Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 34 』

"I am here to talk about the offer you made," Yuri started.

"Out of all the people whom you should seek help from, why does it have to be a mobster, Yuri?" he asked as the reality of Yuri being under the graces of the mafia is making him sick to the stomach.

"Who am I supposed to trust then? The government? The police who betrayed and killed my father?"

He has no response to that question. The police have proven themselves untrustworthy, leaving her with no choice but to turn to the mafia for protection and justice but doing such a thing is aligning herself to the world of crime and violence.

"In a world where trust is rare and survival is important, sometimes you have to make deals with the devil yourself," it was Giancarlo who spoke, his tone dripping with venom.

"I have thought about what you said, and I am willing to give you a chance to work with me. But then, tell me how you want yourself to be useful. I want to know if you mean to help me with all your heart or if you are just going to use me to get through the mafia."

Cassius exhaled at that. "I didn't even know that he was the one you were referring to who was helping you, so how could you say that it's my intention? It's just like what I told you. I have been noticing that a lot of drugs have been disappearing in the precinct lately, and I wanted to investigate the matter further."

"Elijah Smith has been selling them using my name. But I already killed him, so I do not think that there is more for you to investigate," the mafia boss said with a cold, calculated tone.

"I understand that you've taken care of Elijah Smith, but there's still something bigger at play here. Smith used to be a captain, but he's not supposed to have access to the drugs that are being kept by the other precincts and we couldn't be sure whether he was the only one doing that."

Giancarlo narrowed his eyes. He might not have shown a reaction, but it's obvious that he's interested in what he said.

"It isn't something new, but ever since I joined the force, I have been hearing things about high-ranking officers being involved in illicit activities. I wasn't really into it at first, but when my former colleague died, I knew something wasn't right. Before he allegedly died in an accident, he mentioned to me that he would file a report to the commissioner's office as he noticed that a lot of records about the drug operations didn't add up. He couldn't trust our captain so he decided to go straight to the commissioner's office but he never came back."

The mafia boss tilted his head to the side. "I see. So just like Signorina here, you also seek justice. But you know what? The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it sounds. After what transpired between you and her, why did you suddenly appear now?"

If looks could kill, he could've already dropped dead given the way the mafia boss is staring at him right now as if he is an insect that needs to be crushed.

"I know that I shouldn't be approaching Yuri like this, but I know her well. Seeing that notebook, I figure that she is doing something that would put her life at stake. You may not know it yet, but from someone who has been with her for a long time, I could attest that sometimes she lets her emotions get the best of her, which is not a good thing, if you will ask me."

Yuri grunted at that. "I am not that woman you once knew, Cassius, so your silence would be appreciated."

He sighed at that. "We've been through thick and thin together, and while I know you've changed, old habits die hard, so I can't help but worry about you."

"I do not need you to worry about me. Now, I'll accept your help on one condition: we do it together, as equals. There will be no secrets or hidden agendas. Just two people fighting for justice."