𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 ❦ (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝)

Chapter 31

The frozen water poured on me brutally wakes me up. I need a bit of time to realize that I am in Solazzo's mansion, tied up to a chair. Solazzo is sitting on a couch in front of me, a whip in hand. His face is crossed with a dreadful grin.

"Ah, you are finally awake."

I come to my senses, and pain also flows back into my whole body. I start recalling the events that occurred before I passed out. Going to Aunt Tara's for Solazzo's birthday, the gun I was carrying was found.

Solazzo immediately cancelled the celebration and asked his men to bring me here. Despite the torture, I gave away no information on Iero or our plans.

"So, why were you hiding a weapon?" He asks severely.

"It's... It's for self-protection..." I say quietly. Solazzo gives me a sly smile and whips me without hesitation. Pain pierces through me and I almost pass out again.

"Please, you have to believe me, Mr. Solazzo... It's the truth!" I cry.

"Do you honestly think that I am going to believe you, Arthur?" He whips me again. I break out in cold sweat and start feeling faint. I can't tell if it's because of the ache or exhaustion. My wounds are burning because of the swear.

Solazzo takes a break and sips his coffee. Then, a knock breaks the silence. "We found something, boss."

Solazzo tells the voice to come in. He glares at me and motions for his man to come closer. Hearing what he has to say, Solazzo's face turns red in anger.

He turns to me and gives me a ruthless kick . It lands in my stomach and violently pushes me back. I'd like to curl up from the pain, but I am still tied up to the chair. The only thing I can do is to pant, wince and wriggle like a fish on land. I can feel drops of sweat drip on my face.

Solazzo steps closer, his heels clicking on the marble floor. He towers over me like a God judging a damned.

"I suppose that I underestimated you..." He gives me a smile. "...Gerard Way."

My heart gives up on me. It's over... He knows it all. Forgive me for failing you, Frank.

______

The dancers of the notorious Sparrow Hall of New York City are busy preparing themselves. A woman named Madam Lana in velvet dress claps her hands.

"Hurry up! Mr. Solazzo is here!"

"Do we have other guests besides Mr. Solazzo? I think this evening is going to be legendary!" Claire, an adorable, blonde dancer exclaims.

"That's none of your business. Make sure that everything is working!" Madam Lana scolds and storms out of the crowded room.

"I heard that another VIP was coming tonight," Rose, another dancer, states. "Do you remember Mr. Iero? The one who argued with Mr. Solazzo over Arthur. He was invited by Mr. Solazzo tonight."

"They don't really get along..." Claire pouts. "Why come here together?"

"It's hard to know what's going on inside these brutes' heads."

"By the way, I haven't seen Arthur in days. He isn't with Mr. Solazzo either..." Claire glances out.

Rose laughs. "Haha, he must've gotten bored by him already."

______

Solazzo is sitting right in front of the stage and he is observing the dancers quietly. The dancers do their best to catch his eye, but his gaze remains empty. He plays with his drink, twirling the ice cubes with a few flicks of his wrist, then drinks a bit of his whisky. He indicates to one of his men to come closer.