Spending Time At Home

Spending Time At Home
A couple of days later..

Santiago

Ignacio is doing well at the moment, after the care he received from the doc to keep him from dying. Sitting in my office, I am surrounded by piles of documents, my eyes fixed on my computer screen. Here I am, juggling figures as they scroll by, and being a little tired, I do my best to keep my casino's accounts in balance, physically far from the country. Suddenly, my phone vibrates on the table, mingling with a regular click of my mouse, interrupting the concentrated silence. It is Alvaro standing in the shadows of an alleyway, watching two men with unwavering faces. He informs me that these two individuals are scanning the city's comings and goings to meet Igniaki.

Apart from their impressive frames, with eyes sharpened by malice, according to Alvaro, these cruel-looking men whose intentions are not friendly. They have no idea they have been watching, and head off to a nightclub. I get up from my armchair and start pacing, my mind racing as I think of a plan.

"Hmm, a nightclub, a place conducive to chaos, but also an opportunity. Prepare a team, but be discreet. I don't want you to attract attention. We have got a chance to hit it big and keep me in the loop," I order, taking a swig of my whisky.

— Okay Boss.

I hang up, my gaze fixed for a moment on my empty glass while remaining calm, and decide to leave my office for a change of air. I enter the living room, which is meticulously maintained and exudes a soothing ambience in contrast to the bustle of my office. I take a seat on the large, comfortable navy-blue canvas sofa in the center of the room, surrounded by soft cushions and a cashmere blanket. In one corner, on a polished wooden sideboard, cookery books with elegant covers are neatly arranged, alongside a glass carafe filled with fresh lemon water. I think of Orely's mother, who might be delighted to take a look at these references.

Just as I am about to close my eyes, Orely enters the room, wooden tray in hand, holding two slices of cream cake, delicately decorated with blueberries, and two steaming cups of coffee, their rich aroma filling the room. She gracefully places the tray on the coffee table, then settles down next to me. Together, we enjoy these sweet treats in a friendly, good-humored atmosphere. It is so nice when she is around, helping me to relieve the stress and tension of work.

However, in a serene voice, Orely asks me when I'm going to tell him about the kidnapping that landed him in Italy. I hold my coffee cup on one of my legs, and begin to recount her abduction experience. My words become entangled in a narrative that is both poignant and terrifying. I explain that her kidnappers are doubles, twins, as my gaze wanders into the void. Orely could not believe what she had just heard and shuddered as she clutched one of the cushions on the sofa.

I go on to reveal that it is a long-standing vendetta between my father and one of the brothers.

"They used you to harm me because my father refused to give in to their demands, that is to join the cartel," I recount, missing a pause as I search for the right words to explain the horror of the situation.

"It is like a punishment," she replies suddenly.

"That is right, you got it and they wanted to hurt you, but they did not know that the organization, La Domina, that they thought was part of it, is mine."

"And that is why I was so well treated and safe," she adds, and I nod.

"Being twin brothers, it was even easier to end up in two different places. But don't worry, it is all in the past now, you are well protected with me. The proof, you are here with your cup of coffee," I laugh and she smiles at me.

"I suppose you took care of them so you could tell me not to worry?"

To reassure her not to worry, I am going to say yes, because as you know, both brothers are still alive and I will be taking care of them personally. You already know what I am like, so there is no need to pretend to be surprised.

This little moment with her does me so much good. I put my cup on the table and walked over to her, taking her in my arms. 

"Don't think about it, the important thing is that you are here, out of danger," I say, kissing her hair.

"And when are we going back to Mexico?"

"When the time comes, my pretty. You know well that we are safe here, thanks to my organization."

"Okay, I will trust you and wait as long as it takes," she says, making me very happy to kiss her passionately.