Siempre Mío

t w o

I started off slow, punching the bag and kicking it hardly. I didn't want to overwork myself but I kept going, fighting the swinging bag and allowing it to come near me.

My punches were fast, yet so controlled. My kickes were slightly less organized but I managed to control them as I continued.

My thoughts wandered to when Lucia came to see me in the training room after that day with the recruits.

Despite my distaste for company at the time, she came in and stayed with me. She could tell I was off but she wouldn't pry.

She respected my boundaries.

I stopped, my breath runnning short and my thoughts paining me.

It hurts.

I chugged my water, accidentally letting it slip down my chest. I used the towel I had to rid myself of the water and decided that it was enough training for today.

I headed into the kitchen just when a few of the maids began serving the food. Romeo and Señora were seated at the table and some of Don's closest men were with them too.

I went and sat next to Señora and she smiled at me.

"¿Como estas Lorenzo?" she asked me.
[translation: how are you Lorenzo?]

"Bien Señora, y tu?"
[translation: good señora, and you?]

"No me mientas. How are you, really?"
[translation: don't lie to me]

"I'm... fine. I know it's been two years but- I just wish it wasn't like that." I sighed.

She gave me a sad smile and placed her hand on top of mine.

"Lo siento mijo, pero that's what the world is like. It takes away good things really early on."
[translation: I'm sorry son, but]

She gave my hand a light squeeze and served me some food. We both conversed as we ate and seeing her smile made me feel the slightest bit happier.

Once lunch was finished, I retreated back to my office to find the Don waiting for me there, sitting opposite my chair as he flicked through a document he held.

"Romeo, to what do I owe your company?" I asked him, my voice masking my surprise terribly.

"What are your plans for the missing gun shipments?" He questioned, disregarding my question completely.

I showed him the manila folder that contained information on our theif.

"I'm going to the docks to sort out our theft problem snd I'll get it sorted by tonight."

"Good. Be honest with me Lorenzo, how are you?"

"Señor, I'm fine. I've stopped drinking, and my focus right now is business. Speaking of which, there was a break-in at one of your clubs and I need to send someone to deal with it. Who do you suggest?"

"Send Antonio and Javier. Anything else?"

"No, thank you." I said, nodding at him.

Ending our conversation, we shook hands and he left.

I sat in my chair and opened my email, finding Ivan's message from a few hours ago.

I scanned the email and found what I was looking for.

"Traces of an invisible ink pen found on the back of the card. Using UV light, we were able to find a message written in Caeser shift ciper. We have been testing to find the code's shift but this is the message: Jzf'ww qtyo xp dzzy. Mlnv szxp. Hope this helps."