Mafia's Second Chance Love

Chapter 3: Coming Home

I stirred, my consciousness slowly returning like the first rays of dawn. My head throbbed, and I could taste the metallic tang of blood in my mouth. For a moment, disorientation shrouded my senses as I tried to make sense of my surroundings.

As my vision cleared, I realized I was lying on a narrow hospital bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic lingering in the air. Memories of the early morning flooded back—the hospital, the woman named Claudia, her son, and the abusive father who had struck me down.

With a surge of determination, I pushed myself into a sitting position, my bruised face protesting each movement. I glanced around the dimly lit room, spotting my backpack and phone on a nearby table. I needed answers, and I needed them now.

The room felt eerily quiet, and my ears strained for any sounds of movement outside. But as I reached for my phone, a voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Looking for this?"

Startled, I turned to see Sarah holding my phone. A sense of relief rushed through my body!

My memory slowly pieced together the events that had led me here—the hospital, Claudia, the abusive father, and the intervention by two mysterious men. I realized that my actions had put me in danger yet again.

'You need to stop putting yourself in front of drunk people!' Sarah stated and a chuckle left my lips only for the rush of pain to come back. I touched my lips only for them to c***k again and fill my mouth with blood.

'He got me good, didn't he?' Sarah smiled and nodded.

'Nothing too serious.' she replied.

I winced as I touched the bruised and swollen side of my face. "I'm used to it," I admitted, though I knew it was a far from healthy acceptance of the risks involved in my line of work.

"You were lucky," Sarah replied, her tone softening. "The two men who helped you made sure you got the medical attention you needed. They even stayed until they knew you were out of danger." I looked at the clock on the wall. It's been two hours since the incident.

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Who are these men?"

Sarah hesitated for a moment before speaking, "They didn't leave their names, but they were quite insistent on making sure you were alright. I've seen them a few times here. I don't know them but thank god they came because security was late.''

'Where is Claudia?' I asked.

'They have been waiting for you to wake up.' They have nowhere else to go. I convinced her to find help and then her help fainted. I need to get it together. 'When you're ready,' Sarah mentioned and got out of the room.

As Sarah left to attend to her other duties, I was left alone with my thoughts and the unanswered questions that lingered like shadows. Who were the two men who had come to my rescue, and why were they so invested in my safety?

With trembling hands, I picked up my phone and stared at the missed call. Right. Back to work.

I immediately dialed the missed call number which I had memorised a long time ago.

How did he wake up so early? It's almost 6 o'clock in the morning.

'Why did Sarah call to let me know you ended up in a hospital bed again?' his hoarse voice asked. He must have just woken up.

'Things got out of hand.' I replied. 'I need to ask for something.' On the other end of the phone I could hear him taking a deep breath. He already knows what I'm about to ask.

'We don't have any rooms to spare. We're full Kira.'

I already knew that. Our organization, unfortunately, is not that big and our rooms are occupied most of the time. We try to find jobs for the families we host as fast as possible so they can leave the room and we can help more families in need. But lately the job market is becoming more demanding and gaining some economic freedom for struggling families has become more difficult.

'Our cleaner left last month. We urgently need a new one.' I stated.

I know my boss has already posted the job. It's been a month and nobody contacted us. The wage is not good, the hours are worse. Someone in great need would have taken the job. It comes with a small room. Not the best, but that's what I can do for now.

My boss at the other end of the line was silent. Anytime now...

'If I agree, can I come a bit late to work? It's only fair since you woke me up with your things getting out of hand.' I knew it! I only laughed and closed the phone. He's a good man. A sensitive one with his own demons to deal with too. As we all.

A few minutes after, and Claudia, the little one and I were leaving the hospital doors. On the bus, I explained everything. Claudia was only grateful for finding a place to leave, no matter the job. She thanked me a thousand times.

As the bus rumbled along, the early morning sun cast a soft glow through the windows, painting the city with its warm hues only to be hidden by the gray clouds of London. Claudia sat beside me, her son nestled against her, already drifting back to sleep. The exhaustion etched into her face was a testament to the trials she'd endured, but the flicker of hope in her eyes remained undimmed. When the bus pulled to a stop at our destination, Claudia and I disembarked, and I led her to the modest shelter that was both a refuge and a sanctuary for those in need. The building's worn facade hid the warmth and compassion that existed within its walls.

"This is Mr. Harrington," I introduced her, "the CEO of 'SafeHaven'."

He didn't sleep as he said and he didn't come late. He was just in time to welcome Claudia and her son. His expression is a mix of weariness and understanding. He'd agreed to my request to hire Claudia as the cleaner, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

Mr. Harrington extended a welcoming hand to Claudia and her son, leading them down a narrow corridor to the cleaner's room and then on a tour of the two-floor sanctuary called SafeHaven. As they disappeared around a corner, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief, knowing that Claudia and her son were now in a safer place, free from the threats that had haunted them.

With my responsibilities momentarily fulfilled, I retreated to my office, where the faint echoes of the shelter's activities barely reached. My body ached from the events of the previous night, and my bruised face served as a painful reminder. I settled into my chair, staring out at the London skyline through the window, the gray clouds still dominating the sky.

I glanced at my cluttered calendar, a silent reminder of the pressing matters that required my attention. Among them, the annual charity event loomed large. It was a critical fundraiser for SafeHaven, but the task of securing a sponsor weighed heavily on my shoulders.

Each year, we sought a sponsor willing to foot the bill for the event—venue, food, drinks, and all. In return, they enjoyed the benefits of a tax write-off, a mutually beneficial arrangement. However, with the economic challenges of the times, finding such a sponsor has become increasingly difficult.

I knew it was a task that required months of preparation and careful planning. It meant securing the right sponsor, compiling a guest list, and consulting with the sponsor on their preferences. It was a balancing act that demanded both patience and determination.

As I pondered the looming challenge, I couldn't help but reflect on the irony of relying on wealthy individuals seeking tax benefits to support those who had none. But the reality was that the shelter needed the funds to continue its mission, to offer refuge to those like Claudia and her son who had nowhere else to turn.

With a sigh, I began to dive into the preparations, knowing that the clock was ticking, and the charity event was fast approaching.

The minutes turned into hours as I delved into the daunting task of preparing for the charity event. It was a meticulous process that involved reaching out to potential sponsors, negotiating terms, and ensuring that every detail was in place for the evening. I compiled a small list of potential sponsors but it wasn't enough. At this rate, I will never find one.

And when something feels impossible, the only person that can help is Ethan, my closest friend and confidant. He was a brilliant hacker, and his skills were invaluable in navigating the complexities of the digital world to help our clients. We shared a history of escaping abusive households, and he was a reminder that there was hope beyond the shadows of the past. I quickly videocalled him to see what he was up to.

Ethan usually worked from home during night hours. His hours are a bit different. He is creative at night and in the day he rests. With his unruly dark hair and a perpetually mischievous glint in his eyes, he was my lifeline to the digital realm.

I opened a video call to Ethan, and his face appeared on my screen, his home office visible behind him.

"Kira, you're my favorite, but why in hell would you call me at this time of day?" His voice was rough. I must have woken him up. It seems today I've been an early bird and everyone I need is sleeping!

I spared him a tired smile. "The usual, my friend. Trying to secure a sponsor for the charity event. It's tougher this year."

He leaned back in his chair, fingers dancing over his keyboard. "It's that time of the year again?" he asked as he yawned.

I chuckled despite myself. Ethan had a knack for bringing levity to even the darkest of situations. He stood up and went to his kitchen to prepare some coffee, it seems. I could see him walking, still sleepy.

'I'm sorry for waking you up. You must have been working late again. I'll come tonight.' The regret in my voice was imminent. I should have waited and not call him. I knew he would be sleeping.

Ethan's steps stopped in his tracks and turned around to the camera to see me. His expression turned serious. "I'll start digging. There are always philanthropists looking for opportunities like this. We just need to find the right one." My eyes widened before turning soft.

"Thanks, Ethan," I said with genuine gratitude. "You're a lifesaver."

He winked and tapped a few more keys on his keyboard. "I'll get to work. You just focus on the big picture."

I watched as he prepared his coffee and sat in his office tapping on the keyboard with the fluidity of a seasoned hacker, his screens coming to life with information. His dedication and unwavering support were a constant source of strength for me. With a renewed sense of determination, I turned my attention back to the charity event preparations. The families we supported depended on the success of this event, and I was determined to make it a reality.

'See you tonight?' he asked. I nodded and closed the call.

Maybe I can catch some sleep for a bit. My eyes are getting heavy.