Twisted Fixation

『 Chapter 50 』

"What can I get for you today? The usual?" the waitress asked with a smile as he looked up the menu, hanging on the wall behind her. He had been going to that cafe for years and had developed a routine. A cup of black coffee and a plate of pancakes with bacon and eggs

However, today he felt like trying something different. He returned the smile and replied, "Actually, I think I'll explore some new options today. Is the sausage freshly made? I'm in the mood for something savory."

The waitress nodded, taking note of his order. "Yes, our sausage is made in-house. We also have a special omelette with fresh vegetables if you're interested. It's our best seller."

He smiled at that. "I trust your recommendations, so yes, if you could include those too. And of course, you know how I like my coffee."

After placing his order, he walked over to a cozy booth by the window and settled in, eagerly anticipating his meal. He looked around the cafe and saw that he was not alone. There are other men seated in different booths, engrossed in their own conversations or quietly reading the morning newspaper. The television, which is usually off, is turned on, displaying the latest news updates.

Working as an elite agent for the FBI, Scott's life was often filled with danger and uncertainty, but he saw to it that he could still have a peaceful breakfast three times a week at his favorite cafe. It was his way of finding solace amidst the chaos of his job.

He checked his phone for any messages and made sure that his gun was securely tucked away in its holster. A few minutes later, the waitress approached his table carrying the food she ordered and a steaming cup of coffee.

"Thank you, doll," he winked and gave her a charming smile.

The waitress blushed and replied, "You're welcome, handsome. Enjoy your meal."

He went with the sausage first and savored the burst of flavors in his mouth. As he sipped his coffee, he couldn't help but notice a man sitting alone at a nearby table who seemed conspicuous because of his large built and the clothes he wore. He couldn't see his face as his back was turned toward him, but there was something about the man that made him feel uneasy.

Intrigued, he decided to keep an eye on him while enjoying his breakfast.

There was a static sound that came from the television, and for a moment, he thought it was broken. The news was interrupted, and the screen went blank. After a few seconds, a voice was heard.

"We deeply apologize for interrupting your news, but we have an urgent message for all viewers," it said in a deep voice. The screen remained black, and after a few seconds, voices could be heard from what seemed like two people having a conversation.

At first, Scott couldn't understand what it was all about, but upon hearing familiar names like Juan Carlos Rivera, Matthew Kelley, the boss of the Torricelli family, and Giancarlo Costa, his blood ran cold. He knew these names all too well.

After the recording had been played, the television went back to the news broadcast, where the reporters were also confused about the unexpected interruption.

"We have received reports that the recording is spreading around the internet, and even the billboards in Times Square are playing it on loop," one reporter stated, her voice filled with disbelief.

He was about to grab her phone when he realized that someone had just sat in front of him. It was the man he was just watching last time. It turns out that he is someone he knows too.

"Do not try to make a scene. The people here are my men, and if you want your precious cafe to remain intact, I suggest you keep quiet," Giancarlo said menacingly.

Scott thought of grabbing his gun, but he couldn't risk escalating the situation further. He knew that any sudden movements could potentially put innocent bystanders in danger.

"You could've met me in a more private location if you wanted to talk without resorting to threats or violence. What is this all about, Mr. Costa?" Scott said calmly, trying to diffuse the tension.

Giancarlo looked at him sternly. "I figure that meeting you like this would send a stronger message. If I just send one of my men to get you without putting up a fight, are you going peacefully?"

He did not respond to that, as the mafia boss was actually telling the truth. He wouldn't even be talking to him now if he had any other choice, as he doesn't want anything to do with Giancarlo Costa.

"I know I owe you a favor, but if this is something illegal, I am not on board," he started.

The mafia boss reached out in his suit pocket, and for a moment, he thought it was a gun, but it turned out to be a folder. Giancarlo placed it on the table.

Intrigued by what could be inside the folder, Scott cautiously opened it and found a stack of documents about drugs being transported from different precincts and some more files about Juan Carlos Rivera. There is also a full transcript of the recording that he just heard.

"This is a huge case, Mr. Costa. But I couldn't believe that you would be interested in this. Isn't it that you hate cops the most?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. As he scanned through the documents, he realized that this case had the potential to expose corruption within the police force. The folder contained evidence that could bring down powerful individuals, especially the commissioner himself, who all along was a distant relative of the Torricellis.

"I am pissed off by the fact that trash like Luigi Torricelli tried to frame me for a crime I did not commit, and Rivera's daughter tried to kill me for that. You wouldn't believe how eager she was to do that."

"Don't tell me that you are holding her against her will, Mr. Costa."

Giancarlo smirked at that. "Don't act as if I like holding people hostage, Mr. Adams. I also have Cassius Sullivan with me, and if I did not arrive on time, he could've died already. Those people we killed that night were Torricelli's people. Sullivan had been investigating his captain, but it seems that he had gotten too close. The information about the drugs and those pigs using my name came from him."

Scott couldn't wrap his head around the things Giancarlo had just revealed, but he knew he had to do something about them.

"I am certain that Sullivan knows someone from the FBI, but why did you choose me?"

The mafia boss paused for a moment, studying him with a calculating gaze. "If I think of someone who is eager to take down organized crime, the first person that comes to mind is you, so do you think someone else would be more suitable for the job?"