MarcoNostalgia or the thought of living in deciet all my life, plagues me. The family I knew my whole life, the family I sacrificed my whole life for, I ly to find out what? All of it was a plan. A damn role?One of the waiters pass by and I signal for a drink. My eyes dart between the man claiming to be my uncle and the heap of wrapped gifts opposite us. The waiter refils my cup while I resume my sit.“What makes you think I'm scared of the truth?” I finally ask, emptying the drink down my throat as I wait for him to reply.The smoke from his pipe fill my nostrils but it doesn't bother me one bit.“I've known you since you were a little kid, Marco. I know your weaknesses.”“if you ever truly knew me, then you would have known I seek truth above all.”He chuckles as though he is about to choke.“Alas, the man of the hour is here.” I turn towards the door and find Big Tom walking over to us.That didn't surprise me as much as the moment I recognize the lady walking by his side.The
ShawnAfter all my sacrifices, all my wait for years, to give her a perfect life, she goes ahead and have a child.A child that is not mine.I take a sharp glance at the child beside me. He has stopped crying but the thought of it not being mine is driving me crazy.All I wanted was to entrust all that her father had to her and make up for the past years.But she was busy making babies for another man while I fought so hard to regain the Giovanni's vault to her name.Maria. Why would you ever think of making such a mistake?I drift to another sharp turn and arrive at a close. There's just one thing on my mind right now.That fucker with his stupid glasses.I need to end this madness.I need her to remember what I am.I halt in front of a small office, parking by the sidewalk and leaving the child in the car.I see a sign board and I proceed into the building.There he is. As much as I'm so filled with rage and disgust for him, I walk in casually, taking a seat opposite his desk.It's
MarcoMy target walks up to me, his gait faster than i would normally expect from a man his age. “What package?” i question and immediately, sounds of clicking gun fill the room. Ricco only gave me a briefcase containing an important documnt to sign. If this is really a test, then something must be missing. "Games. Don't play games with me." He turns to his men, "search him."Seeing the situation, it will be pointless to put up a fight. I've never met this men and I will be stupid to belittle associations that work with either BigTom or my new boss.As one of them try to snatch the briefcase from me, I stepaway."He has the package," one of them announces as they step away from me. The leader walks up to me, with a smug smile."That was close, you know. You could have been a corpse by now…What's the deal?" he asks.No one told me i was coming here for a negotiation.It's a test afterall. I use the only available card in my power, since my weapon has been ceased, as I reply,"Sa
ElvisIt's still a mystery. After years of of searching for these culprits, I finally get a hold of one with enough evidence to keep him behind bars. Waking up this morning I receive a call, and all of his details have been wiped out.How on earth is that possible?The head of department himself promised to handle the case. I was hoping to interrogate him further to roundup the other criminals. Now this.I adjust my tie in front of the mirror of my small apartment as I prepare for work.I need to ask questions. I can't let all my efforts go to waste. Something definitely is not right. I tuck away my gun, grabbing my car keys as I head out.“Marco sidorov” I turn the name over in my head. My previous investigation has revealed him to be a leader of a group of illegal organisation disguising as charity organisations.It might be a wild move especially now that my boss seems skeptical of my abilities in handling high-profile cases. Even if it's the last thing I do, these criminals will
SarahHe hands me a cup of water as he helps put Carlos to sleep.It all still feels like a dream. Shawn. All the years I've known him, the last thing he would ever do is back down without a fight. “He's a beauty,” Michael says dreamily as we both stare at Carlos in his crib. Safe, away from the beast.“and he deserves alot better,” Michael adds, this time staring back up at me.Our gaze meet for an awkward second before I distract myself with some of Carlos' s unfolded clothes hanging on his crib.“I really appreciate all the help, doctor,” I reply, trying to fill the silence with anything. Anything but the thoughts I'm having. Or the thoughts the doctor is trying to make me have. Something I know might be far out of my reach.As I turn around, I stumble on Michael's broad chest. Standing close up to me, I realize how built he is. Too built to be a doctor. He takes my palms ever so softly, but his gaze is fixed directly over me. “I want to do more than help, Sarah. Your eyes a
Marco She keeps a straight face as our gaze meet. Ricco is addressing the group but for seconds, I'm lost in a haze of my own thoughts. Her gaze doesn't leave mine. The rest of the others at the table seem to be nonexistent. A faint lopsided smile crosses her lips. She knows or is it my mind?Does she know I recognise her?“Is that right, Marco,” Ricco asks. Not until then do I realise how long we've been lost in eachother's gaze .I peel my gaze off her and turn to the boss at the edge of the table. Maybe he notices, maybe he doesn't, but he interchanges his gaze between us and continues,"You'll meet the rest of the group tonight for a brief meeting."And with that he leaves without touching his meal. Few guards follow behind him, while two others remains stationed at the dining.I'm itching to grab her throat and ask questions but her eyes restrain me from making any comment as the other two occupant at the table continue to eat thier meal in disturbing silence.Being a new membe
ShawnAll my effort to muffle the scream doesn't work as he chops off the other big toe on my right leg. My head banging with severe ache, as I struggle to catch my breath.He swings the blood-stained gardening tool to the floor. Maybe he has giving up or maybe he's about to pick up another weapon, i cant tell but the pain in both my legs, increase, coursing through the whole of my body. "Are you ready to talk?" he asks, adjusting his glass frames and staining them in the process.He walks up to me, but i continue to act unmoved by his threats and torture.Knowing that he wouldn't back down, i think of another alternative."What do i stand to gain by telling you anything?' i ask.He leans closer to my face, as though trying to dig out the answers he needs by searching my eyes."Nothing. You gain nothing," he spits on my face. I look a way, disgusted."But..." he continues, walking back to the sink and leaving the tap running, "if you give me what i need, maybe your family will be gr
SarahNothing less than five years for obstruction of justice. If that is my only offense.I'll no doubts spend the rest of my life in prison if they ever find out about all the mysterious murder hanging in my name, not to mention my involvement in the very case my department has been investigating.There's no way I can allow them find me, but there's nowhere to hide.What happens to Carl?The thought of my only hope of existence sends me running back to his crib. He's been crying all along. I've been too deep in thoughts to realize.Tears escape the corners of my eyes as i try to pacify him, heading to the the kitchen to grab his meal.Would he grow up to be like his father too? Will my shadows hunt him when he gets older?What would I ever tell him happened to his father? Will he grow to hate me?These thought pierce my soul like tiny needles buried in my skin.Why have I never considered all of these possibilities before now?I place the bottle in his mouth but he refuses, increa
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