Bound by Duty

Chapter 10 You know I will always keep you safe

The second the lock clicked into place, he aimed at the door, his fingers tightened around the grip, before slamming the gun down onto the desk, letting out a loud exhale as he sank back in his chair, his jaw clenching at the implication behind Roberto's parting words, He pulled out his phone and dialed Lucia's number, but it wasn’t connecting; he tried again, but still it wasn’t connecting. He shot to his feet, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door. His pace was so fast it was almost like he was jogging. As he walked, he kept redialing Lucia's number, but each attempt ended the same way. He decided to call Alexandro. “Ciao, Signore,” Alexandro answered.

“When was the last tim Bounde you heard from the men stationed at the penthouse?” Vincenzo asked.

“About two hours ago, Signore. Is something wrong?”

“Call them. Right now. Then call me back.”

“Right away, Signore.”

By the time the call ended, he was already behind the wheel, speeding through the city streets toward the penthouse. He dialed Matteo's number. The call connected immediately. “Where are you guys?” Vincenzo asked.

“We just got to the hotel,” Matteo replied.

“Drop whatever you're doing and get to the penthouse… Antonio too”

“Is something wrong, Vincenzo?”

“I don’t have time for an explanation, Matteo”

“We're on our way.”

Vincenzo kept slamming the accelerator. Seconds later, his phone rang. He looked at the name flashing; it was Alexandro. He immediately answered, “What is the situation at the penthouse?” he demanded before Alexandro could speak. “I can't reach them,” Said Alexandro. “I've called both of them. None of the phones are connecting.” Vincenzo's grip tightened around the steering wheel. “Get some men together and meet me at the penthouse. Now.”

“On our way, signore. “The line went dead. Vincenzo stared ahead at the road; his jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. Roberto's final words kept echoing in his mind. “If I were you, I'd be in a hurry to get home.”

The penthouse tower came into view at the end of the avenue. Vincenzo barely slowed as he swung the car into the underground entrance. The tires screeched against the concrete as he brought the vehicle to a violent stop. Before the engine had even died, he was already out of the car. As he strode toward the entrance, another set of headlights swept into the garage. The vehicle barely stopped before Matteo and Antonio exited the car. Matteo didn’t bother to ask any questions; the look on Vincenzo's face was enough. A third convoy rolled in moments later. Alexandro stepped out immediately, several armed men following behind him. “Signore.” Vincenzo met him halfway. “Any word from guards? Alexandro shook his head. “Still nothing, signore. We've checked the building cameras remotely. The feeds went offline approximately forty minutes ago.”

“And no one was informed.” Vincenzo said angrily, “Secure the perimeter.”

“Yes, Signore.” Alexandro immediately began issuing orders. Vincenzo turned and walked toward the elevator; Matteo and Antonio followed close behind, neither speaking. The elevator doors slid open, and they stepped in. Vincenzo stood at the front, eyes fixed on the numbers ticking upward, listening to the low hum of the lift climbing floor after floor.

Ding!! The doors opened. He moved first down the hallway toward the door. Vincenzo paused, just for a fraction of a second. Then he pushed it open. “Lucia.” His voice cut through the space. He stepped inside. “Lucia.” Louder this time, and still nothing. He slipped his hand inside his coat, drew his revolver, checked it, then moved. Both Matteo and Antonio followed suit. Matteo moved toward the left side of the apartment, scanning while Antonio moved toward the kitchen. Vincenzo walked straight into the hallway. The bedroom door was slightly open, and he approached it, each step quieter than the last. He pushed it open and walked inside. Immediately, something caught his eye; instantly, everything in him halted.

Lucia lay on the floor. For a moment, Vincenzo's mind refused to understand what he was looking at. The revolver slipped from his fingers and landed with a dull clatter, but he didn't even notice. His eyes fixed on the crimson spreading from the wound in her chest. He dropped to his knees, slowly he gathered her into his arms, and pressed his ears against her chest, but all he could hear was silence. Instantly, his trembling hands moved to her face. His fingers hovered under her nose. He waited, still nothing. Her face was already pale

He stayed there on the floor, one arm locked around her back, the other resting at her jaw, trying to steady her face. His thumb moved, brushing lightly against her cheek. Behind him, Matteo entered. The moment he saw Lucia, he froze. “Madonna mai...” said Matteo. Antonio appeared a second later. When he saw Lucia, he stopped dead in the doorway.

Vincenzo was still on the floor, with Lucia cradled against his chest, as he brushed strands of hair from her face; he turned and glanced at Matteo. “THEY f*****g KILLED HER, MATTEO!” His voice broke halfway through as he repeated, “They killed her”

Matteo lowered his eyes; he couldn't find the words. “What am I supposed to tell Giovanni Dante?” Vincenzo continued. “That I couldn’t protect his daughter?” No one answered. He slowly lifted his head as his fingers lingered on her cheek before he carefully laid her back down on the floor. Then he rose to his feet, without saying another word; he walked past them; neither of them attempted to stop him. Vincenzo left the bedroom and walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing through the penthouse. “I’ve never seen Vincenzo like this before,” Matteo said quietly, his eyes meeting Antonio’s for a brief moment. Without waiting for a response, he turned and hurried after Vincenzo.

Antonio remained where he was, his gaze fixed on Lucia. Then he stepped forward and crouched beside her. His eyes moved carefully over the room, taking in every detail. After some time, he rose to his feet, slowly; his gaze swept across the bedroom one last time before turning and making his way toward the door,

Matteo didn’t utter a word; he just watched as Vincenzo poured himself a glass of whiskey. He kept pouring until the glass was filled and spilling over the flour, but he didn’t stop. “Vincenzo,” Matteo called out before he stopped. Antonio entered exactly at that moment, and slowly he turned towards them. “Who the f**k is Roberto Edoardo?”

“You said Roberto Edoardo?” Antonio asked. “Yes.” The answer barely came out. “I have not heard of a Roberto Edoardo, but… I have heard of the Edoardo brothers.” Vincenzo’s expression didn’t change. “Roberto Edoardo,” Matteo muttered quietly, adjusting himself, arms folding slowly, eyes flicking between them.

Vincenzo didn’t answer; he brought the glass of whiskey close to his mouth only to stop halfway. “He came to the club after you guys left.” he sips the whiskey before continuing, “He said they want me to watch everything my father built… disappear, just like he watched his father lose everything to mine.”

“He told you this himself?” Antonio interrupted,

“Every word.” Vincenzo retorted before smashing the glass on the wall. “Who are these brothers, Antonio?” Antonio answered almost immediately, “I don’t know for sure if this Roberto Edoardo you are speaking of is one of the Edoardo brothers.” Matteo followed. “That means we have to find out if they are connected.”

“I need answers,” said Vincenzo as he turned and walked towards the bedroom. He stopped beside her again. For several seconds, he just stood there, staring at her lifeless body. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He dialed, and the call connected after the second ring.

“Vincenzo?” Isabella’s voice came through; he looked down at her again. “Lucia is dead.”

“…What did you just say?” Isabella asked, her voice dropping.

“They came to the penthouse,” Vincenzo continued, “And they killed her, Mother!”

Isabella drew in a breath on the other end. “Who dares?” she snapped, her voice rising with fury. “Who dares to touch my family?” Vincenzo said nothing. He stared at the pale curve of Lucia's cheek. “This is no longer business,” she continued. “This is an insult… Have you informed your in-laws yet?”

“No, Mother. I haven’t.”

“Good, don’t inform them yet until we find those responsible. You will find them,” she said coldly. “You will drag them into the light… and you will make them understand what it means to cross us.” Her voice sharpened. “I don’t care who is behind this outsider, ally. You end it. Do you understand me?”

“Yes,” Vincenzo replied. The line went dead.

In the hospital, Isabella stood still, phone still in her hand. Behind her, just outside the door, Angelica stepped back quietly, then she turned and moved quickly down the corridor. Valentino stood near the far end, speaking quietly with one of the family’s men. “Valentino,” Angelica called, her voice tight. He turned immediately. “What is it?” She stepped closer. Lowered her voice. “Lucia is dead.” Valentino froze. Just for a fraction of a second. “…What?”

“She’s dead,” Angelica repeated. “Vincenzo just told your mother.” Her eyes locked onto his. “Did you know about this?” Valentino’s expression hardened slightly. “No,” he said.

“Is this part of it?” she pressed. “Part of what?” he asked. “Part of the plan with… The Edoardo brothers?” she inquired; a flicker passed through Valentino’s eyes, gone almost instantly. “I said no,” he replied, quieter now. “Lucia was never in the plan. “Angelica didn’t break her gaze; she kept staring at him. “Then you need to find out why she’s dead.”