Michael's Story

Chapter 1

   A pitch black sky; perfect enough for any snake to commit their treacherous acts. A group of three, camouflaged in attire that matched the darkness, crept up the curved driveway with their backs hunched. They carried on until they'd met with the driveway.

Pablo flicked his bedroom light switch off and joined his sleeping wife in bed. Just after he settled under his warm blankets he adjusted to his side and landed a quick peck on her cheek. Once he closed his eyes he exhaled, slipping into the peaceful silence of his home.

The soothing sounds of nothing were blown away by a loud crash coming from downstairs. Pablo jerked out of his comfort and shook his wife awake. His security system was triggered soon after, the wailing siren pierced their ears. Pablo's wife attempted to stand but he stopped her with a grab of her wrist.

"I've got it, stay here." He told.

He quickly reached under his mattress, sliding his gun from the spot, and tucked it in the waistband of his silk pajama pants. He started the door, speed walked his lengthy hall, and trotted down the staircase.

The sound of his security system grew louder as he slowly eased off of the last step. His front door and the windows near it were untouched. He looked to his left and then his right, to where another hall led to his kitchen, deciding where to check first. He chose left; stalking that way as he placed his hand on his tool.

In the living room there was a pile of shattered glass and close by his ottoman was toppled over. Pablo snatched his gun out, pointing it in each direction he looked. Suddenly, an odd feeling washed over him. He felt like someone was standing behind him. Before he could turn to see he was clocked with hard steel right into his skull.

Whoever struck him, didn't knock Pablo out but he'd lost his footing and clung to the floor. He was swiped up by his collar and dragged over to his security panel.

"What's the fucking pin?!" The intruder shoved his face into the pad.

The voice of the man had been too familiar, it had to have been someone he'd run closely with. He needed a second to put a finger on his name but, he knew for certain that it was someone known to him.

"I don't remember it!" Pablo mumbled while his face was pushed into the screen.

Before he knew it, Pablo's head was smashed into the wall next to the panel. He was dazed for a moment, shaking his head as he tried to regain consciousness. He could feel the blood rushing from his nose.

"What's the fucking number!" He yelled through his black mask.

"I- I don't know," Pablo murmured

Pablo pulled back once again, expecting his face to meet the wall again but instead, he heard the cocking of a gun. Pablo's eyes drifted off in the direction the sound came and he saw his daughter standing with the head of a gun placed on her temple. Her lip quivered and she held on tightly to her doll. Pablo's heart sank.

"Tell me the fucking pin in or else I'll have him blow that little bitch's head off." The one that had a grip on him said firmly.

Pablo had to think quickly, he could call his bluff and play dumb until the police were sent out. Or, he could type the wrong pin. But, either way, it was a risk to his precious daughter's life. They could kill her in half a second and be gone the next before any help would even reach them.

"Zero, seven, two, six." Pablo caved.

He fought back tears watching his daughter cry. Their eyes were locked, and he mouthed the words "I'm sorry" to her just before she looked away.

"That made your ass remember real fast." The guy, still with a good hold on Pablo, pulled him over to the sofa. His wife and two other children were shoved into the living room by the short, round male aiming at them in case they tried something.

A third male came into the living room with stuffed duffel bags. Pablo presumed that the contents of the bags were two very specific things that he would be in deep trouble for had they gone missing. He swallowed hard, knowing nothing good would come out of this.

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Michael was in mid-conversation with Antonio about Celia giving birth to their twin daughters. Michael had grown busier since taking on Antonio's role and he wished he had more time to spend with his new family. Cameron was getting bigger and smarter by the second, and now he had two little nieces. He made a promise to his brother that he would take some time off and visit them for a few days.

For the fourth time during the phone conversation with his brother, Pablo called Michael. The first three times, he ignored his call but, he figured that whatever Pablo had to say was urgent.

"Pablo's calling again. Let me see what he wants and I'll call you back." Michael said to Antonio.

He allowed his brother to hang up and then answered for Pablo.

"What's up?" Michael greeted.

"What's up, Mike? How are you?" Pablo asked.

Michael furrowed his brow at Pablo's casual greeting after calling him four times in a row. It was strange that it had seemed so urgent at first.

"I'm good, I'm good. Is everything good?"

"I got some fucking news for you, man." Pablo said.

"What is it?" Michael probed.

"I won't go into detail over the phone but it involves two little Spanish men and lots of green." Pablo said.

"Alright." Michael continued to listen.

"How about you come over to my place on Saturday and I explain everything to you?" Pablo suggested.

"Yeah, I'll be there." Michael agreed.

Michael had no reason to not trust Pablo, but something brewing inside of Michael put him off. Pablo sounded strange and Michael didn't like it. But, Pablo was a friend of the family and someone that had proven to be trustworthy time and time again. When Saturday came he'd just have to see what Pablo had to say.