Ink and Iron

The Ghost

Back in my room, I pick up the phone and dial Salvatore's office number, my heart pounding with anticipation. After a few rings, a calm, professional voice answers on the other end. "Salvatore De Luca's office, how can I help you?"

"I need to speak to Salvatore De Luca," I say firmly. "Tell him the Ghost is calling."

There's a brief pause, before the person on the other end responds with a more serious tone. "One moment, please."

Seconds feel like minutes before I hear the familiar voice of Salvatore come on the line. "This is Salvatore," he says smoothly.

"Salvatore, it's Chris," I reply, keeping my tone steady. "I need to arrange a meeting with you. It's important."

Salvatore's tone shifts subtly, a hint of curiosity creeping in. "What's this about, Chris?" he asks.

I take a deep breath, knowing I have to play this carefully. "It's about a business proposition," I say cryptically. "Something that could benefit both of us."

There's a pause as Salvatore considers my words. Finally, he speaks again. "Very well, Chris. You've got my attention. Let's meet. Tomorrow, my office, noon."

"Tomorrow, noon," I confirm, feeling a mix of relief and tension in the pit of my stomach. "I'll be there."

We exchange respectful goodbyes, the weight of our conversation lingering in the air long after the call ends. This meeting with Salvatore could be a turning point, not just for me, but for the Vipers.

As I set the phone down, a knock on my door pulls me out of my thoughts. Composing myself quickly, I call out, "Come in."

Lily enters, her presence warm and familiar, followed closely by Jake, who nods at me in greeting. "Hey, Chris," Lily says with a smile. "We thought we'd come hang out for a bit. Hope you don't mind that I brought Jake."

"Not at all," I reply, motioning for them to take a seat. "It's good to have some company."

Lily settles on the edge of my bed while Jake pulls up a chair, and we form a small circle.

"So, what's up?" Lily asks, her curiosity as sharp as ever.

I shrug, trying to keep my tone light. "Just making some arrangements."

There's a brief pause before I decide to share a bit more. "I was arranging a meeting with Salvatore De Luca," I admit.

Both of their eyes widened in surprise. Lily's jaw drops slightly. "Salvatore De Luca?" she repeats, her voice tinged with awe. "Why would you be meeting with him?"

I lean back against the headboard, choosing my words carefully. "Marco wanted the meeting. I just set it up."

Jake's expression shifts to something more serious, his eyes searching mine. "How does it feel to be back, working closely with Marco again?"

His question catches me off guard, stirring a mix of emotions that I've been trying to keep buried. "It's... strange," I admit.

He leans in slightly, his gaze steady. "How so?"

"There's a familiarity to it," I start, thinking back to the long history Marco and I share. "Marco and I, we've been through a lot together. There's a certain comfort in that, knowing we can rely on each other. At least we could rely on each other."

"But?" Lily prompts gently.

"But there's also a weight to it," I continue, my voice growing quieter. "Every time it starts to feel like old times, I remember what he did."

Jake looks down, his expression filled with regret. "Chris... I'm sorry. I should've done more to stop him. I should've stepped in, said something, anything."