FORGIVE ME FATHER

CHAPTER 1: WAR

The sound of gunshot tore through the night air. The entire room was in chaos.

Alex Martins crouched behind a heavy table, that was the only thing that stood between him and the bullets that were flying around. Just a few hours ago, Kevin had warned him about attending the celebration but Alex had never been one to listen.

The sound of a body collapsing just a few feet from him brought his mind back to the moment.

This was meant to be a celebration for the launch of their new branch in Chicago, business had been thriving, money flowing in and the police were finally off his back. Although he had been one of the most feared mafia king in the city.

No one compared but this was a m******e.

The man lying beside him was one of his youngest men, barely more than a boy.

He exploded in rage; someone had planned this, they wanted him dead and they were going to pay, he was going make sure nobody dead or alive would ever try this again, cross him.

He stood straight pulling his favourite guns from his pocket firing back without hesitation, the attackers didn’t back down, more of them poured into the room.

This wasn’t just a hit, it was war.

The exchange continued, Alex carefully returning the blood with his focus locked ahead, trying his best not to get hit while getting rid of the opposing team.

He didn’t see the man creeping up beside him, the shot were off, pain exploded through his shoulder causing him to crash to the ground.

The force of him hitting the ground caused his skin to tear from the broken bottles and glass table shattered all over the place.

Blood spread quickly from his wound.

The man stepped closer with his gun raised ready to finish the job, he watched Alex struggle to reach for his weapons as his vision blurred from pain.

Another shot echoed, Alex had his eyes closed as he expected it to be the end of him but instead of embracing darkness and pain, a body hit ground causing him to open his eyes.

He could see Kelvin standing over him with a hard expression, it was cold but you could see a sign a relief.

“I warned you about this party didn’t I?” Kelvin voiced, disappointment clear in his voice.

“Nice timing” Alex let out a strained breath as Kelvin pulled him up.

“I’m the only one allowed to end your remember” Kelvin said with a smile. He had come with other skilled men that held grounds with the shooters.

“I need to know who the hell is behind this?” Alex muttered in pain, his white suit stained with blood.

“First” Kelvin said tightening his grip around him “let’s get your stubborn ass out of here” he said supporting him as they made their way outside.

The cold air outside hit against Alex skin, the car was just a few feet from them.

Across the street above the chaos, a man laid on a rooftop with a riffle ready “Got eyes on the target” he whispered.

There was a brief pause then a response cold and quick

“Make sure he meets the Lord”

“Copy that” he replied looking at Alex through the Len.

Kelvin couldn’t help but sense something was off the second he placed his hand in the handle of the door.

Before he could pull it open, his instinct kicked in he yanked Alex behind him pulling his gun in the same moment. But it was too late a sharp pain tore through his arm.

Gunshot erupted, His men opened fire immediately trying to get the direction the shot was fired.

“Alex are you okay?” He asked gripping his injured arm.

“You’re the one hurt, we need to get to the hospital” he replied, his voice laced with worry. This wasn’t random whoever came for him, they came to kill him and they definitely came prepared.

Alex eyes swept across rooftops, searching and calculating where the bullet came from, while Kelvin was busy trying to drag him towards the car.

From the angle the sniper couldn’t get a clear shot of Alex because Kelvin was in the way of the shot, Alex had seen it a second too late.

He grabbed Kelvin pulling him down shielding him with his body.

“What’s wrong with….” Kelvin’s words were cut, another shot rang, warm blood splattered across his face, with seconds Alex body went still as he collapsed on him.

“No!!” Kelvin screamed, catching him before he hit the ground, trying to wrap his head around what had just happened, he held Alex closed to himself trying to press the wound to stop the bleeding.

“Mission completed” the man muttered, already dismantling his rifle.

Alex was rushed into the car, his pulse was faint, with great speed they raced to the hospital desperate.

Just before the reached the hospital, Kelvin took a good look at his best friend who was lying unconscious, bleeding and vulnerable.

And for the first time that night something hit, he realized he couldn’t trust anyone.

“Everyone out!” He ordered sharply

The car came to a stop, his men hesitated but got down. Kelvin moved to the driver seat

“If anyone ask,” he said, his voice cold and controlled “Alex Martins is dead. Do you understand?”

“Yes sir!” they replied in unison.

Kelvin drove off alone.

**** **** ****

The evening air was cold and still, Father Marcelo laid awake looking at the ceiling, sleep seemed to be his enemy as the night grew dark, making him restless.

With a quiet sigh he rose from his bed and made his way to the chapel to pray. The light flickered once and then for some unknown reason the light went out.

Darkness settled in the room but he didn’t hesitate, he walked forward and kneeled down before the alter, folding his hand and his head lifted up.

“Forgive me for my transgressions father” he whispered “Make me whole” he prayed hoping to find some sort of peace within himself.

“Is that you father Marcelo?” A soft voice broke through the silence.

Father Marcelo turned to see sister Grace, an oil lamp in her hand, the warm glow lit her face and her gentle smile put him at ease.

“Yes sister Grace it’s me” Father Marcelo stood to his feet, taking a few steps closer to her. “I couldn’t sleep”

She nodded “I understand it must be difficult for you to be living in a place like this, it’s quite different from the life in the city”

Marcelo gave her a little smile “That is true but the peace it comes with is nothing compared to anything I have known” he replied, just at that moment the lights flickered back on, chasing away the darkness.

Sister Grace glanced upward “Ah there we are”

But Marcelo didn’t respond immediately, for some reason the peace he had just spoken about could no longer felt certain.

“Are you okay?” She asked noticing his sudden shift.

“Umm, I think….” There was a loud sound outside followed by a loud scraping of tires on the floor.

Father Marcelo and Sister Grace raced towards the gates only to see a man covered in blood unconscious and almost lifeless.

“Sister Grace get the other” Father Marcelo spoke, his eyes on Alex face,

For the first time since taking his vows, Marcelo felt something shift… as if the peace he had chosen was about to be broken.