The mafia's clutch

The eyes that watch

Chapter three

*ZARA*

“Here you go,” I handed it to the lady and she handed me the bill before walking away.

The drink she ordered was a really strong drink and by the looks of it, she was still going to come back for more.

“Zara”

I turned to see James standing by the counter. “Yes, James?” I went to him. He held out an envelope. “You forgot to take this the other night,” he told me and I instantly remembered.

“Thank you, I was in a rush then,” I let out a chuckle and collected it from him. He nodded and walked away.

*ZARA*

I was done with my shift. I was about making my way towards the changing room when James approached me.

“I need you to bartend, Zara. Gavin threw up, he’s sick,” he said to me. I frowned. “But my shift has ended,” I said.

“I’ll pay you. It’s just for the next hour,” he said and I sighed. “Let me just change.” He moved aside and I went to change into my clothes.

I looked in the mirror as I removed the false lashes and wig I had on. I wiped the makeup off my face and I was now back to looking like me.

Zara.

My dark circles were now prominent with my tired eyes. If anyone saw me, they’d think I’m a living ghost.

I looked in the mirror and frowned when I saw a small stain on the hem of my shirt. I guess it was from mixing drinks.

“This is one of my favorite shirts,” I muttered as I tried to wipe it off. It didn’t go so I hugged in frustration and put on my worn out converse before stepping out of the changing room and heading to the bar.

“Thanks, Z,” Cole said to me when I got behind the counter. I shrugged and turned to a customer that was approaching us. The night time was busier than during the day.

“Two martinis”

“Three s*x on the beach”

“Two shots of pure tequila”

And that was how the next hour went. I was nearly falling asleep as I served the drinks and took more orders.

“Here you go, Zara,” James said to me when I walked out of the bar. I muttered a thanks as I collected the envelope and put it in my bag. It was an ugly small tote bag with too many patches but it was all I had and I wasn’t going to discard it anytime soon.

“Goodnight,” I said as I walked into the crowd towards the door. I was about approaching the door when a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me outside.

My heart nearly fell out of my chest as I was dragged outside. “Let me go! Who are you?” I tried to yank my arm away but he was too strong.

“Shut up!” he snarled and glared at me. Fear gripped me instantly.

He was one of those men.

He dragged me to a black Limousine and forced me inside. The door closed beside me and I turned to see a man seating across me, staring at his phone.

My eyes fell on the gun in his other hand and I nearly fainted.

God, please no.

“So this is the girl that’s been giving my men trouble,” he stated with a chuckle as he put his phone in his pocket and looked at me.

If I wasn’t in the face of death, I would have taken my time to admire his beauty. But right now, staying alive was what mattered.

“I didn’t give anyone trouble,” I said. He looked at me. “You still have the guts to talk back,” he clicked the safety of his gun and I felt tears pricj my eyes.

“Please don’t kill me. I swear I won’t tell a soul anything! Please!” I begged as I tried to stop myself from crying.

He looked at me with annoyance. “And why should I let you live? What purpose do you even have on this Earth? You look better off dead,” he laid out.

It hurt a bit.

He wasn’t lying though. I didn’t actually have any purpose on this Earth. I couldn’t even leave this town if I wanted to. But that didn’t mean I wanted to die.

“Please, I’ll do anything you want. I don’t know anybody and I won’t tell anybody. Please don’t kill me. I have a dad,” I pleaded.

He moved closer to me and I moved back instantly until I felt my back on the door. I was terrified at this point.

“Please,” I felt my voice breaking. He was incredibly close to me and he knew it.

I forgot how to breathe when he pulled the gun up to my temple. “And tell me why I should believe you, young lady?” he snarled.

“I know I don’t have anything to lose, but I still don’t want to die. I won’t tell on you, I promise. I don’t even know you people,” I felt tears fall down my cheek.

“Look at me,” he ordered and I obeyed instantly. My eyes met with his cold blue ones.

“What is your name?”

“Zara Collins,” I quickly answered. He pulled away and clicked his gun back to safety before leaning back in his chair.

“I don’t tolerate betrayal. Spill a letter and you’re gone to glory. Do you understand?” he said and I nodded instantly.

“Get out,” he stated and I bolted out of his car. Not once did I look back as I ran home. It was already past eleven and people were hardly on the road.

I didn’t care, I just wanted to get home.

I wiped my damp face as I got to the front door and walked into the house. I was panting heavily and I felt the adrenaline starting to wear off.

My legs wobbled as I went to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water. My dad was nowhere to be found. He was obviously out drinking his life away.

I made my way to my room and sat on my bed.

Everything that has happened earlier came back into my memory.

I shivered as I remembered the feeling of the metal on my temple. I closed my eyes in attempts to calm myself down.

“As long as I don’t tell anyone, I’m safe,” I said to myself.

Then I heard a crash and the door slamming shut.

He was back.

“ZARA!” my father yelled. I bit my lip, debating whether to go out or ignore him.

“ZARA!”

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