Yesterday’s Betrayal, Today’s Scars

Chapter 3 - TALK OF A HIT

Star

I wake up at 5 am to my alarm—time to hit the gym. I'm doing my morning routine in the bathroom. I throw my long hair up in a tight bun, grab a pair of camo shorts and a tank, and get dressed. Finishing with socks and my Nikeys, I'm out of the door going down to the kitchen.

After a quick smoothie, I make my way to the basement gym. Today is an upper body workout, I think to myself. After thirty dead-weight pull-ups on the bar, 100 push-ups, and 100 sit-ups, I'm ready to hit the punching bag for a while. I'm feeling the burn now.

Alex comes in just as I grab the tape to wrap my hands. “Here, let me do that for you.” He says, eyeing me closely. I hand him the tape and offer him a good morning. “Are you overdoing it again?” he asks. “Me never,” is my reply. He sighs and nods.

After he is finished taping my hands up, I put the gloves on and go at the punching bag in random three and four-punch combinations, mixing in roundhouse kicks and knee thrusts.

Once I think I've had enough, I do not want to overdo it, exhausting myself. I watch Alex as I remove my gloves and tape. Wiping my face and neck with a towel, I ask, “How are our jewels of the Nile doing?”. He half smiles and half smirks. “They are as frisky as ever. Probably need to be fed soon,” he says. “That’s never a problem,” I laugh.

“Are you taking the Cartel job?” he asks. “Yes, with changes. Pick up only.” I reply. Then I explained where the runner was. “I'll be leaving for Texas tonight. If all goes well, I'll be back by morning with the package.” He nods in understanding. “Any special equipment you need me to get ready?” he inquires.

“This is retrieval only, so a few tranquilizer darts with low dose xylazine. My usual blades, Glock with three clips and silencer. Maybe throw in some zip ties to secure him for the flight home.” I state. “Consider it done,” he says in a serious tone. “I need to shower so I can pick up the Hummer,” I tell him, then kiss his cheek as I had upstairs.

Once I'm ready, I go in search of Alice. I find her in her dungeon. “Morning Alice. Did Hector accept our terms?” “Yes, he didn’t hesitate. Here is a burner to take to Texas with you,” she says, handing me a phone. “Send me a text letting me know when you arrive. I'll track your movements, erasing any camera footage along your path,” she adds. “Always watching my back,” I state with a smile.

“Let's go get the hummer. I want to make a pitstop at the bakery while we're out,” she excitedly says. I laugh at her antics. Alice has great curves and has always had a sweet tooth. I guess I'm more like Dad. I've never had a craving for them. But put pasta in front of me, and I'm a happy woman. It’s a good thing I've always trained so hard, so the calories don't show.

We make it downtown to the specialty custom shop. Alice and I diligently scan the area for danger or anyone paying attention to us. We are always alert due to my father's strict training.

The owner spots us and immediately takes us to the back of the shop. Going over the new bulletproof glass, plates in the door panels, and around the gas tank. Finally, bragging about the bullet-resistant tires or run-flat tires that will self-seal for up to 1 hour of driving time after a puncture. I watch his enthusiasm with a stoic face. Never show emotion to outsiders, Dad always said.

While they back the hummer out of the bay door, Alice takes care of my p*****t. I use the restroom and then head out of the closer side door. It's instinct for me to use random exits due to my training. It comes out at the side alley. As I slowly push the door open, I hear angry voices speaking Italian.

Hearing the Marino name, on reflex, I brush my hand over my Glock to remind myself it's there, then I pull out my phone and start recording.

In low, angry voices, I hear, “You f****d up the hit. You were supposed to get the sons, too. Not just the father.” “How was I supposed to know it would just be him in the car?” guy number two snarls back. Guy number one grabs his shirt collar with one hand, then punches him in the gut with the other. “You're useless”. He growls out, then stomps off.

I quickly glance to my left, and my instincts are correct. Alice joined me a few minutes ago. I slowly inched the door closed. Whispering, I tell her I recorded it, but as soon as we return, check surrounding security cameras for additional footage.

“Why did you record them?” she asks. “Alice, you may look at this as none of our business. This isn’t about money for me. Those two murdered the head of the Marino family by their own admission. My guess has been since it happened, it was an inside job, meaning betrayal. Do you remember what that's like?”

She gets an angry look on her face. “Of course I do.” I will gift this information to the sons. Even if they didn’t already do business with us, I would still give them this. They deserve retribution for the death of their father.” I say softly. “You're right,” she says with a determined face.

We make our way out, our heads on a swivel, watching for danger. She makes a pitstop for pastries, but I go straight home. I carefully watch and listen to the recording on my phone. I am sure I've seen the larger man before but can't place where or when.

I leave my phone on Alice’s desk so she can copy the video. Leaving a note to put both it and any security video she could find of them from surrounding businesses on a thumb drive. I would personally deliver it to the Marinos tonight. I grab a voice distorter off the shelf and place it in my pocket on the way out of her office. I'll need it later.

I go upstairs to pack a small go bag with only bare essentials. I change into my standard tactical gear of camo pants, a black fitted tank, and combat boots. I then french braid my hair while looking at my facial features in the mirror. Naturally tanned skin thanks to my mother's Italian heritage, chocolate brown eyes, and black hair.

My athletic build comes from a rigorous daily training routine. I never wear makeup because I hate anything on my face. I've never considered myself beautiful, but I don't consider myself bad-looking. My best attribute is my traits. I'm ferociously loyal to those I let in. Family values in this house are die-hard. We keep no secrets, tell no lies, and loyalty is sacred.

I grab my bag and go to the kitchen, placing a bottle of water and an apple inside. Then I make a quick chicken salad sandwich, eating it as I go to the dungeon to see Alice.

Finding her behind one of her computers is no surprise. “How's it going,” I ask, plopping down in a chair. “Great. The bank on the corner and the hardware store have external cameras facing the road. I retrieved what footage I could with them in it. Then cleared all cameras in the area for the hour surrounding us being there.” she says with a proud smile.

“You're brilliant. You know I love you, right?” I say, smiling at her. “Damn right, you do. Here's the thumb drive,” she says, sliding it to me. “what's your plan in getting it to the Marino’s?” she asks. I will march into the estate and plant it with a note to call me.” I say with a wicked smirk. “You know that's going to irritate them if you break in, right?” she says, laughing. “Oh yes, I am aware it will piss them off, but I need to have a little fun before I arrive in Texas,” I say, snickering.