Chapter 23: News
1034 Words
Lisa was taking her stress and worry out in the bathtub when she saw the light bell go off. "What is it bloody now?" She sighed as she took off her rubber gloves.
It had been eight weeks since Matt left. Matt had called her once after he had landed and texted her a few times. But it had been complete radio silence. Of course, Lisa had texted and even tried to ring, but nothing. All in all, she felt a mixture of anger, fear, and worry.
Lisa had even contacted Alannah and Kurt, but they had said they had heard nothing. Lisa sighed again before opening the door. She was surprised to see an old man flanked by two bodyguards. "Hello?" Lisa asked, unsure.
"Are you Miss Lisa Mitchell?" The old man asked.
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"Maybe. I am Matto’s father, Danilo Maldonado."
"Matto’s father? Oh God, has something happened to him? " Lisa said, feeling her heart beat faster. If Matt had been involved in an accident, it would make sense why he had not been in contact.
"May I come in?" Danilo asked again.
"Certainly, please come in and forgive me for being rude!" Lisa said, stepping aside. She thanked her stars that the house was clean. Lisa showed them all to the living room and guided him to the sofa before sitting down herself. Emily came down the stairs and walked into the room. She had a concerned look on her face as she eyed the guests.
"Who is this old prick?" Signed Emily. Lisa mentally sighed at the name, but she did not blame Emily. The old man, who had a constant look of disgust on his face, was not even sitting fully down on the sofa; he was perched on the edge like he was worried about catching something.
"He is Matt’s father." Lisa then signed off.
"Matt's Father? I don’t like this, and I am staying. No arguing! " Emily said with a smile as she sat down next to Lisa.
"May I please introduce Emily, my adoptive sister?" Lisa asked politely. She noticed that he had the same eye colour as Matt. Danilo's hair was grey, but Lisa presumed it had been the same colour as Matt's when he was younger. That is where the similarities end.
"I am not here for a social call," Danilo said, coldly.
"Well, I won’t offer a cup of tea then. So, why are you here? Is Matt OK? "
"Matt is no longer your concern and I am here to make you understand that," Danilo snapped.
"I don’t understand," Lisa said, suddenly worried.
"Clearly, otherwise you would not have dared make a move on my son.
"I am sorry, but you are under the wrong impression. So, let me clarify the situation for you; your son chased me. "
"Oh please, Senhora, I know my son’s taste and you are not his type. He would not court someone in your position."
"Court someone in my position? I was not aware we were in a mediaeval court! Pray, tell me, good sir, why am I not in a good enough position to court your youngest son? " Lisa said sarcastically.
"Such insolence! I will let it go this one time, because you are not aware of our ways. I will explain why the relationship with my son can never continue. My son is part of a large underground gang in Brazil. He is the next leader of the dominant gang called the Sun Gods. Not only that, but he will be chairman of the South American syndicate. Simply put, Matteo will be in charge of all the major businesses in South America..much like a King. " Danilo explained.
"So, you are telling me Matt is a Mafia member? A Mafia Boss? " Lisa said, eyes narrowing.
"The mafia is Italian, but it is the same principle."
"OK, what does this have to do with my relationship with Matt? Surely your son is old enough to decide who he wants to be with, " Lisa said firmly. She was trying to hold her temper.
"Tell me, do you know what grass needs to grow?" Danilo asked.
"What?" Lisa asked, confused.
"What the f**k is this old man talking about?" Signed, Emily. Lisa could tell Emily was just as angry as she was, and that was a dangerous situation.
"What grass needs to grow?" Danilo asked again.
"Water, soil, and sunlight, I guess," Lisa said with a shrug.
"They need that, yes. But there must be no weeds for the roots to grow strong. If there are weeds, no matter how small, they will strangle the grass. The grass will become less strong and will eventually die! "
"Did he just call you a weed? How dare he? I am going to show him who is a weed! " Emily roared through her sign.
So, you're saying that I am a weed? That I will weaken Matt. " Lisa asked as she signed, "Be careful!" To Emily.
"Not only Matt, but the Sun God’s gang and the South American Syndicate. You know that you are not from the same world. You do not understand the syndicate methods, even if you were part of ours briefly, " Danilo said, Factually.
"So you want me to break up with him?" Lisa asked.
"Oh my dear, it is too late for that!" Danilo said as he handed her a brown envelope.
Lisa opened it and gasped. The envelope contained photos of Matt in a suite getting married to another woman! To add salt to the wound, there was also a copy of a marriage certificate with Matto’s signature on it.
"I see," Lisa said as she blinked quickly. There was no way she would cry in front of this man, even if she could feel her breaking.
"I'm glad you finally understand. He's married a worthy woman. One that will bring many benefits, unlike marrying an ex-poker player and a teacher. "
"And... and is he happy?" Lisa asked.
"Happy? Have you not seen the woman? She is a lingerie model, so how can he not be? " Danilo said, happily.
- Writer
