284 - Leon Carter

284 - Leon Carter
Leon Carter

The Chicago sun felt different that morning. There were still traces of spring in the air, but the streets already carried the urgency of summer approaching. The city, always alive, seemed indifferent to the fact that I was returning to it not just as a married man on paper, but as one in soul.

Ella had fallen asleep curled up against me during the flight back. Her face serene, her hair tousled from the journey, and that soft glow she always had when she was at peace. I watched her as if I wanted to memorize every feature, every breath. As if just the sight of her could anchor me, even though, inside, the storm was ready to blow again.

Because I knew what was waiting for me.

Riccardo was alive. And that was an open wound that needed to be closed.

When the car dropped us off at the entrance to our apartment, she stirred slowly, stretching like a cat in the leather seat. She smiled when she looked at me, and that smile disarmed me.

"We’re home!" she said, with an almost sacred tone.

"Yes, princess. Our home."

We walked in hand, holding our furry children in the other. I set Lola down, and she immediately began hopping around the living room.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, welcome back!" Grace greeted us. "There's fresh coffee waiting for you."

Since the break-in at my apartment, I had barely come back here, and Ella wasn’t familiar with the place, so I let her go with Grace and take her time getting everything organized. The apartment was exactly as we had left it before the trip, but now, everything felt different. Because now, she lived here with me. Not as a guest. But as my wife.

Perninha had already claimed the couch, and Lola ran straight to the little corner with grass and food we had set up for them. It was as if they knew this new beginning was theirs too.

While Ella was pulling our suitcases, I called Bear out onto the balcony.

"Go with her today," I said. "First to Walker. Then to the university. Harry will be nearby, but you don’t leave her side. Any suspicious sign, call me. No hesitation."

"Understood, boss," he said with a firm nod. "She’ll be safer than ever."

I went back inside and headed upstairs to our bedroom. I found her with a blazer over her shoulders, checking her soft lipstick in the mirror with focused precision. I approached slowly, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind.

"Everything’s going to be fine today..." I murmured, kissing the curve of her neck.

"You think so?" she turned slightly, looking into my eyes.

"I’m sure of it. You’re a born leader. You were raised by one of the greatest businessmen I know..." a smile began to form on her lips.

"Alright, I’ll tell your father-in-law you're trying to win some points!" She let out a joyful laugh, and I held her close.

"I’m serious, amos. You’re a Walker. That means you’re a strong leader, and I know you’ll do great with your presentation."

She smiled, filled with emotion and pride. We had to come back earlier than planned from our honeymoon precisely because Ella had a presentation at college, and I was too eager to put an end to Riccardo.

"And you, Carter?" she asked with a laugh.

"I’ve got something to take care of." I held her gaze with resolve. "With Riccardo. I need to look him in the eyes. Understand how far he went. How far he’s willing to go."

"And what will you do with him?" her voice was low, but without fear.

"I don’t know yet. But today... today I’m going to decide and put an end to this."

She nodded slowly, then kissed me like it was a blessing for what I had to do with that damned Italian. As if she were giving me one last silent prayer before I went to war.

"Take care of yourself," she whispered.

"I will. And I’ll be back to you tonight..." I smiled at the thought of lying on her body while kissing her most intimate places and tasting her sweet flavor.

Bear appeared at the door, signaling that everything was ready to take my wife. Ella said goodbye with one last look before walking out, and only after the elevator doors closed did I allow myself a deeper breath.

Gavin arrived within minutes.

"Everything ready?" he asked, walking in like he owned the place. "Frost is already in the basement. Riccardo is waiting for us."

"Then let’s go." My voice came out low, but filled with certainty.

We got into the car and drove through the city streets. It was restless, as if deep down all the criminals knew someone would die today and were trying to save him from me. I was so focused on the sound of the tires on the asphalt and the distant sirens that everything reminded me of the conflict inside me, and especially that Riccardo was still polluting the air I breathed.

But I was ready, and this time, he was going to suffer everything I went through during those two damned days of torture at his and Arnold’s hands.

Today, I was going to face the man, the mission I had failed months ago.

Riccardo Nicola will feel the weight of my hand and everything I’ve been holding inside just for him.

The car glided through the streets of Chicago with the precision of a scalpel. Gavin drove in silence, his eyes fixed on the road, but his mind, just like mine, was focused on what awaited us in the nightclub basement. Riccardo Nicola was there, tied up, waiting for us.

When we arrived at the club, I paid no attention to anyone else. Even though my name was called by my manager, there was something far more important now. I went straight down the stairs until I was standing in front of a black door that led to the basement of the club. It was a dark place, untouched by daylight. The concrete walls muffled any sound, making it the perfect location for what was about to happen.

Once inside, Frost greeted us with a nod.

"He’s awake. Hasn’t said a word since he got here."

I walked over to the chair where Riccardo was tied up. His eyes met mine with a mixture of hatred and fear.

"Riccardo," I began, my voice cold as steel. "Do you remember me?"

He didn’t answer. I saw him roll his eyes, so I stepped even closer.

"You tortured me for two days. Now, it’s your turn to feel a little of what I felt."

With a signal to Gavin, he handed me a small toolbox. I opened it slowly, letting Riccardo see each instrument.

"Let’s start with something simple," I said, picking up a pair of pliers.

I moved closer and sat in the chair in front of him. I placed the pliers on his pinky finger, and before applying pressure to crush it, I saw the desperation take over his face.

He screamed loudly, begging me not to do it, saying he was just following orders. But I didn’t stop. I squeezed the pliers without caring about what he was saying.

"This is just the beginning, Riccardo."

Over the course of the next few hours, I used techniques I had learned from years alongside my father and godfather. I was skilled in several methods taught to me by my grandmother, too. I wouldn’t kill him quickly, but I would make him suffer enough to beg for death.

At a certain point, he began to babble something I had been waiting to hear since I arrived at that place.

"Please… stop… I’ll talk…"

I leaned in, my face just inches from his.

"Then talk."

"He’s in Africa… trying to close deals with African diamonds…" he murmured, blood dripping from his mouth.

He started revealing information about his allies, Arnold’s trafficking routes, and their future business plans.

When I finished, I looked at Gavin. I now had more than enough information to destroy the Italian operations here.

"Take him to the cell."

As I left the basement, I felt a mix of relief and weight, knowing I finally had the necessary information to force Arnold to surface, and to make him kill Riccardo.

I left the club and headed back home, thinking about Ella. About how I’m finally starting to eliminate the threats that are closest to us, and that brings me a sense of peace.

I know I’m doing my job, which is to protect her. My wife is the light in the darkness we live in. I felt my phone vibrating, and as I pulled it from my pocket, I smiled at the message from my mother.

"The press release just went out, Ella is officially a Carter!"

That was a relief. I knew my in-laws were releasing another statement today, and all I wanted now was to enjoy the evening with my beautiful wife.