The Boss and the Christian

3 - Just another day in the office

Elio

I had only managed to open up the ongoing documents of stocks and finances, before someone came rapping at the frosted glass door.

A reply wasn't needed, after all, the staff knew the drill by now. Gia opened the door and sauntered through, taking one of the crystal tumblers on the desk and pouring herself a drink.

"Thirsty?" I mocked, rolling my eyes at how at home, she made herself.

"Parched." she replied, raising the glass to me in a mock toast, before turning on her heels.

"Matteo and Enzo are in the lobby." She stated, not bothering to turn around.

With a pointless nod in her direction, the door was closed, only to be opened seconds later as the two men took up their usual seats around the round table.

The men seemed to unknowingly follow suit, as they helped themselves to the array of freshly baked pastries, and rows of fruit that had been delivered this morning.

"Gentlemen," the word bounced around the quiet room, as I freed myself from the computer I desperately needed to work on, and took up one of the leather chairs at the table. " what can I do for you?"

I watched as they continued eating, ignoring my question and wasting more of my day. The side of my shoe rested on my knee as I slouched into the soft chair, revealing the blood red souls.

Enzo knew me well enough, to know not to push me too far - he better, since we have spent everyday together for the past 28 years - Matteo could be excused, I had only seen the boy twice.

"There's a shipment coming in at 5, and it requires your attention."

"That is your duty Enzo, not mine." Matteo looked between the carbon copies, different only by the colour suit we wore, before deciding to keep his eyes down. Clever.

"I need to meet with Dante Fontana. His shipment got intercepted last night, and for some reason he is dead set that you had something to do with it."

The emphasis wasn't lost on me, neither did I miss the accusing stare. Hmph was the only response I had, and the only amount of breath I was willing to waste on Dante.

"I'll be there." I replied, bringing my foot back down to the floor, as I scooted closer towards my brother. "But, I need a favour."

"What kind?" He asked hesitantly.

"The kind that needs to be kept strictly confidential." I narrowed my eyes at Matteo as he took a big gulp of his water.

"I need information on someone." I continued, "A woman."

Without another word the meeting was adjourned, and forgetting about the attention my business desperately needed, Enzo jotted down the tidbits of information I knew about the ash-haired woman, who had been plaguing my thoughts. As soon as he shoved the scribbled on paper into his blazer pocket, they were gone - leaving me alone with the pestering thoughts that hinder me from thinking about anything else.

***

The blanket of the night covered the Jeep as I sat patiently - awaiting to be called any minute to check the goods. Although being out at 4am was becoming routine and it was undeniably peaceful, the 4 degree weather pierced through the overcoat with ease, making me become increasingly impatient.

Finally, a figure walked slowly up to the car, tapping lightly on the bonnet before slowly leading the way. I practically jumped out of the car and followed his steps - watching with amusement as he turned his head either side every couple of seconds.

We moved efficiently through the container yard weaving through the rows of brightly coloured, metal containers until we reached the one, manned either side whilst a worker in a hi-vis jacket unloaded cardboard boxes onto pallets. Somehow, he looked even more nervous than the man I followed here.

Time was crucial, we needed to be in and out before workers began milling around. So I quickly stepped forward to inspect the first box I saw. The knife made easy work of the packaging tape, and underneath dozens of bananas, sat at the bottom of the box were more packages. A row of what looked like bricks each wrapped time, and time again in tape and plastic wrap, finished off with a bold number on the front.

"It's good." I stated, loud enough for every man to hear. I could practically hear the workers start breathing again, as I straightened up and shook their hands.

When I looked for the man who had been dragging out the boxes, I was quickly met with the heavy hilt of a knife, slamming into the top of my forehead. The familiar clicking of metal filled my ringing ears, as I put one hand up to my men whilst the other palmed the cut.

I had been sloppy to let him leave my sight, my guard had been penetrated by the unfamiliar pang of guilt, that I had been trying to push aside. But unfortunately for him, the guilt had been replaced by something much stronger.

I hadn't stopped my men to save him. No, far from it, I had stopped my men from giving him an easy way out.

"Let him go." I ordered, as I slowly walked over to him with a smile, whilst the blood dripped freely down my face and off of my chin.

Another blow collided with my lip. Out of instinct my fist smacked into the bridge of his nose sending him to his knees. This was going to be a long day.