Vendetta: Mafia's Deadly Game

Amethyst Diamond Casino

[Noel's Pov]

It was 5 o'clock in the morning when Eleanor and I hurriedly made our way to the Skyview Heights Hotel, where we were supposed to arrive at 11pm. Exhausted from our long and difficult journey, we stumbled through the hotel entrance, drained of energy. The darkness of the early morning surrounded us as we quickly headed towards the reception desk, desperately seeking relief from our weariness.

Walking was becoming challenging for me, as I was wearing designer clothes for the first time today. Neither of us could afford such expensive clothing, but I was unsure where Eleanor had obtained so much money. When I asked her about it, she changed the subject and I didn't press further. Even if it was just for one day, I felt a sense of wealth.

With anticipation and apprehension, we cautiously entered the hotel. Our hearts pounded as we were met with an unsettling silence, contrasting the usual bustling atmosphere. The surroundings were illuminated by the flashing lights of police cars, casting an ominous glow on the scene before us.

As we approached the fountain, the sight of the yellow caution tape sent a shiver down my spine. It was a stark reminder that something terrible had happened within these walls. The words "DO NOT ENTER" seemed to mock us, warning of the horrifying scene that awaited our arrival.

Two exhausted police officers stood guard, their faces showing a mix of fatigue and disbelief. Their eyes met ours, silently conveying the seriousness of the situation. It was evident that we were not prepared for what lay beyond that forbidden boundary. They prohibited us from coming here.

Taking a deep breath, I gathered the courage to speak. "What occurred here, Ele?" I asked, my voice barely audible. Ele mirrored my shock and confusion. Her usually composed demeanor faltered, as she searched the area for answers that were yet to be discovered.

"Looks like we're too late," Ele responded, a tinge of regret in her voice. "The meeting must have already ended."

Ele's response really caught me off guard. I was quite surprised to see her tilting her head back and gazing up at the towering height of the hotel. "There has been a murder here, Ele," I tried to remind her.

She looked at me and then at the police officers standing in front of us. "But we didn't come here for this murder case. The police will take care of it. We're actually late because Thomas Martin must be gone by now."

Her words reminded me of our mission for being here. We walked into the hotel's spacious hall, trying to hide our identities by keeping our heads held high. All the staff at the reception were watching us. Ele took out a golden card with a capital 'L' written on it from her designer bag.

"Luxe Heaven Penthouse Mastercard," I said in surprise, leaning in to whisper in Ele's ear. She just smiled in response.

We approached the sleek, glass elevator at the end of the hall, its doors beckoning us to step inside. As we entered, the elevator operator greeted us with a polite nod and pressed the button for the penthouse floor. The doors closed, enclosing us in a small, mirrored space.

As the elevator began its ascent, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Reaching the penthouse was no ordinary feat. The elevator glided smoothly upwards, the soft music playing in the background adding to the air of mystery.

Ele and I exchanged a knowing glance, silently reminding each other of the importance of our task. We had been sent here to retrieve a valuable piece of information that could potentially change the course of history.

As the elevator doors opened on the hundredth floor, we stepped out and our eyes immediately locked onto the sleek black door of the penthouse. Ele confidently inserted the golden card into the electronic lock, and with a soft click, the door swung open, revealing a truly breathtaking sight.

We entered the penthouse and cautiously began exploring. To our surprise, there was no sign of anyone except for a girl peacefully sleeping in Daniel's bedroom. Ele and I exchanged glances, realizing that not only Thomas Martin but Daniel himself seemed to have vanished. We were definitely running late.

"Not only Thomas Martin, but Daniel too," I muttered, looking at Ele. "We're really behind."

"Thieves often leave their mark as they go, Noel," Ele replied cryptically.

I didn't fully grasp her words, but I nodded in agreement nonetheless. Suddenly, amidst the otherwise silent penthouse, we heard the distinct sound of a door clicking shut. Ele's eyes widened in shock, and we both hurriedly made our way towards the source of the sound. As we reached the door, we caught a glimpse of a figure disappearing into the distance. It was Daniel, leaving the penthouse.

"Dani....." Ele was about to shout his name, but I quickly covered her mouth, preventing any further noise.

"We gotta be quiet, Ele," I whispered urgently. "He's probably already in the elevator. Let's catch up before he slips away." Ele nodded, and we stealthily pursued Daniel, our footsteps echoing in the empty penthouse. It felt like a never-ending chase, with Daniel always just out of our grasp.

"Yeah, yeah, we need to make it to the Amethyst Diamond Casino fast," Ele said, grabbing my arm and pulling me to a stop as we reached the elevator. We hid behind a nearby wall, eavesdropping on Daniel's phone conversation.

"Thomas Martin will be there too, and the deal should go down today," Daniel spoke, giving instructions to the person on the other end of the line. "And yeah, my driver Marcus will pick you up from the Blue Fressy Bar. Tell Thomas I sent you to my place."

"No, no, I'll handle that murder case," he added after a brief pause, and then entered the elevator as soon as he pressed the button.

Ele and I exchanged puzzled looks as we watched Daniel disappear into the elevator. Something about his conversation seemed off, and we couldn't help but wonder what he was involved in.

"Alright, Noel, you gotta take Marcus' place at the Amethyst Diamond Casino, no matter what," Ele instructed, her voice determined. "And I'll follow Daniel to wherever he's headed."

As soon as I walked into the casino, my eyes widened with excitement. It was my first time being here, so I made sure to carry myself confidently, entering with my head held high. I didn't want anyone to think it was my first time.

The interior view of the Casino is a sight to behold, as it is adorned with an abundance of purple diamonds. The walls are covered in shimmering amethyst-colored diamond panels, reflecting light and creating a mesmerizing ambiance. The ceiling is adorned with intricate chandeliers made of purple diamonds, casting a soft, ethereal glow throughout the space.

The casino floor is spacious and elegantly designed, with plush purple carpets and velvet drapes adding a touch of luxury. The gaming tables are made of polished amethyst, with purple diamond accents embedded in the edges. The slot machines are also adorned with purple diamond details, adding a glamorous touch to the gaming experience.

As I walk through the casino, I notice the staff dressed in sophisticated black uniforms, adding to the overall theme. The dealers at the tables are professional and attentive, ensuring a seamless gambling experience for the patrons. The atmosphere is lively, with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional cheer from a lucky winner.

The patrons of the Amethyst Diamond Casino are a diverse mix of individuals, all drawn to the allure of the purple diamond theme. There are high rollers placing large bets at the blackjack and poker tables, while others try their luck at the slot machines or roulette wheel. The atmosphere is one of excitement and anticipation, as people eagerly await the outcome of their bets.

At the sound of the beep, I quickly took my phone out of my pocket and saw the name of Eleanor flashing in black words. I opened his message and saw 'Thomas Martin' written below with a concept. I took a look at his picture and went to the restroom. This job was not new to me but it was my first time to meet Thomas so I was a little nervous inside.

While washing my hands, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My reflection stared back at me, a mix of determination in my eyes. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. This was just another job, I reminded myself. I had done this countless times before. My eyes passed through my face and stopped at my black denim coat. Just a few hours ago, this coat was owned by someone else. Someone else was waiting to meet Thomas, wearing this coat.

My thoughts raced back to the recent event that had unfolded just a few hours ago. It played in my mind like a movie reel. I had been at the Blue Fressy Bar, a dimly lit establishment notorious for its questionable clientele. I had a specific purpose for being there. Navigating through the crowded bar, I found a seat at the counter and ordered a glass of red wine. After finishing my drink, I placed the empty glass on the counter and motioned for the waiter to come closer due to the loud music drowning out my voice.

As the waiter leaned in, I discreetly revealed my police identification with the fake name John. "I'm an officer of the law, and I'm currently pursuing a murderer by the name of Marcus."

He glanced at me first, then at my ID card. "Do you have any information about Marcus?" I asked again.

"Marcus James?" he raised an eyebrow and responded with a question instead of an answer. Since I didn't know his full name, I simply nodded and he motioned towards the table in the corner.

I spotted Marcus sitting alone at a table in the corner. He was a tall, muscular man with a menacing presence. I cautiously approached him and sat directly behind him. My heart raced in my chest as I sensed the tension in the air, waiting for him to make a move so I could confirm his identity. Suddenly, his phone rang. He answered the call and said, "deal 37, yes, I'm coming outside."