Chapter 76 WOMAN DRAMA
••Roman••
"Take the right turn," I instructed Theo.
We were heading out to check on a new inn being built, one of the Orlovs' projects. Our plan was to expand our territory, ensuring we had eyes and ears everywhere. It was all part of growing our influence.
We drove through the compound, the security guards and workers already busy with their tasks. The area was under construction.
As I stepped out of the car, I took off my sunglasses and waved over to one of the guys at the front.
"Good day, Signor," he greeted, giving me a respectful nod.
"Where’s the capo in charge?" I asked, glancing around.
"He must be inside, let me call him out, sir," the man replied, quickly turning to head inside.
Theo was parking the car while I kept an eye on the scene, observing the environment.I was starting to wonder why I hadn't seen the capo yet, he should have been the one giving me the progress report.
"Let's go in," I told Theo when he got to where I was.
We approached the entrance of the building, and as the door swung open, the capo stepped out. I could tell instantly, this was one of the new appointees my father had assigned to oversee the project. I could already tell this guy wasn’t what I’d call capable, but I had to see for myself.
"My apologies, Signor Roman. I rushed through my meal to come meet you," he said.
"You had to finish your meal after knowing I was around?" I repeated, making sure I heard him right.
"Yes," he answered.
Theo glanced at me, and I could see the disapproval in his eyes, but he wisely chose not to comment.
"So, what’s the report on the work here?" I asked, pushing the conversation forward.
"The work is progressing fast, but the police keep coming around to disturb and stop us," the capo explained, trying to maintain his composure.
"Why’s that?" I asked, my voice getting a little more serious.
"They’re demanding a license for the work here," he responded.
"You should have handled them by now," I said. "Pay them enough to make them stop coming."
"Roman, I don’t support giving those bastards money. It’s just for their pockets," he argued.
I smiled at his naivety. Theo exchanged another look with me but kept quiet.
"I see you think you’re the one who gets to tell me what to do," I goaded him, enjoying the way he fidgeted under my gaze.
"I’m just saying, we have enough men to fight them back instead of wasting resources," he shot back, clearly unaware of the mistake he was making.
"And who’s going to take responsibility when things get out of hand?" I smirked, enjoying the power I held in this conversation.
Theo was about to step in, probably to shut the guy up, but I stopped him with a gesture. I’d been looking for an outlet for my frustration, and this guy had happily walked right into it.
"Don Lorenzo instructed us to do things as we see fit," the capo said, his words coming out like a challenge.
I placed my hand on his shoulder, my grip firm but controlled. "My friend, I totally understand you, but you seem to lack wisdom." I paused for effect.
"Boys," I called out to the workers outside. "Carry him to the back."
The workers immediately moved in and took hold of him, and I followed them with Theo in tow.
"What a fool," Theo muttered under his breath.
I spent the next few hours at the compound, dealing with the incompetent capo. I felt better after taking out all my anger on him. My mind was buzzing with thoughts of how to handle Marco Valerio, but I had to take care of business first.
I decided to drive back to the apartment to clear my head. The drive was a welcome break, and I had just started to relax when my phone rang. It was Luci.
"Help, Roman, help!" Her voice was panicked, the urgency in her tone making my blood run cold.
"Luci, what happened? Calm down and use your words," I said, my heart racing.
All I could hear was heavy breathing from her end, and then the line disconnected.
Theo was watching me, expecting an explanation. I didn’t have time for that right now. My wife is in danger.
"Luci!" I shouted, trying to keep my voice steady. I pressed the gas pedal, speeding through the streets.
"Call Vikoz," I ordered Theo, my voice sharp with urgency.
I could feel the tension building in my chest as I dialed her number again, but it wasn’t going through. My grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Call Vikoz now!" I snapped.
When Vikoz finally picked up, I snatched the phone from Theo. "Where are you, Vikoz?!" I demanded.
"I left the house because your..." Vikoz started, but I didn’t let him finish.
"You mean you left the house after I specifically told you to stay back? Now Luci is in danger. How do you explain that?" My voice was cold with anger.
He tried to explain, but I hung up before he could finish. I had no time to waste.
I swerved through the streets, my mind racing with possibilities, but my thoughts kept circling back to Luci. What could have happened?
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Luci’s call came in again.
"Roman," her voice was calmer now, but there was still a trace of fear. "It’s fine, I’m okay now. Don’t worry."
"What’s going on? What happened?" I asked, the relief washing over me, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
"No need to worry, Roman," she said, her voice soft but amused now. "It was just a spider."
"A spider? What?!" All that panic for a damn spider?
I eased off the accelerator, slowing the car down as I tried to process the moment. Luci had scared the hell out of me, but she was fine. It was just a spider.
I ran a hand through my hair and glanced at Theo, who was still sitting in the passenger seat, looking as confused as I felt.