The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 47: Affairs

Nathaniel sat at his office desk, frustration etched across his face. He turned to Marcus, his trusted associate, and demanded an explanation. "Why the hell can't we reach Rico? Where the hell have they gone?"

Marcus sighed, his brow furrowing with concern. "It seems like they've disappeared, boss. Ever since he created that scene, they've gone off the grid. It's possible they've left or gone into hiding. I'm trying to gather information, but it's proving difficult."

Nathaniel clenched his fists, his anger simmering. "Find them, Marcus. I don't care what it takes. I want them located and brought back here. This is not how we do things."

Just as Nathaniel was about to lose his temper, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. Irritated, he answered without checking the caller ID. "What the fuck do you want?"

A chuckle came through the other end of the line, and a familiar voice spoke. "Ah, Nathaniel, you're still as charming as ever. Don't you ever get tired of being so serious?"

Nathaniel recognized the voice immediately. It was Adrian, the son of his late brother Salvatore. He let out an exasperated sigh. "What is it, Adrian? Why are you calling me?"

Adrian laughed again, his voice laced with mischief. "I just wanted to remind you that I still want you out of the cartel. I want to experience the thrill and excitement of the mafia life, just like old times."

Nathaniel rubbed his temples, growing weary of Adrian's relentless requests. "Why do you want it so badly? This life is dangerous and complicated."

Adrian's tone turned contemplative. "I wants it because it's fun, Nathaniel. I crave the adrenaline rush, the thrill of the game. I want to feel alive."

Nathaniel let out a frustrated groan. "Enough, Adrian. Stop calling me from different numbers and pestering me with this nonsense. We have enough on our plate already."

Adrian laughed one final time, a mischievous tone lingering in his voice. "Alright, alright, I'll give you a break for now. But remember, Nathaniel, the allure of the mafia is irresistible. It's only a matter of time before I joins you."

Taking a deep breath, Nathaniel refocused his attention on the task at hand. He would find Rico, bring him back, and confront the challenges that awaited them head-on.

Nathaniel's door was knocked, interrupting his thoughts. As he opened the door, a muscular man with tattoos adorning his body entered, wearing a brooding smile on his face. Nathaniel's expression soured, but he maintained a polite demeanor. "Oh, hello Rayne. How are you doing? What brings you here?"

Rayne casually strolled past Nathaniel and took a seat on his desk, causing a flicker of frustration to cross Nathaniel's face. He closed his eyes briefly, regaining control of his emotions, before addressing Rayne again. "So, what can I do for you today?"

Rayne leaned back, a smug smirk playing on his lips. "I have some information about your old man. Quite valuable, if I may say so myself."

Nathaniel's eyes widened with urgency, and he leaned forward, his voice laced with concern. "Tell me. What is it? What do you know?"

Rayne's smirk widened as he raised a finger in a gesture of caution. "Hold on, Nathaniel. This information comes at a price. I need something in return."

Nathaniel groaned internally, cursing under his breath. He knew dealing with Rayne was never straightforward. With a controlled tone, he replied, "Fine, tell me what you want. It's yours."

Rayne's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "I need you to come with me. No questions asked. You'll understand once we get there."

Nathaniel furrowed his eyebrows, a mix of skepticism and curiosity on his face. "Where do you want me to go, and why?"