Shadow's Within

21 : I'm in for some italian

We arrive in a small town of Woodbury. The place seems serene. An undisturbed quarter that would play a definitive role in harboring two runners in escape. I had asked Chase earlier to reside the car in front of a restaurant named Paulo's Nascondere, an Italian restaurant decorated in the entryway an ablaze paint overlooking by an expansive door engross in a marble column and clay engraving.

A huge bulbous man stands ajar by the door. He wore a blue suit over his figure. His face a sneaky façade of obscure eyes with smooth blunt head.

I walk over to him, Chase in the rear. "Maestro"

He ogles me with his devious eyes before making way for me to enter the restaurant. We stride inside and my eyes is entertained to a sight of beauty and merit. The atmosphere doesn't do justice to the environment outside. A wall of brick decorated by an entire stature of frame containing famous figure this century. Table lining up accompanied by a lone grand piano in the middle.

However, the piano is occupant. The musician plays the piano with his tenacious veracity. He has eyes that welcomes me to go near him. We walk past the table until we greeted the man.

His smile a cunning look. Black over the side hair with strands of white lining up beneath the hair. White suits and sturdy figure. I recognize him the moment I lay eyes on him. The owner of this extravagant restaurant, Paulo Volpe, otherwise known as the Maestro.

"Ah.." he open his lips. "Sweet, beautiful Lanelle. How good of me to see you after so long." His voice has a Bronx accent.

"Lanelle?" Chase asks behind me.

"Just go with it" I said without turning. "Paulo" I come nearer and gives him an alluring hug. He moistens my cheeks with his kiss.

"Where have you been?" he asks. "I miss you"

"Just here and there. Been busy with some conservative manner darlin'"

He arcs his head and peeks behind me. "And who's your friend here?"

"A help"

"That is so you." He retreats to his piano. "Always getting some poor man to grovel you around like a little puppy."

"I'm not—" Chase tries to defend but I stop him.

He sat down, crosses his leg. "So. What do I owe this visit?"

"I.. We need a favor"

"Oh?"

"We ran into some unforeseen circumstances and a problem ensues us." I said. "We were hoping you would do that magic of yours and helps us lay low for a matter of time"

"Juicy" He pulls his body and dashes beside me. "I do love problems. It gives me thrill I long for. Living in this drain town doesn't suit me. One two people come over for favor in a while. It's boring. I remember living in the city. Oh boy, now that was something. People lining up to get their favor resolved. Until.."

He paces himself a bit further. "Curse that Giovanti. He ratted me out just like that. After all I done for that man. I gave him shelter, food, and a place to shower his lust. Then how did he repay me. By turning on to ME!"

"I know.." I slide my hand around his shoulder and massage his immense chest. "Didn't I help you solve that lying rat"

"Yes" He smile. "Thanks to you. That lying scumbag is probably running away from the hounds in hell right now for being a rat that he is. Thanks to you, darlin'"

"About that favor?" I asks.

"Done! No questions ask. You help me a great deal once, and because of that I am going to help you disappear. By the time we get through with you, nobody in the world would ever find you. Not even the FBI could trace you"

"Oh thank you Paulo" I gave him a sensational kiss.

"One question?" he said. "This people you're running from. They're dangerous?"

"Very"

His lips turn sideways even longer, the grin in his smile beginning to curve into a tortuous smirk.

"Dangerous is nice." He mutters, crossing his strapping biceps gesturing us to follow him into the back.

I trail him from behind and Chase tailing me.

"Are you sure about this?" Chase murmurs a soft whisper to me.

"It's fine. Trust me. "I assure him.

The door creak open revealing the other side of the room.

It's dark and dimness obscure my line of sight. Then, a burst of light wash directly into my eyes. My eyes fell open wide.

What the—