Memoirs of Retribution

Chapter 23 - Desmond

Finding out that Desmond – or Des – was a part of the Zizanti 'family' was irritating and problematic. It would mean potentially starting a rivalry that would be potentially damaging for both sides. Innocent lives lost. Well, I say innocent as more of a blanket term. No one in this life is exactly sin-free.

Dominic had personally lectured me over and over when I said I didn't care. That he had to die and to hell with the consequences. But on personal reflection, I came to realise Dominic was right. Not that I would admit that to him.

Today I find myself parking on the street outside a modern building about to do something I've not had to do in a long time.

Ask for permission.

The foyer was clean and sleek, the grey marble floors polished until it shined and reflected the shadows of those that walked over it. There were multiple seating areas that, although looked comfortable they were mainly empty.

I walked up to the desk where a stressed-looking twenty-something woman sat talking into her headset and directing call after call. Her greeting repeated with the same polite civility that astounded me. Saying the same thing over and over would have pissed me off.

At least I know it will never be a job I'll be suited to when and if this is all over.

She looked up with a small smile but didn't stop to speak to me, only continued on her endless mission.

After being ignored for several minutes and she repeats her greeting for the twelfth time I pressed the button. Disconnecting her from all the calls and stared into her stunning eyes.

"Just direct me to Mr. Zizanti and I'll be on my way." I say as sweetly as my inpatient mind can manage.

"Do you have an appointment?" She asked, a little smug that she would be able to send me away.

"I don't need one." She tried to interrupt me at this point, but I spoke over her in an increasingly stern tone.

"Point me in the direction and you can live. How about that?" I smiled, with promise in my eyes.

Fear and panic made her pale in her seat as she pointed a shaky finger towards the lone standing elevator.

"Thank you." I said and carried on with my day. Making sure to send another smile her way as the elevator doors closed.

The journey up was swift only taking a few moments and then the doors were sliding open into a grand foyer. Unlike downstairs the finishing's and furniture up her looked expensive.

Two meathead-looking guards flanked double doors, they gave a fleeting glance at each other as they saw me step off the elevator and walk up to them.

"Can I help you, dear?" A mumsy-looking brown-haired woman asked from my right. Turning to her I approached, my hand outstretched, and greeted her politely offering my name.

"Hello. My name is Amber. I'm here to see Mr. Zizanti with important business he will need to attend to personally."

She nodded with an apologetic face. "Unfortunately, Mr. Zizanti doesn't want to see anyone today. If you would-" I'd heard enough, and impatience was getting the better of me.

"I understand that he is a busy man, but this cannot wait. I can assure you he will be angrier about missing the opportunity to meet with me than he currently is." I argued in a calm manner.

She worried her lip while thinking about what she should do and picked up the phone. "Mr. Zizanti. I know you do not wish to be disturbed-" She began.

"Then why are you disturbing me." An irritated voice spat back at her, I could hear him loud and clear through the receiver.

"Sorry, sir. I have a Miss Amber wishing to meet with you." She replied in a panicked hurry.