Chapter 23: Shared Care
Santiago
But deep inside me, a storm's brewing, ready to break out over those who dared touch what I cherish most. Arriving at her home, I see Mrs Lucia sitting on one of the steps in front of the entrance to her house, her head bowed. Hearing my footsteps, she raises her head.
"Ah Santiago, they've taken her away!" she said, bursting into tears and I approached.
"Don't worry, I promise I'll bring her back safe and sound," I announced, taking her in my arms.
"Why her, my boy?"
"I'm going to find out, you can count on me. But relax, I'm already looking for her. Tell me the whole story of what happened."
I hand her a tissue to wipe her face and she begins.
"I was busy in the garden watering the flowers and pulling the weeds. Feeling a little thirsty, I went to the kitchen for a glass of water. When I came in, I saw the big cookie jar open and Orely's little chain on the floor. But suddenly the hum of a car engine sounded. Looking out of the window, I saw men taking my unconscious daughter away. Panicked, I had the reflex to call you on her phone."
"You did the right thing. Trust me, I've already got a lead. I suggest you get some rest," I reassure her, and she tilts my head.
"I'll go now and give you an update."
"Okay, be careful and I'll wait for your call," she expresses and I I give a slight bow.
A Few hours later..
At Noche de Estrellas
Sitting at the granite counter in one of the best private bars nestled in the heart of the city, I need to unwind my mind, to get rid of this anger that's eating away at me inside. The carefully chosen music fluctuates between jazzy melodies and lounge sounds, adding a touch of sophistication without ever being intrusive. As I sip my glass of whisky, this ambience soothes me as I wait wisely for Alvaro's call at any moment. Attractive chicks full of life, wink at me, but my head's not in it. Despite the fact that my mind is monopolized by Orely, dark thoughts and painful memories rise to the surface. I let myself be distracted by watching the bartender, a true artist, preparing bespoke cocktails with fresh ingredients and original recipes.
With supple, elegant movement, he tosses the sparkling bottles, mixes the vibrant liquids in the glassware, all the while sharing an enchanting story, transforming each drink into an ephemeral masterpiece that captivates the sight and delights the palate. The people around the counter come a little closer to watch the little show. In the middle of the crowd, every smile I ignore, every glass I raise without really thinking about it, is just a facade to hide the storm brewing deep inside me.
Suddenly I feel my cell phone vibrate in my pants pocket. It's my faithful companion Alvaro and I pick it up.
"So?"
"Boss, it turns out that code E is not only one of your men but also one of your father's accomplices. The pawn I've employed has informed me that he'll let her go in two days' time."
"And why two days?"
"Apparently the target is resisting."
Holy Orely! I was sure she'd play hard to get. It was to be expected, but it only delayed my plans.
"Calm down, everything's under control," I soliloquized.
"Let me know if you know anything else."
"Okay boss."
With all the dirty tricks played by the traitors around me, and always on my guard, the goal I've set myself is to expand my cartel all the way to Italy. I was able to prove myself with the hateful feeling towards my father. If he possesses the bravery to regard me as insignificant in his eye, it implies he may also have the boldness to eliminate me. As a result, I came up with the idea of joining forces with the Italian mafia. It was with this strength and rage that I was able to become the leader and godfather of the Italian mafia. At just twenty years of age, I became the Italian devil's right-hand man, and today, at thirty, I'm the devil himself.
You may be curious about how I did it? Well, I managed to kill the notorious Italian mafia leader, Enrico Lombardi, who challenged me to do it by labeling me a coward. From that moment on, without hesitation, I seized the firearm of one of his associates unexpectedly and ruthlessly fired at him until he looked like a sieve used to drain the pasta of his homeland.
I've learned to become heartless in order to take revenge on my father, who accuses me of being my mother's murderer. If that's really the case, how come I had the coffin exhumed and when I opened it, it was empty?
What really happened? Come to think of it, my godmother owes me some explanations too. The secretive one!
What my father doesn't know is that I'm playing the weakling to him, but in reality, I'm also the alligator that moves silently through the water and can attack quickly and forcefully. An ability to camouflage and remain motionless also makes it very dangerous.
I've had enough, I'm off. I called my driver as I've had a bit more to drink than usual, so I'll be careful. What's more, I feel a dull pressure behind my eyes, as if my skull were like a balloon about to burst.
Orely
I've lost track of time, when will this nightmare end? I can't stand this place any longer, and there's only one little window that gives me a little hope, when I occasionally hear birds singing during the day and crickets chirping in the evening. I've cried so much I look like an ugly, slimy frog with huge red eyes. In this vulnerable phase I'm exhausted, hungry, missing my garden and my flowers. I recall my moments of freedom, the laughter shared with my mother, being busy in my workshop, and best of all, meeting Santiago where we spent our first night in the moonlight. But feeling trapped in this shithole, all my memories crumble and the lack of fresh air leaves a great emptiness inside me.
"Lord, help me," I moaned, kneeling on the mattress.
This experience of being sequestered is unbearable. Every passing minute seems like an eternity, and the weight of anguish weighs so heavily on my heart that I feel my throat knotting up like a pile of knots tied to an ocean liner to secure the cargo during the crossing. After my visit to this man's luxuriously decorated office upstairs and the way my captors are elegantly dressed, impeccable suits, tailor-made but in stark contrast with unheard-of cruelty. That tells me they're members of the mafia.
Their faces are marked by a coldness that makes you shudder. Their deep black eyes seem to scrutinize my every move as they accompany me to the bathroom or bring me food. They address me with snide politeness and menacing smiles, and in this world, elegance mingles with a picture of violence that bodes ill. At the drop of a hat, I hear a slight creak echo in the silence of the room. My heart races, anticipation mixed with a hint of trepidation.
The door opens slowly, revealing an unfamiliar figure, ready to change the course of my evening.
In the shadow of this cold, unwelcoming room, I stand, my heart racing wildly.
"Quit your whining and follow us. The boss wants you," orders one of the kidnappers, his voice hoarse, full of menace and his face square and tight.
My trembling hands try desperately to grip the rough stone wall tightly.
This filthy room where only the flickering light of a bare bulb generated floating shadows around me, amplifying my fear. I follow them without saying a word, without complaint, letting myself be guided through this long, dark corridor and my heart drums in my chest, until we reach a staircase. Every step I take seems to lead me towards the anguish of being killed. But as I step through the door, I find myself in a sumptuous salon, discovering a breathtakingly dazzling spectacle.
In the center of the room, modern, sparkling crystal ceiling chandeliers with three-ring remote control attract my attention. The walls are lined with rich tapestry in shades of cream and gold, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A large cut-crystal chandelier hangs over the carved marble fireplace, adorned with gilded details and delicate floral motifs.
Further back, near the sofas, a large ceramic vase decorated with floral motifs sits on the floor, filled with brightly colored flowers, adding a note of freshness and completing the décor, while a soft velvet rug stretches out in front, adding a touch of comfort to this elegant space.
It’s an intimate yet opulent ambience, perfect for cosy evenings by the fire.