Mafia's Collateral Women

Chapter 2

Ace then walks to me and grabs my hand. He is pulling me with him. We make it to the elevator and go down to the garage. He walks me to a sleek black Ferrari and opens the door for me. I get in and sit down. He then gets in and says where to my lady. I laugh. I need to go to the pharmacy for medicine then home. We drive for a few minutes until we find the pharmacy. He pulls up to the drive through and hands them my prescription card. He then asks me to put my address in the car’s GPS. I do while we wait.

I summoned the courage to bring up the topic of the argument I heard. So what was all the yelling about? His response was dismissive and said it was just business. I then ask if it has something to do with the money the company has lost. He then says in a calm voice it's nothing you need to worry about, your father and I figured out a plan. The pharmacist tech finally comes to the window and says I have another prescription for Victoria Walsh that I added in the bag. We charged the card on file. Then they hand the medicine to Ace. He then hands it back to me. We start to drive off.

"Victoria, what's the other medicine for? I thought you only needed one," Ace's voice breaks through the tension in the car. "It's nothing you need to worry about," I reply, trying to keep my tone steady. "I said, what medicine is it?" His words are deliberate, each syllable pronounced with emphasis. "It's none of your damn business," I retort, meeting his gaze squarely. As we drive, Ace snatches the medicine bag from my hand, reading the label without permission. I reclaim the bag, stuffing it back into my purse, my gaze fixed firmly on the passing scenery outside.

"So, we picked up your birth control? Is that for you and your boyfriend?" Ace's tone grows sharper, his words laced with accusation. "It's none of your business," I repeat, feeling my heart rate quicken as the car speeds up, weaving in and out of traffic. "Is that for you and your boyfriend?" His voice rises, and panic begins to claw at my chest. "No, it's not! I don't have a boyfriend!" I yell, my fear mounting with each passing second. "Why are you on birth control, then? So you can sleep around?" Ace's words cut through me like a knife.

"I'm a virgin! The medicine is for my period!" I plead, my voice trembling as panic threatens to overwhelm me. Thankfully, Ace finally slows the car down as we pull into my driveway. I turn to him, desperation in my eyes. "Did you forget I just got in a car accident? I don't want to be in another one."

I step out of his car, slamming the door with all the force I can muster, hoping it might just come off its hinges. The look in Ace's eyes as he watches me, his concern etched into his features, only serves to fuel my anger further. "Leave, Ace," I spit out, my body still shaking with adrenaline. Ignoring his protests, I march towards the front door, needing to put some distance between us. But Ace follows, his towering figure looming over me as I press myself against the door, my back to its solid surface.

"What if I don't want to leave you?" he murmurs, his voice soft but insistent. "Please, Ace," I plead, my voice trembling as I push against his overwhelming presence. With a sigh, he relents, bending down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead before retreating. "You're mine," he whispers, his words lingering in the air as he walks away.

Once inside the safety of my home, I collapse against the door, tears streaming down my face as I try to make sense of his words. I belong to no one, I remind myself fiercely, wiping away my tears as I head upstairs to take a shower. Under the warm water, I let the day's events wash over me, feeling the weight of it all slowly lifting from my shoulders. Dressed in something comfortable, I take my pill and crawl into bed, exhaustion finally overtaking me. Today has been too much to handle, but tomorrow is a new day, and I'll face it with renewed strength.

My father's voice rouses me from a deep sleep as he enters my room. Blinking away the remnants of slumber, I squint at the clock. 6pm Already? He informs me that dinner is ready, and I groggily make my way downstairs. Upon reaching the kitchen, my heart sinks as I see Marina in a wheelchair, her leg encased in a cast. I rush over to her, enveloping her in a hug. "Marina, I'm so sorry for the accident," I murmur, my guilt gnawing at me. Her response is one of reassurance. "Victoria, I'm just glad you're safe," she says, her kind eyes reflecting genuine concern.

My father's voice breaks the silence, suggesting we all sit down to dinner. My father does not cook. He orders pizza. I won't complain, I love pizza. It’s the Italian in mel. Marina joins us at the table, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of turmoil. She's been like family to me, caring for me since I was a child. We eat in silence until my father's gaze lands on me, his words piercing through the quiet. antin

"How was the ride home with Ace?" he asks, his tone laced with an underlying tension. "It was fine," I replied quickly, not wanting to delve into the details of what transpired. His next question is sharp. "Did Ace put his hands on you?" I answer with a resolute "No," relieved when he finally exhales, the tension in the room dissipating slightly.

"Why are you dealing with Ace and James instead of their father, Joe?" I inquire, my voice tinged with concern.

My father takes a deep breath, his expression pained. "It's because Joe has cancer," he explains, his words heavy with sorrow. "He needs to concentrate on his health and not the business right now." Feeling a surge of empathy, I rise from my chair and envelop him in a hug. "I'm so sorry, father," I whisper, my heart aching for his pain. "I know he's your best friend and my godfather."

He returns the embrace, holding me tightly as if seeking solace in my presence. A solitary tear escapes his eye, trailing down his cheek and staining my shoulder. As Marina quietly excuses herself from the room, my father's grip tightens, his voice trembling with emotion. "I need to talk to you," he murmurs, his plea tinged with desperation. "And please, don't yell at me."

Taking a seat nearest to him, I watch as he reaches for my hand, his eyes closing briefly. Another tear escapes, silently tracing down his cheek. "Victoria, I want you to know I had no choice," he begins, his voice trembling with emotion. "I've kept you in the dark and protected you as much as I could." His words hang heavy in the air, and I nod, urging him to continue. "Please, just tell me," I responded softly, my heart heavy with anticipation.

His hands tremble as he speaks, his words unraveling a truth I never anticipated. "Victoria, I am in the American Mafia," he confesses, each syllable weighed down with the gravity of his revelation. "I am Joe’s number two. I oversee all the legitimate business for the Jacobs family." His admission sends shockwaves through me, my mouth falling agape in disbelief. He continues, recounting a past shadowed by the clandestine world of organized crime. "I've kept you away from the mafia to protect you," he explains, his voice tinged with remorse. "I promised your mother I would shield you from this life." The mention of my mother stirs memories long buried, reminding me of the sacrifices made to safeguard our family. He shares how my mother, born into the Italian mafia, understood the complexities of this secret world.

"My upbringing was intertwined with Joe's," he reveals, his past unfurling before me. "His father practically adopted me when I was twelve. My own parents went to drugs and gambling, leaving me adrift. They eventually died of overdoses" As he unveils this hidden truth, I'm left reeling, grappling with the newfound knowledge of my father's secret existence.

Ace and James arrived to confront me about the money we lost, a deal gone awry. The Rodriguez Co, under the thumb of the Colombian cartel, orchestrated our investigation by the feds through their connections. They demand not only the lost funds but also substantial interest.

In the midst of our dispute, Ace's aggression reached a chilling climax. He pressed a f*****g gun to my head, coercing me to sign documents. These papers dictate that you will reside in the Jacobs mansion until I've recouped the staggering sum of 100 million, along with an additional 50 million in interest. You are, in essence, a pawn to ensure my compliance and prevent my escape.

Ace believes I intentionally mishandled the funds and am using them for my own gain. But you and I both know that's far from the truth. Unfortunately, you'll be departing tomorrow night with the Jacobs.

Tears stream down my face uncontrollably. "Father, can't we just run away?" "No, Victoria, trust me, we can't. If we attempt to flee, they'll pursue us relentlessly and eliminate us," my father responds solemnly.

"But can't Joe protect you, father?" "Victoria, he's too frail now. The cancer has begun to consume his mind, and he's already passed his authority to Ace, the eldest. Ace is now the King of the American Mafia. I must ensure your safety, so I'll do everything in my power to bring you back unharmed."

Tears flow uncontrollably down my cheeks. "Father, why did you lie to me for so long?" "I'm sorry, Victoria. I wanted to keep you safe. I didn't want you to be a part of this world," he replies, his voice filled with regret. "I would die for you, Victoria, but even if they kill me, they'll still come for you. I'll do anything to protect you and bring you back." He embraces me tightly, and I feel his love and desperation in every squeeze. "I love you, Victoria. I'll do everything in my power to get you back."

"Please stay safe and don't provoke the Jacobs. Ace is unpredictable, and James is fiercely loyal to his brother. Honestly, Joe raised them differently than I raised you. He toughened those boys up to make them stronger. It's the way we were brought up in the mafia – no room for weakness."

"I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, Father," I assure him, feeling a surge of determination. He breaks down in tears. "My child, I wish this had never happened. First, I lost your mother, and now I'm losing you." "You're not losing me, Father. I'll be back," I say, trying to stay strong, but the tears soon stream down my face as I bury my head on his shoulder.

After a while, we both ascend to our separate rooms. Father returns with boxes. "Let me help you pack," he says softly. "How long will I be gone, Father?" I inquire. "Victoria, I do not know, but I will do anything in my power to get you back," he assures me.

We begin packing up my room together. "Father, I'm not taking everything, just the things I know I'll need," I explain. We gather my clothes, makeup, shoes, electronics, and favorite books. As I reach for my cello, I hesitate and decide against it. It's too bulky to transport. After we finish packing, we both retire to bed. I take another pill to calm my nerves, knowing sleep will elude me. I toss and turn, grappling with the uncertainty of the future until exhaustion finally claims me.