Contagious lies

30 | Headshot

Marco Revello

I held my breath as I watched the scene play out in front of me. Guns aimed at people I held dear in life, bullets flying through the air. We were stuck in the living room, hiding behind the couch. I refused to let the intruders take another step forward. Massimo's wife and the kids were somewhere in the house. If harm came their way I would never forgive myself for that.

"Shit, shit, shit." Leon shouts as he reloads his gun. It was an unusual sight, he never gets agitated. However it was understandable, it's not everyday we get attacked by men with guns aimed at us.

Massimo turns around to face me. "Angelo is on his way, we just need to hold on." He said as he grabbed another gun.

The tension rose as the bullets being fired increased. I quickly sneaked a peek to see where all the shooters were located.

"I only see three of them." I shared with my brothers as I shot in their direction. A loud bang made us lie flat on the floor. My eyes wide as smoke envelopes the entire room. I swiftly cover my mouth with my hands.

Bullets being shot invaded my ears. "I'm sorry I took a while." A familiar voice spoke loudly.

It was hard to make out who it was since smoke covered each corner of the room. Yet I could recognize his way of speaking anywhere. "We need to get out of here. I'm sure they will send more men."

Massimo and I took this as a que to check on the kids. They were found hiding inside a bedroom. Serafina held onto the children firmly as she covered their eyes. Hummed a nice melody, probably an attempt to distract them.

Elias jumps into my arms with tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry you had to experience that. "It's all over." I whispered in his ear as I held him tightly. Theodore gripped into my shirt as he refused to leave the bedroom.

"Let's go, Theo. We have to hurry."

The little boy shakes his head at me. Arthur sends me a reassuring look as he picks the boy up. I watch as he buries his face in his chest. Eyes closed and afraid to look up. It made sense for Theodore to be more afraid than Elias. It seems like he had a better understanding of what has just happened. They were both children yet only one of them had his innocence stripped away from him.

We rushed out of the old house. I placed the children in the car. As we drove off I stared at Angelo sitting in the driver's seat. "Where are we going again?" I asked as I put the kids' seatbelts on.

"There is a small house near a forest. They won't be able to find you there." Angelo said as his eyes were glued on the road.

"You say that with confidence." I comment.

Angelo's laughter filled the car. "I have missed you too Marco."

The small house slowly came into view. I briefly glance beside me. Both Elias and Theodore were fast asleep. I unbuckle their seatbelts, ready to pick them up but Angelo and Arthur beat me to it.

As we walk towards the house I can see a very worried Ezhil standing in front of the house. Rubbing her hands together to keep herself warm. It takes her a while to notice me. Her gaze is fixated on the trees swinging back and forth. If I hadn't known her I would think she was in a trance. Her head slowly turns into my direction.

I can tell she was still registering who stood in front of her, and as soon she realized it was me she ran. I have never seen her run so fast. She jumps into my arms causing me to stumble backwards.

"Why.." She breaks free from the hug as she stares at me with a broken expression written all over her face. "Why did you do that?"

My eyebrows rose up as I glanced at her confused, unsure what she was getting at. "I have done a lot of things, Ezhil, I fear you will have to be more specific."