get to a point where my hands can comfortably reach. I pick it up with my free hand, hurriedly fitting it into the lock until it clicks open. Filled with surprise and horror I caress my wrist, jumping put of the bed and running to
SarahI drive down to the bar. My memory seems to be coming back gradually. As late as it is, I see people flocking in and out of the bar while I pull over abruptly, knocking down a trash bin. Turning off the car engine, I step out, with Marco’s phone in my hand hoping to find Betty before I’m tempted to call. She seems to be the second person I can trust. Or at least that knows me enough. I’m desperately in need of some clarity.The condition of my memory makes it difficult to think of the right decision. It feels strange to be among people, as I manipulate my way through the clumsy crowd, the stench of pipe and whiskey fills the entrance as I walk into the bar, my arms wrapped around my body. Everyone is too busy to notice me but I feel so exposed after weeks of being in confinement.“There you are. You aren’t a bad driver after all,” I hear a voice call out, startling me as I feel a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I find Betty, with a wide smile. She seems taller than the l
Sarah My brother? I almost run into a street light as I take a sharp turn. Betty made it clear that I had no relations even if she didn’t tell me how that came to be. “We’ve searched everywhere for you, Maria,” the voice continues, oblivious to the horror I feel, as my heartbeat begins a loud drumroll. The shook I feel wouldn’t let me attempt a word as I drive along, trying my best to steady the wobbly vehicle.How can that be? I drive along, searching for the nearest exit out of town like Betty advised. “I heard of your illness, Maria. I would have come earlier for you if I heard early enough,” the voice continuesI remain silent, listening to the voice as my face grow pale at every chime of the car radio.“Mother has been dying to see you. I see you don’t want anything to do with us. I’ll relay that to mother. She can finally find closure on her sick bed—”“Wait” I cut in, bringing the vehicle to a halt. I’ve a mother too? Did betty lie to me? “I…I want to meet my family,” I repl
Sarah I stare at the navigation screen, then the voice adds,“Stay right where you're. I'll come get you.” A beep follows immediately after and I'm left with a black screen and the thumping of my heart, waiting in silence. I take another peep out. The walkways have become more deserted. Few street men walking in groups, staggering around with bottles of strong drink in their hands. I suck in another breath with my eyes closed, hating the temporary darkness my memory has thrown me into. Just as I fling my eyes open , I see a the headlight of a coming vehicle , far ahead, but bright enough to cause me to squint. That should be him. My brother. I rush out of the vehicle, running toward the coming vehicle. The car parks abruptly just beside me as I stop running waiting to see my brother or a face that might revive my memory of my family. A man come running out of the vehicle, leaving his car engine on. But I notice the anger in his eyes, the bloodstains on his padded sho
MarcoHer sudden reaction doesn't bother me as much as her state of health. She's getting worse by the minute and I don't have a way to bring her back to her memory, back to the sweet innocent Sarah.“Why not? Since when did I grant you the privilege of taking decisions for me?” I ask, knowing that it's a waste of my time exchanging words with such crazy. “They'll kill you if they find us,” she adds. The fear is evident in her eyes but I know exactly what she needs.The drugs have started to take effect. I expect her to be calmer. It could be that the drugs don't work anymore for her. It's a good thing I know just the right alternative.I walk out of her room while still engaging her in the discussion,“... And who are these people, if I may ask?”I'm running out on sedatives, as I open the cupboards in the kitchen. I decide to draw out the last bottle I have. As far as I'm concerned, Sarah is not just a threat to me but herself. The more she stays unconscious, the better for her and
Marco“One step ahead. How does that make you feel?” a voice booms from the other end of the line. He was so swift in receiving the call, one might think he had been waiting all night for my call.He sounds familiar, like one of the attackers from the previous visit.“I don't know what time zone you're on, but it's not yet seven AM over here. I've been keeping my end of the deal, so we have no business.”“Just a reminder, Sidorov. We don't play games,” he replies. I could tell the anger in his voice but I'm just as irritated.“The only one playing games here would be you. Bloody brother? Who the fuck believes such cheap lies? She might be crazy but not stupid enough to ever believe she had a brother ready to swoop in and save her. Cheesy, don't you agree?”“Maybe if you hadn't shoved out your ugly face, Maria would be with me. I don't trust you one bit.”“But your boss does, and you need my protection. In a matter of hours, you'll come crawling for a place in my gang. Let this be the l
MarcoLarge , fancy chandeliers, suddenly find their way up the ceiling of the antique mosque, and radiant colourful lights making it seem just like a chapel ground, the typical white wedding.I sent Sophia to make a scan of the area immediately we tracked their location. There's a long roll of red carpet at the center with chairs covered in two rows of blue and white linen, filing both sides of the once–empty mosque. Beautiful flowers, lavished all around in elongated ceramic vases along the carpeted floor. A continuous row of dishes, and fine wines. A grand wedding indeed. It's Impossible to tell how hastily the decorations were planned. It looks just perfect. Normal. And Happy. Such words shouldn't be used to describe such a wedding. To the commoners and bystanders, it's an unnecessary lavish wedding of a philanthropist and a tycoon, but to the other world, it's a fancily decorated war zone, and as groom, it’s nothing close to innocent, or whatever picture the society have of me.
Marco Before I can respond, Sophia’s already packing up her equipment, saving files, closing out of secure databases. “I’ll reroute everything to a mobile setup. With that, I can operate from the road.”“Good. I'll be in the car. Meet me in five,” I say, heading toward the door. I glance back at her. “Sophia—thanks.”She gives a sharp nod, though I catch a glimpse of worry on her face. We've been here before.History is about to repeat itself. “Just don’t get yourself killed. I’d hate to do this without you,” she finally chokes.We’re in the car and halfway across the city before either of us speaks again. I steal a glance at Sophia, her eyes focused, fingers tapping on a tablet as she keeps an eye on Ricco’s movements. Every minute counts. Every second. If Ricco’s man gets to Padre first, we lose the one card we have against him.Not just him, including the corrupt officials funding their activities.Padre is the only key, we can't affor to lose it.As we approach the penitentiary,
MarcoAs I turn to leave the lab, Sophia grabs my arm, her grip surprisingly firm for someone half my size.“Marco, please listen to me. This isn’t about Padre alone. Ricco’s reach is deeper than we think, and getting tangled up with Padre could ruin everything. They’re tied to powerful groups, and they don’t tolerate outside interference.”Her words sink in, but there’s no going back now. I give her a straight look, pulling my arm free from her grip. For one, she knows she can't stop me.“If this information leads us to unraveling Ricco’s entire operation, then it’s worth the risk.”She sighs, adjusting her glasses and muttering something under her breath. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”I slip out of the lab, heading into the cool evening air. A quick drive brings me to the outskirts of the city, near the penitentiary. It’s set behind high towering steel fences and walls.At the entrance, I flash a badge I’d 'gotten through a past job, posing as an attorney. The guard bare
Marco"How many times do i have to repeat this? I'm not Betty," she responded in a frenzied whisper as Ricco's voice overshadowed every other sound in the room. There's another task. Never an end to his missions, but thankfully, amongst all the people he called out, I don't fall in the list.Celebrating the temporary freedom, I watch as Betty gets up from me to join the selected crew.I don't pay much attention on the instructions. It's none of my business.Big Tom is addressing them but Betty and i exchange eye contact. I need to find the truth from her and the only way to do that is to exploit her witnesses.It's not my fault that she provided me one on a platter of gold.After a brief discussion with Ricco about the delivery of new sets of ammunition, i head out of the mansion, in search of Betty.I find her standing by her car, about to get in."Elizabeth Maguire," i announce, few metres away from her. I watch her reaction as she stiffen. Definitely Betty. One doubt crossed. N
SHAWNThe fucker is standing right next to her. I hate to see her cry but she deserves to be punished. Everything I've ever done has been for her, yet she chose to trust this fucker over me. Brought my very son to him. I try not to think about how many times he's had to touch her. My Maria.She can't belong to anyone else and she knows this.The anger grows rapidly inside of me as the doctor halts in front of her."Please, don't do this," Maria pleads. She's managed to crawl to the door. Her cry stings my heart as the fucker attempts to land a kiss on her.That's when I reach my limit. The guts he has. All I wanted was to scare her, to make fear me, respect and just follow me.I'm more than enough for her. That has to sink in her tiny sexy brains.Three close shots. He goes limp, and falls right by her side.She screams, shutting her eyes in terror."You've forgotten who I am so soon," I say, approaching her and kicking the body away from her.Now that I've details about the doctor
SarahHis grip over my mouth is so hard. All my attempt to get away proves futile. My heart beats even faster as he pulls me out of bed.My back is against his chest but as we walk past the large mirror in the room, he halts.His gaze rests on my reflection. "Maria, i dont like that look on your face. Everything I've ever done has been for your own good."All i do is shut my eyes, hoping this is a dream. A lucid dream Michel assured me that Shawn was a forgotten past.I didn't bother to ask how he knew but i believed stupidly.Shawn leans towards my ears, his grip tighten against my mouth."I've something to show you. Please, Maria, please, dont do anything stupid."He grabs the sheets on the bed to cover my naked body up."Do you miss me? There's no doubt. You do. But i'm mad at you. Maybe I'll be able to forgive you afterwards. Just maybe..."He pulls me towards the door. The tears trickle down my cheeks over his palm."I hate to see you cry," he continues as he unlocks the door,
Sarah"I got a call..." Michael begins, resting both palms on my shoulders, like he's about to give a long speech.His reaction makes me uneasy. At least I made sure no one noticed when i left. "Remember i mentioned something about my sister living in the same neighborhood with you."I nod in agreeement. "There was a fire."I pretend to be shocked, but i am. How did he find out so quickly. "Is your sister okay-.." i ask."Yes. But," he hesitates but continues, "The fire started at your place.""My house is on fire?" I force the tears to leave my eyes.Michael pulls me into a hug making it easier for me to fake it as I cry aloud against his soft fabric."This is now your home, Sarah. I'll also replace everything that was lost in the fire," Michael adds. I pull away from him, thankfully my face is wet enough."You don't have to. Maybe this is a sign for a fresh start indeed," i blurt out. "I don't want to look back anymore.""I agree, Sarah. The police have begun investiagtion on th
SarahI knew the doctor to be comfortable, but i would never have guessed that he could own such a massive place. There are a few staff around, as they help us unpack the few luggages we brought. A bag for Carlo and one for me. "It's massive," i whisper under my breath as i pat Carlo on my shoulder. He's still fast asleep."I have something to show you," the doctor says, guiding me away from the lobby with bright chandeliers at the centre, towards the flight of stairs ahead. We arrive at the first floor. The first door to our right leads to a room. "Are you ready?" he asks. I nod, gaping around like some lost stranger. I've lived in luxury all my life but with the doctor, it's different.I'm not a prisoner.As he opens the door i find a beautiful nursery all set up.My palm clasp over my mouth, stopping me from exaggerating my emotions, careful not to wake Carlos.The emotions rush in as i step in. It's blue-themed. A typical baby-boy room."I'll call in a nanny to take care of hi
MarcoThe old woman doesn't seem to buy my story. Her look spells suspicion.I retain the smile on my face, closing the gap between us while I continue,"I'm surprized Elizabeth never mentioned it. She told me she'll be here also.""I'm going to call the cops on you. Stay away," she yells making her way back in."Grandma," the little boy comes running out, stopping the woman in her tracks.He's holding a picture frame, extending it to the woman. The boy for one is certainly smart.The woman takes a glance at the picture, and back at me.I catch a faint view of it. A picture of Andrey. For some reasons, he looks almost like me. It's part of the reasons i don't believe Ricco and his lies.Andrea and I have always shared a striking resemblance."Do you believe me now?" i say to the woman, squatting in front of the boy and ruffling his hair."What's your name big man?" The boy doesn't smile. Not a word escaped his mouth. Just the surprise written all over him."Your story had better b
Shawn For a doctor, he sure is a hard man. I barely escaped him. Not without a severe hit on my arm and a bruised knee. For one, i acquired the vehicle, in on piece, however broken my bone feels right now.I've to lay low. Get these fuckers off my track for now or i just might be a cheap prey for them. I'm heading north, with no direction as i try to set up the GPS of the car.They will try to find the village now that I've exposed one of the hideouts.Even though it will be no use to them. There's no way they can crack the vault without the clues in my possession.Still, i'm living nothing to chance. Not the inheritance I worked for. Not ever. I drift into a sharp corner, viewing the rare view mirror for any sign of my enemies. It looks all clear. I keep driving, searching around the car for notes. I'm dead broke, for a man entrusted with such wealth.I find a dollar bill and make a brief stop at a grocery store.Before i get out of the car, I clean off the blood stains on my