Specter
1706 Words
Later that morning, after gathering his thoughts, Alexander made a difficult decision. He had one card left to play, one that he had kept hidden for years. It was a dangerous move—one that could reignite old conflicts and bring attention he had long avoided.
But if he wanted to protect Victoria and outmaneuver the forces against them, he needed the help of someone from his past. Someone from a world he thought he had left behind.
Reaching into his jacket pocket, Alexander retrieved an old, untraceable phone. It was a relic from his early days, used exclusively for the darkest dealings of his youth, when he had operated under a different name—a name known and feared by those in the criminal underworld.
He scrolled through the contacts until he found the one he was looking for: "Luca Bianchi."
Luca was a high-ranking member of the Bianchi Mafia, an old and powerful family that controlled vast criminal enterprises across Europe and North America. Years ago, Alexander had crossed paths with Luca during an undercover mission, one that had taken him deep into the heart of the mafia’s operations.
He had earned Luca’s respect after saving him from a setup that would have meant certain death, and since then, a quiet but solid debt had been owed.
Calling in that favor now was risky. Luca was dangerous, but he was also smart, calculating, and a man of his word. If Luca decided to honor the debt, he could provide resources and connections that would be invaluable in the battle against Dorian Blackwood and Lord Edward. But if things went wrong, it could open up a new front of conflicts.
Alexander inhaled deeply before pressing the call button. The phone rang once, twice, and then there was silence before a familiar gravelly voice answered.
"Who the hell is this?"
“It’s me,” Alexander said firmly.
There was a long pause on the other end of the line. Luca wasn’t the kind of man to forget a voice, especially not one tied to a life-saving moment. Finally, Luca’s voice softened, though it retained its edge.
"Ah... I wondered when you’d call me, Specter," Luca replied, using the alias Alexander had operated under back in his days as an assassin. “Didn’t think I’d ever hear from you again. I figured you’d traded all this for that shiny military life.”
“That was the plan,” Alexander admitted. “But things have changed. I need your help.”
Luca let out a low chuckle. “That’s not a phrase I thought I’d hear from you." There was a sharp pause. "Go on. I’m listening.”
Alexander explained the situation in simple terms—Dorian Blackwood, his organized crime connections, and the alliance between the Blackwoods and the Hales. He left out many details, but it was enough to paint a picture of the powerful enemies closing in around him and Victoria.
“I need intelligence on Blackwood’s movements, his criminal operations, and his allies,” Alexander finished. “I also need the kind of manpower that can’t be traced back to me. You know the type.”
There was a long silence as Luca considered the request. "You’re stepping into some dangerous waters here, my friend," Luca finally said. "Going after a family like the Blackwoods, especially with their mafia ties, is going to get messy fast. You sure you’re ready for this?"
“I don’t have a choice,” Alexander replied firmly. "This isn’t just about me anymore."
Luca grunted in understanding. “A woman, huh?"
Alexander remained silent.
"I should have known.” There was a pause, then Luca added, “Alright. You saved my life once, so I owe you. But this is a big favor. You know what it means if I do this for you?”
“I know,” Alexander said. “If you help me, I’ll owe you.”
“Big time,” Luca emphasized. “And I collect on my debts, Specter.”
Alexander clenched his jaw. “Understood.”
“Good,” Luca said, sounding satisfied. “I’ll dig up what I can on Blackwood and his operations. I’ll also send some of my guys to help. But if you cross me, if this turns into a mess that falls back on my family, all debts are off.”
“It won’t come to that,” Alexander assured him.
“We’ll see,” Luca replied. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
With that, the line went dead.
Alexander stared at the phone in his hand for a long moment. He placed the phone back into his pocket and looked out at Victoria, who sat by the window, deep in thought.
She hadn’t yet seen the full extent of what they were up against. But soon, she would. And when that time came, he needed to be ready.
Later that evening, after ensuring Victoria was safely hidden, Alexander joined her for dinner. Victoria remained silent for most of the meal, clearly preoccupied with many thoughts. When she finally spoke, it surprised Alexander.
“I’ve been thinking,” she began, putting down her fork and glancing up at him. “About business. And how we might use it to solve our current situation.”
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Business?”
Victoria nodded eagerly. “Yes, something legitimate. A business venture that we can present as the reason for your interest in helping my family. Something public that people can point to as a cover for... well, whatever it is you’re planning behind the scenes.”
Alexander smirked. “You’re thinking about a cover story?”
“Exactly,” she said, a spark of excitement lighting up her eyes. “I’ve already decided that I want to pursue something real. Something that could generate the funds needed to pay off my family’s debts and grant me independence from people like Dorian or my uncle. And it benefits us both, right? It keeps people from asking too many questions about why you’re still around me.”
Alexander leaned back in his chair, considering the idea. It was a smart move. If they structured it right, it could become a valuable resource for them both. Most importantly, it would keep Victoria busy and distract her from everything happening.
“What kind of business were you thinking of?” he asked.
Victoria grinned. “Something with high profit margins and quick returns. Maybe real estate or investments in tech startups. You have military contacts. Perhaps we could leverage that for security services or even weapons manufacturing. Legal, of course,” she added quickly.
Alexander nodded slowly. “That could work.”
Victoria continued quietly, “I don’t want my family to suffer because of me. If we can make this business successful, I’ll have enough money to protect them.”
Alexander reached across the table and placed his hand on hers. “We’ll make sure they’re taken care of, Victoria. You won’t have to worry about them.”
She smiled at his reassurance, though a shadow of concern lingered in her eyes.
“Alright,” Alexander said, breaking the silence. “Let’s brainstorm some specifics tomorrow.”
Victoria nodded, watching as Alexander stood and stepped away from the table, his phone already in hand.
Moving to a quieter corner, Alexander dialed a number. The phone rang only twice before a measured voice answered.
“Alexander,” Heinrich’s voice was as composed as ever. “What is it?”
Alexander leaned against the wall, choosing his words carefully. “I need your connections, Heinrich. Financial backing, legal guidance, and someone who can ensure no one looks too closely at what we’re doing.”
Heinrich paused, considering the request. “As you wish,” he said firmly. “I’ll send someone right away.”
“Thank you,” Alexander replied sincerely.
***
After Alexander finished finalizing a few more details about their plan, Victoria’s phone suddenly vibrated. The sudden noise startled her, and when she glanced at the screen, her blood ran cold.
It was Dorian.
Without thinking, she answered the call and brought the phone to her ear.
“Victoria...” Dorian’s voice slithered through the line. “You’ve made some... interesting choices lately. Running off with that mechanic of yours. Or should I say, Alexander?”
Victoria froze. Did Dorian know something they didn’t?
Part of her wanted to demand answers, but she instinctively knew better. Dorian was just toying with her.
“I know more than you think,” Dorian continued. “If you believe you can hide behind him, you’re in for a rude awakening. I still have unfinished business with him. Don’t think I’ve forgotten what he did.”
Victoria glanced at Alexander, who was casually reading through some notes. Desperately searching for words, she found none.
“Be careful, Victoria,” Dorian whispered. “When I come for you, I’m coming for him too.”
Victoria slammed the phone down and immediately turned it off. A chill coursed through her. Dorian knew something, and his calm demeanor was more terrifying than any rage he could show.
Alexander looked up from his notes, sensing her distress. “Who was that?”
For a moment, Victoria hesitated. The last thing she wanted was for him to worry more. She feared he might try to leave her to keep her safe, especially after Dorian’s threat.
Taking a deep breath, she forced a shaky smile. “It was nothing,” she lied, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. “Just... our enemies are preparing to attack. That’s all.”
Alexander’s brow furrowed, clearly unconvinced. He stood and walked over to her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. “Victoria, if there’s something I need to know, please tell me. I can’t protect you if I don’t know what’s going on.”
She looked into his eyes, but something stopped her from revealing the full truth. She didn’t want to alarm him.
“I’m just scared,” she admitted finally, leaning into his chest. “Dorian... he’s more dangerous than I ever thought. He's a devil.”
Alexander held her close. “Then I'll be his hell.”
- Writer
