Chapter 12: Protection from you
1022 Words
Emily's P.O.V
"Mom...."
"Sweetheart, what's the matter? Have you been crying?"
I called my mother first thing this morning. I couldn't sleep last night. My mind was whirling with all kinds of thoughts and bad feelings. Riccardo is a mafia Don and I had no idea. He seemed like the perfect gentleman with a kind heart. That's why he came home with bruises on his hands. He can hurt people... Has he killed anyone?
"Mom, can I stay with you?"
"Sweetheart, what happened?"
"I...just.....I need to leave Riccardo."
"I knew it! Send me the location and I'll come pick you up."
"Thanks mom."
I wipe away my tears and decide to take a shower to freshen up before mom gets here. I don't want her thinking the worst. Even though it is bad. I wonder what she knows about him...
Riccardo's P.O.V
I couldn't sleep at all last night. I kept wanting to go to Emily's room, but I understand that she needed time for herself to process what I told her. I feel better being truthful but also afraid of losing her. I need to protect her and the best way to do that is if she is with me. I take a shower and get dressed. Today I am wearing a black suit with a white button-down shirt. I have a meeting with Mendez about the guns going to Mexico next week.
"Aldo, do you have all the documents needed for our meeting this morning?"
"Yes boss, what time should I meet you?"
"Be at my place round 9. Let Tommy know that we need to take a few men with us in case there's any s**t. I'm not in the mood for s**t today."
"Got it, boss."
I put my phone in my pants pocket and head down stairs. I stop and look to her closed door and just walk past. I'm not the kind of man that runs after a woman, nor do I apologize easily. However, I know that she is different... my wife. I need her to trust me.
Emily's P.O.V
I'm standing in front of the mirror in my towel, trying to figure out where I belong and how I could be so wrong about someone. I dry my hair, apply a little make-up and decide on a pink and white floral knee-length dress. I tie my hair into a messy bun and put on a pair of white pumps. I need to face Riccardo this morning. I've packed what little I had, leaving behind the clothes that Martha brought for me.
As I descended the stairs, I could hear Riccardo talking to someone..
"Martha, if you could get a plate ready for Emily, please. Just coffee for me."
"Um, I'm not staying for breakfast, Riccardo..."
"Good morning signora... What do you mean, not staying?"
"I'm going to my mother's place."
He stands and takes two long strides to where I am standing with my bag...
"Emily, let's talk about this..."
"I need to leave, Riccardo....I .."
"I can't protect you if you are not under my watch, under my roof."
"Protection from what Riccardo?"
He grabs both my shoulders and grips hard. His eyes have darkened and he looks pissed.
"The only protection that I need is from you! Let go! You're hurting me!"
He releases me with a shocked expression and I almost see a hint of pain in his eyes. Just then, the voice of the security guard comes through the intercom in the kitchen...
"Mr Bernardi, there is a woman at the gate, saying she is picking up her daughter."
Riccardo takes a deep breath. "Open the gate for her."
"Emily..."
"I'm sorry, Riccardo. I have to go."
With that, I turn on my heel and head to the front door. My mother is parked in front and I get into the car before I can change my mind. We drive off, and I see Riccardo in the rearview mirror watching us drive out of the gate.
"It's OK sweetheart. You're safe now."
"Am I?"
Third person P.O.V
"Capo! We have a location!"
"Excellent! Sit, sit.. We need to plan ahead, my boy!"
Right! I have her location. Rosa was seen with her this morning. Two birds with one stone, hey?
"Juan, get the boys ready. We go tonight. Keep watch on that Bernardi kid. I don't want any s**t happening."
"Yes, Capo!"
Riccardo P.O.V
Fuck! Just like that, she's gone...
My phone starts to buzz in my pocket, it's Aldo. f**k, the meeting with Mendez.
"Aldo, I'm on my way. Meet me at Mendez's location."
I end the call before he can respond. I'm pissed and don't know what to do about it. I get into the driver's seat of my black Bugatti and accelerate out of the gate. I need to blow off some steam and speed usually helps. It didn't take long before I reached the location that Mendez had given us. Aldo pulls in behind me and I see Mendez standing with his group of ass-kissers.
"Mendez..." I nod my head.
"Don..." He bows as a sign of respect.
"Heads down! Mother fuckers!" His men bow too.
"Is everything set for next week's shipment? I don't want to hear of anything going wrong, Mendez..Capish?"
"Yes, Don... All is ready and waiting. There is just one small...."
"One small what, Mendez? This is not what I want to hear right now!"
I clench my hands into fists and grit out my words. I'm not in the mood and I can feel that I'm gonna snap.
"There are guns missing, Don Bernardi... I am trying..."
"f**k trying! I don't want to hear that you are f*****g trying Mendez!"
"Um, P-Please Don, I will fix this.."
I turn to the group of men stationed around Mendez.
"Which one is responsible for the delay?"
"Um, P-Please Don..."
"Mendez! Don't make me repeat myself!"
He points to a tall, thin man with long black hair and a beard. I c**k my gun and put a bullet between his eyes. He drops down, dead.
"Get it done by the end of the day."
- Writer
