SHADOWS
1154 Words
TWELVE HOURS EARLIER
Isabella Gambino was preparing to go to bed, when Anna walked into her room.
“Melina? Is that you?” She called out to the maid assigned to her.
“I'm sorry, miss Isabella. Melina couldn't make it tonight. She asked me to stand in for her,” Anna said, making herself visible behind her.
“Oh that's fine, Anna,” she replied with a smile. “I asked for you when I came initially, and was told someone else is in your care.”
“Yes,” she beamed. “It's the boss' Bride. You must have seen her tonight,” she said, taking over from her to continue brushing her hair.
“I did see her. That's another reason I'm glad you're here. She's so pretty. No one told me Vlad got married.”
“It came as a surprise to us too, miss. No one saw it coming. But I'll say I for one am glad she was chosen. She's so kind.”
“And drop dead gorgeous,” Isabella added.
“I know right?” Anna giggled. “I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw her. I told the other staff that the last time we had such beauty in our midst was when you still lived with us.”
Isabella blushed. “Oh Anna, you've always been so kind to me. Listen, I need a favour from you.”
“Sure, anything. If it's within my power, I'll do it.”
“Okay. Could you connect me to–”
“Ivy. Her name is Ivy Greene.”
Isabella's eyes snapped. “Oh that's right! I knew I recognised the older woman. That's Sheila Greene right? She's so iconic! But wait,” she paused, and frowned. “The Greene's?”
“Yeah,” Anna sighed. “I know. Although I'm not sure what truly is going on.”
“Good lord! Little wonder Natasha was so hostile. I couldn't tell you who she hates more between the Gambino's and the Greene's.”
Anna nodded her head in absolute agreement with Isabella.
“Anyway, I'm glad Ivy seems like she can hold her own. Her grandmother is there too, so good for her. Now back to my request.”
“Go on, miss Isabella.”
“Yeah, I am working on a new amusement park for my next project. Like for every project I do, there's always a face to sell it. I think Ivy's face was made for the big screen. She's too dreamy. Do you think you can link us up? I'd love to have a proper discussion with her.”
“That's no problem at all. She's easy to talk to. It's going to go very smoothly.”
“Excellent! You're the best Anna!”
TWELVE HOURS LATER
“Grandma–”
“It's fine, Ivy. I'll leave. But I hope we get to speak again soon. Let me know if you decide to take me up on my offer. And Ms Greene, it was really nice to meet you.” She bowed slightly to her, turned around, and walked out of the room.
“She seems nice,” Ivy said after she had left.
“Don't you dare trust a Gambino!” Sheila rebuked her immediately.
“Come on, granny. Don't be paranoid. If she's so terrible, why is she here? She clearly has a close relationship with Vladimir. Perhaps, they're even lovers.”
Anna sneezed reflexively, and all heads whipped towards her.
“Bless you,” both chorused.
“I'm so sorry.” She covered her face, feeling embarrassed.
“There's nothing to apologise for,” Ivy said.
“Yes there is. She should never have brought a Gambino to your room. It's bad enough we're dealing with Bratva's. Whose side are you on, Anna? I thought you said you've grown so attached to my granddaughter, you'd do everything in your power to take care of her?”
“And I meant it ma'am. If I thought Miss Isabella would do any harm to her, I would never have brought her in, trust me. Miss Isabella has a very kind soul. There is no malicious bone in her body.”
Ivy noticed she was defending her in every way, but not debunking her theory about her being lovers with Vladimir.
It had to be true then.
“Not like it's any of my business,” she scoffed internally.
“I don't care if her heart is as soft as cotton. She's still a Gambino. I don't think you have any idea how crafty they are. They're even worse than Bratva's, and that's saying a lot. Keep her far away from my granddaughter!”
“Don't I have a say in this?” Ivy spoke up.
“No you don't,” Sheila responded with a note of finality.
“That's just great. You know what? I think I want to be alone. Both of you, please leave.”
“But–”
“Leave please,” she repeated.
“Fine,” Sheila dropped off the balm she brought with her, on the bedside table. “But use that to massage your body. Eat breakfast too. If you need anything–”
“Grandma?”
Sheila sighed in surrender. “Fine, I'm leaving. Anna?”
Anna bowed to Ivy, and hurried out of the room with Sheila.
“Take me to Vladimir,” She ordered as soon as the door closed behind them.
“Huh?”
“What the hell is huh? Take me to Vladimir Bratva. He owes me an explanation.”
Anna stifled the urge to argue. “As you wish, ma'am.”
Since it was already way past general breakfast time, she figured if he wasn't in the training field, he would be at the office.
They had walked a little distance when she stopped a guard to ask.
“Who wants to know?”
“I want to know,” the older woman stepped forward. “Sheila Greene,” she added.
“Hmmm,” the guard replied, and then nudged his head towards a direction.
“He's in his second office,” Anna interpreted, leading the way..
On arrival, another guard was at the door.
“I am Sheila Greene. I want to speak to Vladimir,” she spoke first.
“Wait here.” The guard turned around, and walked into the room.
Vladimir was in the middle of concluding his meeting with investors through a zoom conference call, when he sensed the guards presence.
He muted his mic, and turned off his camera.
“I thought I was clear when I said I didn't want to be disturbed?”
“Yes boss, but–”
The door pushed open, and Sheila Greene marched into the room.
“You're going to tell me what the hell you did to my granddaughter!” She shot straight to the point.
- Writer
