Her Captor’s Redemption

Chapter 2:Debts of the Dead

RODRIGO

“Who does this b***h think she is? Mouth running like a tap. She doesn't know what she is here for. These Gen Zs will get themselves hurt. We just don't have them as they were before.

I looked at her timid yet daring face. She was slim and tall with long brown hair. Indeed this was not the Aurora he knew when she was younger. She had more weight and her skin glowed. I guess, she wasn't joking when she said she was underfed.

What a pity! Marcello- her father was a loyal guy until he owed some debt and couldn't pay it back. Marcel was one of his men who pushed arms and drugs effectively to their clients. Then he committed an offence that no one dares to commit. He took Rodrigo's money. In his words, he borrowed the money.

****FLASHBACK****

“Where is the balance?” Rodrigo asked Marcel

“I had it but I needed to pay for my hospital bills. I had no money. I promise to pay it back.” Marcel protested.

He was on his knees, hands tied behind his back. His body was bruised as a result of the beating.

“Oh, you will pay back, all right. If not you know what I'm capable of.”

But I'm not a devil. I may be dreadful, but I am not a devil. I knew Marcel to be a simple man who just wanted to take care of his family. I can't believe I am using the past tense for him. May his soul rest in peace. Rodrigo snapped to reality as his eyes scanned Aurora.

I encountered Marcello at the casino twenty years ago. He was drinking in a dark corner, looking pathetic. He paid no attention to the games and the cheers in the hall.

I watched him from a dark end also. I wasn't in the mood for any buzz. I didn't want to get noticed. But there was just something about this man that piqued my interest. I could tell because I saw myself going towards him. I usually don't do that. Rather, people are at my beck and call.

“Holla man,” I said as I settled on the chair next to him.

He looked at me and ignored me as if no one were there.

Ouch! Nobody does that, nobody ignores me. Who does he think he is? I tried to keep it cool.

“What's up, Man? Why are you drinking all alone and looking pathetic?” I asked.

Again, it's not my thing; I usually don't care about people's feelings.

“Because I am pathetic,” Marcel answered pitifully.

“Hello, Mr Pathetic. My name is Rodrigo.” I smiled and offered a handshake.

“Marcel” He returned the handshake.

“So Marcel, you aren't pathetic. It's the circumstances that we find ourselves in that are pathetic, and the ability to navigate out of such circumstances is what makes us men.”

“That makes a lot of sense. Then I'm not a worthy man.” Marcel replied.

“Why do you say so?” I was interested

“My wife just delivered a baby girl. I don't have the money to pay for the medical bills. I've asked people for some help but they refused. I am sulking about where I can get some money to take them home.”

“I've got a job for you.” I brought out my business card from my breast pocket and handed it to him. “Come see me tomorrow when your head is clear.”

He collected it and took a glance. I guess he got an idea about who I am.

Ever since that day, Marcel has been working for me. Five years ago, his health had deteriorated. When one of my boys broke the news about his death, I gnashed my teeth and shivered. Yes, the bastard still owed me, but somehow, I don't like the sound of the death of someone close to me

I looked at his daughter on the floor. She's a chip off the old block. Carbon copy of her father, with a beautiful slender figure. I guess she is smart too—just like her dad.

“Your case is different from those other girls. That's why you are brought in here alone. You see your late father didn't pay his dues. He owed me some money and it must be paid.”

“What business did my father have with you? Why did he need your money out of all the places he could get?” Aurora asked.

“Well, your father has been working for me since you were born…” I replied.

“...That's a lie.” She cut in even before I finished. “My father is a nobleman who worked a noble job. He was a factory worker.

“Well kid, there are things you don't understand. Anyways, you're here for my money to be paid. Do you get it? So I need you to behave and cooperate.”

“Can I speak to my mom? It's been three days. I don't know if she can stand the idea of me being away. I beg in the name of God, please.”

I heard her plead. My conscience pricked my hard heart. “All right,” There were two phones on the table. I passed the phone to her. “You can dial the number.”

“Hello…” Her mother answered.

“Hi, Mommy,” Aurora replied to her mother.

“Baby girl, where have you been? How have you been? You suddenly disappeared. You have been declared missing. The neighbourhood is looking all over for you.” There were so many things her mother said all at once.

“Mummy, I was abducted by Rodrigo's men. I'm in his custody now. He said Daddy owed him. Do you know about this?” Rita's voice shook.

“Oh my God! Rodrigo, did he hurt you? He's a very dreadful and notorious man.”

I stood overhearing everything from the loudspeaker.

“We would do everything to come save you.” Her mother said.

“Tell her not to involve the police or try anything tricky.” I quickly blurted in.

“Mommy, please do not involve the police. We'll both conclude on how to settle the debts.” She told her mother.

“I can't leave my daughter in the hands of a monster.” Her mother stated.

“Mom, please just stay calm, let's look for a way to settle this. Don't involve the police.”

“Your time is up.” I snarled at Rita.

“Take care of yourself, Mom. I will see you soon. I love…”

I didn't allow her to finish when I snatched the phone out of her hand. I dropped the phone on the table and stared right into her eyes.

“So”, I said coldly, "let's get started.”