Debt to the Mafia

Chapter 7

The penthouse was empty this morning. I know it is early but the men’s doors were open no one was inside. I couldn’t find anyone at all; not in any of the bedrooms, the bathroom, the living room or in the kitchen. I was all on my own and thought to myself that this was my one chance to escape. 

I rushed into the bedroom and packed a few things into a bag. I tied my hair into a high ponytail and put on some joggers and a t-shirt. If I was going to manage to get out of this place unseen then I was going to have to do it quickly and quietly. I headed into the elevator and pressed the basement level. If I tried to escape out of the ground floor then one of the men, or the receptionist might see me. 

The doors opened to a dark basement with loads of furniture and products being stored in rows. I looked around to find a fire exit sign or something to indicate a way out. Right in the corner of the room was a red metal door with a bright green exit sign above it. I ran over to it and tried the handle. It was stiff but with a bit of force it clicked open. I rushed up the set of concrete steps that led to the outside. 

I made it! I’m out! Now I have to figure out a way of getting back to England. I looked around for ideas and then thought about going to the police station. The only problem with telling them my situation is that my mum and dad might get in trouble, either with them or someone more dangerous and I didn’t want that. I hurried over to a stranger and asked if I could use their phone. I was reluctant to call my parents because of their decision to sell me like an old item you need to get rid of, but I didn’t have anyone else to ring.

“Mum?” 

“Amelia? Is that you?!” She exclaimed down the phone. 

“Yes mum it’s me, I don’t have much time because I’m using a strangers phone. I need your help, I need some money so I can fly home” I explained.

“Fly home?! Where are you?!” She yelled. 

“I’m in New York, I haven’t got any money, I haven’t got a phone and I’ve hardly got any clothes. Please mum, I need to get out of here. Is there anyway you can get some money to me?” I asked desperately. 

“I need to speak with your father, it’s all under his company but we will work something out”

“Okay, listen... I will call you in a couple of hours, if you don’t hear from me it means they have found me” I stammered. I could hear the worry in my mums voice and I was beginning to get choked up.

“Sweetheart, this wasn’t my choice, you know that don’t you?” She defended.

“Mum I know, I have to go but I will call back in a couple of hours. I love you” I said before hanging up. Teary eyed, I thanked the stranger for their phone and rushed off into the crowd of people scattering to get to work. 

—MICHELE’S POV—

I woke up in the early hours of the morning and was troubled by Ezio’s threats. I needed to go to the office and get started on the security of the building. I rolled over and saw the glass of water that Amelia had left for me last night and found myself smirking at it. She tells me she hates me all the time and yet when I’m in a bad way she comes and looks after me. I got out of bed and got myself dressed. 

I tapped away on my computer, opening emails and messaging every man I had in New York. I needed everyone to be on guard and keeping an eye on Ezio’s movements. I don’t want any surprises and I definitely don’t want Amelia getting hurt. I looked through the unopened emails and then noticed a new one pop up on my screen. 

‘From Ezio Bianchi’. I hesitated for a moment before opening the email. 

Subject: Declined Offer

Dear Mr Rossi,

It is with great disappointment that we were unable to come to an agreement over our business deal. I hope that in the future we learn from our mistakes and don’t make them twice. I am writing to inform you that we can no longer do business together and that the safety of your prize is now in jeopardy. Please note that this will be the only warning you get from the Bianchi family and that we are taking drastic measures to ensure your lesson is learnt. We will be in possession of Miss Johnson with or without your cooperation. If any obstruction made in the process of us collecting her, then we will take this as a personal insult and action will be taken. Please say your goodbyes. 

See you soon

Bianchi’s 

My fists were clenched so tight that my knuckles had turned white. The sarcastic structure of the email was incredibly insulting. I am going to f*****g kill him and the rest of his pathetic clan. How dare he send me a f*****g threat through email. He’s not getting anywhere near Amelia, or us for that matter. I grabbed my phone and called Nico.

“Mmmm, hello?” He groaned down the phone.

“Nico, get all of the men up and out of bed, I want them in my office for an emergency meeting right now!” I exclaimed. 

“It’s 5am fratello (brother)”. 

“Now!” I shouted and hung up. 

Within 20 minutes, every man I had in the building was standing in my office rubbing their eyes. I was panting from the rage that flowed through my body. I slammed a pile of papers in front of the men and one of them passed them around.

“This is the f*****g email I received about 20 minutes ago. Ezio has sent his first act of war! He has threatened that he will attack any one of us if we stop him from taking Amelia” I passionately told the guys. 

“Boss, why don’t we just give her to him?” One of the men asked. I narrowed my eyes at him and slowly walked over. 

“Because, she is a part of us now and because...” I punched him square in the nose with such force that blood started to pour from both nostrils. He grunted and leant over holding his face and groaning in pain. 

“I f*****g said so!” I screamed. 

“Now does anyone else want to question why we are protecting Miss Johnson or have I made myself perfectly f*****g clear?” I yelled, scanning the room at all of the shocked faces that stared at me. The room was silent and I made my way back to the front. 

“Now I want every f*****g man inked with our families symbol on their skin to be on high alert. I want to know when this fucker moves, breathes, shits; I want to know everything he does and you are to protect Amelia at all times. I don’t want you to lose sight of her, let her get too far ahead when walking on the streets or even go to the toilet without someone outside the door!” I demanded. 

“Now get yourselves in order and get eyes on Ezio, report back to me when you’ve found him!” I yelled. The men started to scatter out of the room and I sat there rubbing my temples at my desk. Nico walked over and perched himself on the edge.

“We will keep her safe brother, don’t stress” he reassured me. I sighed and replied “I hope so, he’s a nasty fucker and I’ve only heard of the sick twisted things he had done to people... especially women”. All of a sudden Ricco burst through the door in a panic.

“Boss... it Amelia! She’s gone boss” he informed me. My blood began to pump faster and faster through my veins and I clenched my jaw. 

“Get every f*****g man out there looking for her now!” I desperately yelled.