From Crime To Court

Chapter 1

▪️S E R E N A▪️

In retrospect, seeking refuge in Italy, right under the nose of the notorious Italian Mafia, seemed like a brilliant idea at the time.

"Worse. Decision. Ever!" I grumbled.

I always knew that dealing with mobsters was going to have its own set of dues, but I never imagined shit would blow up in my face like this.

At least, not so soon.

Wanting to help my best friend, Marcy, repay a debt, I made the fateful choice to take on a job for none other than Vincenzo Moretti, the undisputed kingpin of the New York syndicate.

Growing up as an orphan in the heart of Brooklyn was a lesson in resilience, one that I thought had prepared me for the world. Regrettably, this was not so, and my prodigious talent in the realm of art proved to be a double-edged sword. 

Initially, it was a blessing that opened doors to a world of opportunities, but it soon morphed into a curse as I became ensnared in Vincenzo Moretti's web of deceit. He immediately recognized my ability to recreate masterpieces with an uncanny precision, and it was not long before he coerced me into the world of art forgery. 

What was initially meant to be a solitary assignment multiplied, spreading like wildfire, until the jobs became too numerous to tally.

I was manipulated into doing these jobs through the cruel leverage of Marcy's captivity since she was the only family I had ever known; I would have done anything to keep her safe. Vincenzo, the cunning puppeteer, extended his demands to include the fabrication of antique documents, feeding his insatiable appetite for illegal art distribution.

Vincenzo Moretti, was never one to take 'no' lightly and when I mustered the audacity to demand the release of my friend and me two years into our arrangement, he responded with a chilling message. Marcy paid the ultimate price, her life extinguished in a brutal demonstration that underlined the futility of trying to escape his clutches.

Now, over half a decade later, I remained trapped in a never-ending cycle with no exit in sight. My once-celebrated talent now served as a tool for his criminal empire, and every brushstroke was a further entanglement in a dangerous game. I desperately needed to escape the suffocating clutches of the very empire I once served.

"You've come this far, don't give up now!" I encouraged myself.

The salty sea air clung to my skin as I darted through the narrow, cobbled streets of the coastal village while the wind rustled my short dark hair. Shadows danced with every flickering lamplight, masking my presence. I knew it would not be long until Vincenzo's men caught up with me as I could hear them calling out my name. Their voices reverberated off the ancient stone walls, growing nearer with every echoing step.

"Come on out, Serena! There's no escaping Mr. Moretti's reach," their voices taunted, a sinister chorus echoing through the streets. "You think these alleys can shield you forever? You're only making it harder on yourself!"

"Serena Costa, you've got no chance against us," one of them sneered, the malice in his voice chilling the night air. "The boss' offer still stands. You can't run forever, you know that!"

Another voice, more insidious, slithered through the darkness. "We've got eyes everywhere, Serena. Don't make this any more difficult than it has to be. Just give up."

Their threats hung heavy, mingling with the salt-laden air, each word a stark reminder of the relentless power that Vincenzo Moretti wielded. It was a deadly game, one where I knew I had to outsmart them or pay the ultimate price.