The Mafia Boss and His Lost Princess ***Completed and Free**

Chapter 5: Cuckoo*

*****Trigger warnings - violence described*******

“Another delivery for you Alannah! It’s from.........yeah it’s from Kurt again!” Bruce called as he brought in a large hamper of champagne and chocolate.

“Put them in the bin if no one wants them!” Alannah said as he put in her wireless headphones and selected some 90s dance mix. 

Kurt had sent a variety of notes and gifts including flowers, a fruit basket and wine. None of which Alannah wanted, but her family were more than happy to have them! 

“They are too good to throw away, can we have them?” Ethan asked looking at the brand.

“Sure!” Alannah said as she got back to practising with her chains. 

The odds were against her, but she was not going down without a fight. Feeling the weight of the chain and going through the motions brought her some sense of peace.

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“Have you sent the gifts Xan?” Kurt asked anxiously. 

Kurt knew that there was a high chance it was not going to work, but it was worth a try. He was sitting in a large chair in Xan’s office. Xan’s office was of course stunning, with panoramic views of the city.

“Yes! But she is probably concentrating on the match tonight, which I don’t blame her to be honest!” Xan said honestly.

“Of courses! Are we going to see them tonight?” Kurt asked eagerly.

“Yes, I have got a VIP box reserved for all matches. Are you sure you want to go? It can be brutal, to say the least Kurt!” Xan said.

“Pretty sure I can handle it!” Kurt said.

“Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you! Oh before I forget Theo is joining us” Xan said.

“Grace’s Uncle, Theo?” Kurt said.

“Yes, he had a mission in some nearby country and wants to pop in. Quite frankly, I don’t ask why he is in this part of the world, as long as he is not causing trouble here!” Xan said. He was about to say something when there was a knock on the door. 

“Enter!” Xan said.

Denug entered with a folder in his hand and said “I have got the file you wanted Boss!"

“Thank Denug, I am sorry I sent you down to the archives. Can you give it to Kurt please? Then please take the rest of the day off, you have earned it!" Xan said.

“Thanks, Boss! Do you still want me at the match?” Denug said.

“You and my beloved sister are invited. I know how you both secretly love the matches!” Xan said.

“Thanks, Boss, see you tonight. Here, Kurt, you might find this interesting!” Denug said.

“What is it?” Kurt said accepting the file.

“Alannah‘s file. It has everything in there including reports from social services, doctors, schools, market value and fighting history.” Denug said.

“Market Value?” Kurt growled. He hated the idea that a monetary value could be placed on her.

“He means no disrespect Kurt, the value is an old one as we don’t do that anymore!” Xan said firmly.

“I am sorry, I am just..” Kurt started to say, but he was not sure how to describe it. He was so confused about everything.

“Don’t worry Kurt. Why don’t you take the file away and read it? You never know there could be something in there that is helpful." Xan said encouragingly.

“Yes, I will and thanks Xan. I know we did not get off to a good start, but I do count you as a friend these days!” Kurt said in a rare moment of emotion.

“You had drug addiction problems at the time, Kurt. You have acted like a man and faced them. Which is a credit not only to you but to your Syndicate. It is an honour to call you my friend as well!” Xan said with a smile.

Later on that day, back at Kurt's Penthouse, he settled down in a comfy chair with a cup of tea. He opened up the file and started to read it.

“Let’s see, Mother was Emily Seaswell and Father unknown. Has one living brother Duncan, current residents unknown. Born in Bedford Hospital and is currently 28 years old.” Kurt said allowed as he read the introduction page. 

Kurt flipped the page over to a police report. The Officer attended the scene at 53 Baker Street at 02:00 on Tuesday 3rd December. Two bodies - one woman and one man - were discovered and upon further investigation a girl aged eight in the cupboard under her bed clutching a gold locket. The young girl Alannah Seaswell aged 8 witnessed the event. Referred to social services and child psychologist.

“s**t!” Kurt said as he continued reading......

20 years ago - 53 Baker Street, London.

“Mummy, mummy look what I’ve done!” Alannah said running into the kitchen to find her Mum. She had in her hand a drawing of a butterfly and she was particularly proud of it.

“Oh, honey that is amazing!” Her Mum said hugging Alannah. Alannah hugged her Mother back hard, breathing in her comforting scent of roses and vanilla. 

Alannah thought her Mum was the most beautiful woman in the world. With curly brown hair and brown eyes, Emily Seaswell was strikingly beautiful. 

“This is really good Alannah, I will put it on the fridge with the others!” Emily said pinning it on the fridge.

“What are you making Mummy?” Alannah asked.

“Why your favourite - apple pie of course! I thought you deserved a treat after doing so well at school." Emily said and Alannah giggled in excitement.

Just then there was a loud bang as the door was slammed shut.

“Mum!” A teenage boy shouted.

“In here Duncan!” Emily shouted. A boy with dark brown hair and brown eyes came stomping into the kitchen.

“Hello Mum,” Duncan said completely ignoring Alannah.

“Duncan, don’t ignore your sister. You are 16 years old and suppose to be setting an example!” Emily chided.

“Mum! Why do I have to say hello to Cuckoo?” Duncan moaned.

“Don’t call her that!” Emily snapped.

“Why not? Dad does!” Duncan said folding his arms.

“You are her older brother, you suppose to protect her!” Emily said fiercely.

“Fine! Now can I stay around Dave’s house tonight?” Duncan asked.

“I was hoping you could stay for dinner!” Emily said.

“Yes, Mummy has made of apple pie because I’ve done so well at school! Please stay Duncan!” Alannah said hopefully.

“Oh, great! I have a dorky cuckoo as a sister! No, I rather go out, to be honest!” Duncan said. 

“Fine, just go! One day you will realise the importance of family.” Emily said sadly.

“Whatever! See you tomorrow!” Duncan said as he raced off out of the house.

“Just look like it is the two of us sweetheart!” Emily said with a smile and Alannah nodded, giving her Mum a big hug.

Later that evening Alannah had gone to bed and was fast asleep until she was woken up by her Mum.

“Sweetheart, Sweetheart wake up!” Emily said urgently.

“Mummy? What’s wrong?” Alannah said sleepily.

“Remember that game we play? You know the one where you hide and don’t make a sound? Well, we are going to play it now!” Emily said lifting the mattress undoing a couple of slats.

“Do I have to hold the treasure again Mummy?” Alannah said. Alannah was used to the game, she knew her Daddy must be angry for some reason.

“Yes, my little Sweetheart!” Emily said as she handed Alannah her Gold locket. “I love you so much! I come and get you when the game is over.” 

Emily gave Alannah one last kiss, hurriedly move the slats back and put the mattress on top. No sooner had she done that than the front door burst open and allowed hollering was heard.

“ Emily? Emily? Where are you my little w***e and where is that Cuckoo?” A loud male voice shouted slurred.

“I am coming to Kyle, I’ve been waiting for you sweetheart!” Emily said in a falsely cheerful voice.

Alannah did not make a sound as she held the locket to her chest. She heard loud shouting and Alana closed her eyes wishing for it to be over. The last thing she heard her mum scream was “I never loved you Kyle, and I’m glad that she is not yours!” 

Alannah kept her eyes closed until she saw a woman police officer peered down into her hiding place.