The Golden Cage

The Golden Cage
Santiago

As the saying goes, "the night brings counsel." During the entire bedtime, unable to sleep, I stayed awake, thinking of an original and creative way to make that wretched Ignacio pay.

In my mind, he absolutely has to pay. He ruined the weekend I was supposed to spend with Orely and that's unforgivable.

I have contacted my advisor in Italy, Leopoldo, for all the information I need and how I intend to act. Leopoldo was the loyal consigliere of Enrico Lombardi, whom I myself murdered, and today he is under my command like a loyal lapdog devoted to his master.

I spoke to him at length about my strategy in a video call and he seems to agree with my points. Given that he has worked for over eight years with his former sponsor and has acquired a certain maturity and experience in the field, his thoughtful methods are most welcome. I listen to him and he seems to be up to the task. When I was a teenager in a remote neighborhood, Enrico Lombardi was passing by on business and approached me as I sat on the stoop of a house in the middle of the street. He always had a cigar between his gold-ringed fingers. I'd been reprimanded by my father that day, and seeing me in tears, he gave me a gun.

It was from there that I first learned to shoot. Seeing that I was gifted and a quick learner, he did everything he could to get me to join his camp. I learned to speak and write Italian fluently. He had thought of everything because he was my father's sworn enemy, and as I'm his son, it was the perfect opportunity to get closer to him.

But one day, Enrico Lombardi had laid out a plan, and while passing by the door of his office in his grand home where he lived in Mexico, I overheard him say that after he eliminated my father, I would be next. Furious, I grabbed the gun that was in my room, and when he took me out for a hunting trip, instead of taking my gun, I took the shotgun to kill him with my own hands after he confessed that he had used me and that I was just a burden to my father. That’s a bit of the details, and as for the rest, you already know.

I'm planning to bring a large number of my Italian men into the country for more security and action. No more passivity, it's time for me to take matters into my own hands and show what I've got. In a few hours, I'm off to Italy to sort things out and pick up Orely. Yes, she's not in the country, but she's being treated like a queen, which I'm delighted about. 

As for Ignacio, he took a private jet, which is my private jet, to be on Italian soil too. He's in a five-star hotel right now, taking it easy, but not for long. I put together some clothes and documents in a pouch and then packed them in a small suitcase. Luis, meanwhile, ensures the safety of Mrs. Lucia, Orely's mother. I don't want to have any more problems to deal with, I've got enough on my plate. Alvero accompanies me and takes care of all the harbor entrances in case Ignacio decides to turn back. You never know, with hotheads like him, I expect the worst. They always have this tendency to make a mess where it doesn't belong.

It's almost noon and the sun is already high in the sky, casting its burning golden rays over the private airport and the jet's gleaming fuselage. I stand beside the plane, my sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Dressed in an elegant black tuxedo, I display an undeniable confidence, while my men, encircling the perimeter with their imposing frames, are ready to defend me at all costs. It's amazing that even when you're powerful, you still need to be vigilant.

I board the plane and a faint engine noise is heard as the jet prepares for takeoff. 

Beside me, my Mexican advisor, Alvaro, my man with a serious face, whispers the latest crucial information about Ignacio. At the end of the week, he plans to go to Smeraldo, the place where La Domina gathers for all its important meetings. Which gives me plenty of time to organize everything before the bastard comes to meet me, and it'll be the shock and the end of his life.

"Ah Alvaro, together we form the very best duo ever! An alchemy of strategies and tricks is brewing, and I am ready to face the complexity of what awaits me in Italy." I thought aloud, while staying focused. 

Orely

I feel so weird being pampered like the Queen of England. After the maid encouraged me to eat my meal, several other maids came to help me take a bath, and I am not going to lie, it’s very pleasant. So, I let my guard down, put my negative thoughts aside and decided to enjoy all the good things that are happening to me right now. All that's left is to not regret my choice afterwards. I wake up from a nap and open my eyes to find myself still in this vast, sumptuous room, the walls adorned with beautiful, high-end tapestries and crystal chandeliers diffusing a soft, warm light.

"Hmm so yes, I'm not dreaming, it's all real." I murmur, looking at the mark I made when I pinched myself earlier. 

Disoriented, the last thing I remember was the beautiful day I spent with Santiago and then a sudden darkness. Now, I'm like in a fairy tale, which always leaves me bewildered where attentive staff stand around me, making sure I lack nothing. A woman in uniform, with a radiant smile, brings me a tray of assorted macaroons and a glass of banana chocolate milkshake. 

My goodness! With all these delicacies I eat all day I'll soon look like a whale but it's all so delicious.

"Is everything all right, ma'am?" she asks me in a soft voice, bringing me out of my thoughts, and I nod. But a question has been burning my lips for a few seconds since she entered.

I watch her clear the tray to put the plate of cookies and the milk drink on the table. All I can do now is watch and stay inside. 

"Excuse me, but could you tell me why I'm here and who brought me here?" I say as his smile fades slightly. 

"I'm sorry, but I can't give you that information. All I can tell you is that you're safe here, and that's the most important thing," she replies, lowering her eyes.

Ah! It's always the same answer! Have they only learned to say that or what? I'm surrounded by luxury but it's a torture not being able to get out of here and breathe fresh air. Why am I offered so many privileges while I'm locked up? Why so much mystery? I'm so bored.

"I'll leave you now." The woman says as she leaves the room and I hear her lock the door. 

I get out of bed and slowly approach the window with fancy locks, my bare feet brushing against the smooth, clean parquet. I pull back the beautifully patterned white silk curtains, revealing a breathtaking landscape. My eyes light up as I take in the brilliant blue sea, like a sapphire under a radiant sun.

With the sun's rays on the surface of the water, this creates a light show that resembles a bed of diamonds glittering with a thousand lights, each tiny wave reflecting shards of silver glass. I'm mesmerized by this heavenly view. Too bad I don't have my camera with me. 

From afar, I see seagulls soaring gracefully through the air, their cries mingling with the waves crashing against the cliffs. The scent of the sea air, mixed with the warmth of the sun blows a warm breeze and envelops me in a gentle feeling of serenity. But damn, what on earth is this magical place? Am I enchanted? It can't be. No way! From the window, I take a deep breath, the salty air filling my lungs, energizing me and allowing me to fully absorb the beauty before my eyes. Suddenly Santiago comes to my mind. He must be looking for me, and in a dark rage I suppose.

I never thought I would say this one day, but right now I miss him. I feel safe and free with him. He has never hurt me, but he always does everything to make me happy. I stand still for a moment, contemplating this marvellous tableau, before heading for the door.  
Hearing footsteps, I lean over and press an ear against the door, and voices in another language come through. 

"Huh?! What's that? Italian? What the hell does that mean? I'm not in Mexico?"