Lost in the Depth

Strictly Business

Antonio

I make my way down the hallway to the black wooden door at the end of it. As I look at the door, the hallway seems to stretch, making it appear like a sinister scene from a horror movie.

I feel hot. Like the sweating, burning up, stressed out kind of hot. I tug at the collar of my black dress shirt to get some air. Doesn't work. I mentally try to prepare myself for this. Doesn't work.

Having reached the door after what seems like an eternity, I twist the knob and push the door open, stepping into my mother's office. I remember what Rayna told me in our talk last night. So before daring to look at the boss, I glare at her bodyguards, silently ordering them to leave the room. Because I own them.

Once the guards are gone, I finally meet the witch's eyes. She silently stares, unmoving. In fact, she's so still, you'd think she's a statue. When she finally speaks, her voice cuts through the silent like the sharp knife it is.

"I wanted to check up on you." I choke on my own spit as I hear her speak the words. Such motherly words in the mouth of such an unmotherly person. Motherly words that she's never said before.

"You- what?" I speak, dumbfounded at the sudden change in heart. Of course, my shock is short-lived when she explains.

"I had you followed last night after you left the house in such a childish tantrum. See, I'm onto you Antonio. I've been keeping an eye on you for some time now. And I know that you particularly like to spend you spare time with that Cosa Nostra girl."

"I-"

"Shh, I'm not done. See, I would be rather angry at your idiotic choices, but, last night, you finally did something useful with yourself."

My eyes widen and my breath catches as I realise what she means. I feel as though I'm going to faint right there and then. What have I done.

"I just wanted to thank you for showing me Cosa Nostra's new headquarters. And even better, Donna Ferrari's house. I'll be putting that information to very, very good use, darling. You did good, Antonio," she doesn't speak sincerely. Instead she says each word like a tiger waiting for it's prey. Baiting it. She is trying to see my true emotions towards this situation. And I won't let her.

Trying not to falter as I step forward, I keep a cool mask over my face, so she doesn't know the mess of thoughts wracking around in my brain right now.

I put both hands on her desk, in front of her, leaning forward. 

"My pleasure," I say with a smirk. I need her to buy it so I can think up something to fix the mess I've made. I know Rayna deserves it after what she did to me years ago. But I've never been one to hold a grudge and, I know my mother. So I know that whatever fate she has planned for Rayna- well, let's just say that no one deserves a fate like that.

I turn to leave when I see she has nothing left to say. "Oh, Antonio I almost forgot." I turn back around to see that she's stood up now and is very close to me. Her hand is up, palm facing up in front of her mouth. Before I realise what she's doing, she blows the powder in her hand into my face.

I try not to breathe it in but it's too late.

---

Rayna

I don't understand why people choose to come to casinos in the day time. I mean, clearly, it's a night time thing. Yet, even at 9 in the morning, this place is packed. Of course, you'd be asking, then why are you here at 9, Rayna? Well it's not my choice, trust me.

I get my phone out of my purse and check messages again to see what table he's at. I slide the phone back into the bag and smooth out my dress before walking over to table 14.