Vito's possession

The Inside Job

Three days.

Three days of the same thing. Men outside Lina's shop. Black cars driving past slowly. And Vito showing up when she least expected him.

Lina tried to ignore it. She really did. She wanted her life to go back to normal.

She woke up early every morning. She walked to her small shop. She opened the metal shutter. She fixed shoes, bags, belts, and anything else people brought.

She smiled at customers. She took their money. She cleaned her little counter.

But nothing felt normal anymore.

Every time a car stopped outside, she looked up. Every time the bell above the door rang, her heart jumped. And sometimes, without even realizing it, she looked down the street to see if Vito was there.

She hated herself for that.

He is getting into your head, Maya said one afternoon. She was sitting on the small stool near the counter.

Who? Lina asked.

Don't do that.

Do what?

Act like you don't know who I am talking about.

Lina sighed and kept fixing a shoe. I don't like him.

I didn't say you liked him.

Lina looked away. Maya smiled.

Exactly.

You are annoying.

I know, Maya laughed.

For a few minutes they were quiet. Lina focused on her work. The shop was hot. The fan made a small noise.

Then the bell above the door rang.

Lina looked up. A man walked inside. She had never seen him before. Dark suit. Very expensive. White shirt. Neat hair. Calm face. Too calm.

Maya looked at Lina. Lina gave her a small look. Something wasn't right.

The man walked toward the counter slowly. Good afternoon.

Hello, Lina said politely.

You must be Lina.

Her smile disappeared. Who are you?

Bruno.

He didn't offer his hand. Lina didn't offer hers either.

Maya crossed her arms. What do you want?

I'm only here to ask a few questions.

About what?

You.

Lina's stomach tightened. Why?

Nothing serious, Bruno laughed softly. He started walking around the shop slowly. He looked at the shoes on the shelf. The bags hanging. The tools on the table. The old walls.

It felt like he was looking for something. Lina didn't like it.

You can ask your questions from there, she said.

Bruno stopped and looked at her. You are a brave girl.

I'm just working.

Alone?

Most of the time.

That can be dangerous, Bruno nodded.

She has people watching the shop, Maya stepped forward.

Bruno smiled. Yes. His eyes moved to the window. Vito's people.

Lina's face changed. Bruno noticed. He smiled again.

So it's true.

What is true?

You know Vito.

I know him.

That's all?

Yes.

Bruno leaned against the counter. Interesting.

What do you want? Lina asked.

I'm only curious. Why Vito cares so much about a girl like you.

That's none of your business, Maya moved closer to Lina.

Your friend has a big mouth, Bruno laughed.

And you have too much time, Maya said.

I like her.

I don't like you, Maya said quickly.

Lina almost laughed, but stopped when Bruno looked at her again. He took out a small white card and placed it on the counter.

If you ever need anything, call me.

I won't.

We will see. Tell Vito I said hello.

Then he left. The bell rang behind him.

Lina stared at the door. Her heart was beating fast.

There is only a phone number, Maya said and picked up the card. No name.

Lina took it and threw it in the trash. Then she locked the door. Her hands were shaking.

Who was that?

I don't know. But he knows Vito.

Lina, you need to be careful.

I know.

---

Across town, Vito was having a terrible day.

Don Rocco's office was big and dark. Don Rocco stood behind his desk. His face was red with anger.

Two million dollars, he slammed his hand on the desk. Two million dollars are missing.

I know, Vito stood still.

You said you would find the person.

I will.

When?

Very soon.

You have been distracted lately.

I'm not distracted.

Then prove it. And stay away from that girl.

What girl?

Don Rocco smiled. Lina. The shoemaker.

She has nothing to do with this.

Maybe. But people around you become targets. Do you understand?

Vito said nothing. He turned and walked out. The second the door closed behind him, he punched the wall hard. His knuckles hurt. He didn't care.

His phone buzzed. A message from one of his men: Unknown man visited Lina's shop.

Another message came: Name - Bruno Moretti.

Vito stopped walking. Bruno Moretti. His eyes became cold like ice.

Where is he? He called Marco.

Who?

Bruno.

You sure?

I know his face.

He was at the shop?

He was.

Vito ended the call and drove fast to Lina's shop.

Lina was closing early. She couldn't focus. Her hands kept shaking.

Then she heard a car stop outside. Black car. Vito.

Did you send him? She opened the door before he could knock.

Who?

Bruno.

No. He is Moretti. A rival family. Dangerous.

Why would they come here?

Because of me.

So this is your fault.

Vito didn't answer.

I was fine before you came. You came into my shop.

I know.

And now men are watching me.

I know.

I'm trying to protect you.

I didn't ask you to.

I know.

Then stop.

I can't.

You can't decide everything for me.

I won't let them hurt you.

You don't own me.

I know.

Lina expected him to argue, but he looked tired. Finally he said, Please. Just let me keep you safe.

She froze. He actually said please.

Fine, she whispered. But they stay by the door. They don't follow me everywhere. And they don't come into my apartment.

They won't.

Good.

Vito turned to leave. Wait.

He stopped.

Why me? Why are you doing all this?

Your wrist. The mark. I've seen it before.

Where?

Old files. Don Rocco's.

What does it mean?

I don't know. But I don't think it's just a mark.

My mother said I had it since I was a baby. She died when I was young.

What's her name?

Elena.

He said nothing. Then he walked out.

That night, Lina found a bag of food outside her door. Pasta, bread, salad. Nobody was in the hallway. She knew who sent it. She took it inside and ate. It was the best food she had eaten in weeks. She hated being grateful to him.

She couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about the mark and her mother.

At three in the morning, Vito was still awake. Old files were spread everywhere on his desk. Then he found it. A faded folder. The name on the front was ELENA.

He opened it. There was an old photograph. A young woman stood beside a little girl. About eight years old. Same mark on her wrist. Same as Lina.

Under the photo: Daughter. Location unknown.

Vito whispered, Lina.

He finally understood. She wasn't just a girl with a repair shop. She was connected to Don Rocco's past. And if the wrong people found out who she really was, she would become a target.

He called Marco. Put people around her.

How many?

Enough.

Inside the shop?

Yes.

Day and night?

Day and night.

What did you find, boss?

Something bad, Vito said and ended the call.

He leaned back and closed his eyes.

Don't fall for her.

But deep down, he already knew. It was too late.