V is for Vendetta

Chapter 10

"Amore mio, let me introduce you to my good friend, Mickov ."

A long hand was stretch out to mine taking my diligent hand into his strong grip. The man had an intimidating aura around him, les then Alex and my dad, but his aura had a darker edge to it. His gaze directed towards me, trying to read my soul. He looked like a bounty hunter, but somehow his golden hair and blue eyes gave him a pleasing look that would attract any lady.

Struggling to form words under his gaze I gulped and forced out my next words.

"I-I-I am Caterina. Nice to meet a-a-a friend of Alex."

I quickly looked at Alex for any support. Somehow I feel safe with him.

"Nice to meet you, Milady. Alex told me a lot about you. Please sit."

He pulled out a chair for me to sit on. I quickly glanced at Alex for conformation to sit and he just nodded at me.

"Mickov I am not going to play any games. Caterina here received a little book from our friend Juvano. The book could link to the threads that she is currently receiving. My dear Caterina, please show my dear friend Mickov your little black book."

I looked between the two men whose focus was now solidly placed on me. My hands clutch my handbag even more. I do not trust Juvano, but somehow his words warned me not to show Alex the booklet.

"Alex, I am sorry but I cannot show you or your friend any content of the booklet. This book contains secrets that have been guarded for a reason and the knowledge thereof should be secluded to my family line. I hope you will respect my wishes."

I was so proud of myself for not stuttering that I almost did not realise Alex's hand on mine. A dark chuckle came from Mickov.

"Milady in all do respect. I have faced the dark with a smile on my face. My hands turned red for those that I love. My honour and loyalties lies with Alex. If he ask me to help you, I will help you, but unfortunately you are playing with fire. We have no leads and the only lead that we have is currently with you, but you are keeping it away from us. So are you stupid or do you want to die."

Alex send him a mean glare in which he straightened up.

"In all do respect, Mr. Mickov. I was rudely interrogated by Alex in my room and dragged to meet you so I am sorry if I am cautious of your so called plan to help me. As for your loyalties it is with Alex and not me, so sorry if I do not trust you at all. As for you, Alex. Please lose your grip on my hand!"

Somewhere adrenaline pumped through my veins making me bold. Alex released my hand with a sigh. His eyes showed a hint of sadness and tiredness a new emotion that did not suite him.

"Amore mio, your innocents in this world are blinding you, yet your fire consumes your unknowledgeable tongue, but your precaution I understand. Like they say when a sweet marshmallow faces the fire its outside turns to coal while it's inside turn sticky. You are just like a u marshmallow, Amore mio. When facing danger you harden up, turn to coal as a sort of protecting mechanism while your inner you are being turned and twisted, confused at what to believe. It is turning stronger, but it's sweet fluffy life is being pulled away and the only way to save the marshmallow is to pull it away from the fire. So, let us help you?"

His eyes were pleading with mine, but I could not answer him. I felt like I would betray my mother somehow. Mickov's voice broke the awkward silence.

"Milady, I am just going to cut the crap. Do you know what is inside that book, because I do. It is the protectors' book. For centuries the book has been passed down. It contains the information that started the Vendetta which caused the existing Mafia families. Do you understand the thread on your life?"

My eyes were probably like saucers. How did he know about the book and its content?

"How do you know about the book? Psssssttt...are you psychic?"

A chuckle escaped Alex's mouth and amusement was written on both their faces.

"Amore mio, we could be psychic, but fortunately for you we have a lot of information at our disposal. We know people who know people. Do you understand?"

The wine looked like the best solution at the moment since the atmosphere rather turned into something uncomfortable.

"So uhm why would there be a thread on my life for only having a book written about the beginning of the mafia families."

Both Alex and Mickov glanced at each other. It seemed like a conversation was being set in motion between the two without the exchange of words. I must say trying to read their faces was probably the most difficult task in my life. I mean how do you read statues? They would seriously kick my ass in poker.

"Milady, you know the book contains information about the families and the hypothesis of how the vendetta started."

"Yes, I do. That still does not answer my question. How does the history of something so long ago put a bounty on my head?"

"Well Milady in order for them to figure out who the family was that created the vendetta a lot of information needed to be recorded. Information like who the families killed, their hiding places, weak points, members in total and how they keep their money and illegal activities under the radar. Also what equipment they usually use and their strategies used in battle. It is Information that people will kill to have without a second thought. So do you understand why there is a bounty on your head? Do you understand now that we need to know what happened that night in your apartment and what is written in that book? "

Mickov's eyes pleaded with mine to answer him.

"I am thankful for your support and protection in my life. I did not understand the dangers before, but I do now and I am sorry that I have brought you guys in danger. Although what I still need clarity on is why you want to see the content of the book? The more information you know the greater risk of danger will be in your lives. Not true?"

Alex's hand was yet again placed on my hand and the softness in his eyes pleaded with me to understand. It brought forth a new indescribable feeling that I yet needed to discover, both dangerous and exciting.

"Amore mio, the more you know about what we do the more danger will be on your door step. Something that I could never live with if that would happen. I will be honest with you, me and Mickov need information in that booklet, but we will always protect you. Do you understand?"

And understand I did. It was like I pulled out a camera and took a picture of my surroundings for the first time. I saw the connections in the picture as if everything just clicked. Shock was probably written all over my face. While a confused expression was written on Alex's face.

" O my shit. Not you to, please not you too."

"What do you mean, Amore mio?"

"You are part of them."

"Part of who?"

"The f*cking mafia."

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