CHAPTER FIVE: NO MORE HIDING
1357 Words
My eyes fixed on my laptop, thoughts swirling around the hidden truth.
A sharp knock at the door snapped me back to reality.
"Come in" I said, rubbing my temples.
Matteo entered with a tray in his hands.
He placed it down and offered me a small cup—Espresso Ristretto, my favorite.
I inhaled the aroma. Just what I needed.
“Felix said you might want this,” he said, smiling.
“Thank you,” I murmured, a ghost smile tugging at my lips.
He bowed his head before turning to leave.
I took a sip of the coffee, letting the flavours settle on my tongue — until the ringing of my phone stole my moment.
"Yeah," I said, tone dry.
"Coach," Leonard, my assistant, called.
"The game is in five."
"I thought you had it covered today," I asked.
"Yeah… but Mirabel’s gonna need help with the kids," he replied.
"Alright… I’ll be there."
I arrived at the field, twenty minutes late, echoes of whispers and shouts spreading across the pitch. The game was already in progress.
I walked to the sidelines and watched them play -- their drills the same as practiced.
Tension grew as our opponents closed in on us. The strikers, our A-game, were targeted.
I could see it. Their blood-thirsty eyes staring hungrily at the goal-post. It looked like they had mastered our play, swerving to avoid the defenders.
After what looked like certain loss, we turned the tables. Every move calculated, every strike precise -- we left them helpless, their plans ruined.
Victory felt sweet.
The boys were excited. Hurdling around each other, they lifted the man of the match above their heads. Their voices far above the crowd.
I watched in glee as they cheered on.
I approached them, each step carrying pride,
"Well done boys" I said, my voice a little louder than normal.
" Cheers to you coach !" They cheered and lifted me above my feet.
"alright, alright... Let's celebrate.." They cheered louder.
"My treat" I smiled.
We arrived at the bar— La Volta. The signboard stared back at me, its lights gleaming against my shades.
Inside, the music swept against our ears, each melody leaving its mark.
I signaled the bartender— a male of broad shoulders, average height, brown hair, muscular yet lean.
"On it sir" He said.
Within minutes, the drinks arrived. Each player grasped one.
I took mine, and I must say, I never regretted coming here. The drinks were precisely plated, the atmosphere serene, the perfect place to think, drink or even to lose yourself. A place to party in silence.
I moved to my seat, drink in my hand when someone bumped into me.
Petite in stature, slim, curvy, Her curly hair pulled back to bun -- though one strand fell gracefully over her long lashes. Her small brown eyes held a depth that drew me near.
The lip gloss settled perfectly on her Cupid's bow and full upper lips—It drew my attention.
Her perfume hung in the air — aromatic like a gentle haze. My pulse wavered before my pride caught up
"Are you blind" I said, my tone escaping into rudeness, though I wish it hadn't.
she bowed her head in apology, but the hurt in her eyes was undeniable— and somehow, it bothered me.
I sat on my seat, eyes on my drink, I couldn't stop thinking about her— an epitome of beauty.
Lost in my thoughts, Felix slid into the seat opposite mine.
"Boss" He said
"La donna Serafina's arrival has been confirmed" He said
"Good" I said briskly.
"Inform Morelle to cut off all communication except the landlines"
He gave a slight nod.
An email notification popped up in my phone
"You have been invited to the Greco family reunion"
I turned
"Felix..I'd be going for a party but prepare my things for the safe house and meet me there."
I downed the last of my drink and tossed some coins on the counter.
Outside,the night was buzzing with music from the street. Somewhere down the road, the party had already begun.
The bass banged faintly through the walls of the party hall. I could hear laughter and clinging of glasses floated around the corner.
"Luca Lorenzo Romano" A voice called.
I turned towards it.
"Raffaele Greco" I said, shaking his hands.
He motioned to a seat.
"I'm so pleased to see you.. Thank you for honouring my Invitation" He said
I studied him for a moment.
"I'm certain it wasn't just a mere invitation" I replied.
"Nothing is mere nowadays, is it?" he said, a sly smile tugged at his lips.
"I was actually wondering if we could work a deal" he continued
"Alright?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"One of my boys...he's in need of some supply..You provide, I pay" He said
"In what" I asked , my tone edged.
"In kind" He flashed a smile.
"Meet with someone else" I said rising to leave— but he stopped me.
"I'd pay with Diamonds. Fresh from the Marci vault" He said
"Show me" I said
He gestured to one of his guards. A briefcase was brought, opened and I saw them.
"When do you want it done" I asked.
"I'd fill you in on details soon" he smiled.
"Alright"
I stood and headed for the door leaving the tension hanging in the air.
I sat in my car, the air heavy and thick with silence—the kind of loneliness that never really leaves.
My mind flipped like the pages of a book I couldn't close.
Then it stopped—
"IVAN DRAGUNOV." I said his name aloud, the silence heavier.
Every time I said his name, it felt like unsealing a scar that refused to close
"How long would you stay on the sidelines my friend."
I muttered stroking my jawline.
The mystery behind his disappearance haunted me— a ghost story of wine and vengeance.
And that's the problem— Men like Ivan don't vanish.
The fight between him and felix still plays vividly in my head—
Some of the white walls were already stained with blood. The floor to ceiling glass windows on the right were shattered, gleaming like fallen stars.
I lay there, helpless on the cold floor. The cloth pressed to my flanks already drenched with blood.
"It's over Felix." Ivan shouted from across the.
His voice sliced through the turmoil— Cold like a final verdict.
Fury blazed in Felix's eyes.
He tried to stand, but his balance faltered.
With what little strength he had left, he gripped the gun's handle. Just as he raised it, the center glass exploded.
It all happened so fast— the smoke bomb went off, chaos consumed the room and felix dragged me out of the building.
And Ivan—I could've sworn I saw him on the floor. But the moment I took my eyes off him— and back again— he was gone.
To this day, He's nowhere to be found.
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD