Texting With The Don

Sitting Still

Within a day I was in Italy and at Staveno's villa by the sea. It had been a long time since I'd been here but not much has changed. It still screamed Staveno. Every corner held his special touch and taste. I made my way to his room to settle in. As I dropped my bags by the door I was shocked to see that my paintings still hung. The one's I had text him wanting to make him suffer. As I stared at them my eye's watered.

So much time we wasted when we could have been together and happy. Had I only moved here the first time we dated, would thing's be different now? "Where are Staveno?" I whispered into the empty room.

As bad thoughts flooded my mind I shook it off and got busy unpacking. Even though I was tired I refused to rest until I had some answers. Making my way back downstairs I searched for Theo. Once I located him I demanded that I be filled in on what happened and what was being done about it. At first he was reluctant and said that Staveno wouldn't want me knowing such thing's but after throwing a major tantrum he relented.

"There's a new gang a few town's over and for several month's they've been trying to move closer into our area. To keep peace, first Staveno sent them a friendly warning. However they blew it off and continued to do as they pleased. Staveno had enough so he  killed any of their men that was caught in our territory without a plausible explanation. Naturally this didn't sit well with them so they retaliated back". Theo stopped there.

"Okay, I'm following. Now continue". I said eager to hear the rest.

"They launched an attack at one of Staveno's restaurant's killing almost everyone there. Staff as well as innocent people enjoying their meal. Staveno was livid and planned a counterattack but this time he intended to take the main men down. However we have a leech in our business. I'm currently working to find out who our leak is. They knew we was coming and were prepared. We underestimated their power and was quickly over taken. A lot of our men were lost and many taken, Staveno being one of them."

I had to know so I asked. "Do you think he is dead?"

Theo took a deep breath. "I have no answer for that Jacey. I would think they would keep him alive long enough to get any and all information they can but then again I'm not sure how they operate".

"Has any team's been formed to go back and look, possibly rescue him and the other's?" I asked full of hope.

"Yes. That was our first move but they have relocated. I have discovered their new whereabouts but if I just bomb rush in there there's a big chance they'll kill him. I'm trying to come up with a safer solution."

I nodded my head in understanding. "Thank you Theo. Please keep me informed no matter how little it is". I said standing up.

"I will. Oh and Jacey, stick to the house for now. Like I said there's a snitch on the loose and I can't have you jeopardized. Staveno would never forgive me".

I nodded and promised to stay close. Going to the kitchen, I grabbed me a juice and stepped out onto the patio that overlooked the sea. Maybe some fresh sea air and sun would clear my clustered mind. As I sat sipping my juice I looked around the patio and was overtook with memories. How many time's Staveno and I shared a meal out here or just sat talking as we looked out at the sailboats. We had shared a dance out here followed by some amazing love making. My eye's watered up again and I dabbed at them. Then it came to me, they couldn't go near this place because they were known but I could. I could scope the place out for them.

Jumping up I raced back inside to find Theo. Not giving much thought or care, I bombarded into a room full of men in suits discussing the current topic. They turned to look at me but my eye's only saught Theo. Once I spotted him amongst the suits I said full of excitement. "I've got it. I have an idea and I think it would work."

Theo looked a bit amused and I could tell he didn't take me seriously but I continued. "No one here can get in because they know you but I can. They don't know me".

Theo smiled. "That's sweet an all Jacey but I can't allow that".

I started to protest but another man, I believe that called him Toni spoke up. "Wait Theo, hear her out. This could work".

I watched as mumurs went up in the room followed by some lite arguing but in the end I got my chance to speak. "So I'm not sure if any of you know but I work for a big time magazine back in America. I could arrange an appointment to interview them on let's say, lifestyles of the Italian. I can call my work and get it okayed so if they check into it I sound legit. While there I can keep my eye's and ears open and possibly do some snooping. You know the old bathroom trick. I'll pretend to need the bathroom and wander about".

I sat looking at them with a brilliant smile as they sat showing no emotion. Finally one of the men spoke up. "You know this could work".

"Yes, but if she gets hurt Staveno will have our asses". Theo retorted.

"True but we could be stake out nearby, place a microphone on her and at the first sign of trouble we bust in". Another spoke.

My head looked like a ping pong ball as I looked back and fourth at the debating men. After several long minutes Thoe said. "Fine. Jacey how long will it take to get the okay from your job and set an appointment?"

Bouncing with excitement I said. "I can do that now. However it may take a few day's to arrange a meeting. Do you know if there's a woman of the house. Their usually easier to speak with and more agreeable to such meetings".

"Rosa Thorton". Theo supplied. "You do know your putting yourself at risk right? That shit could go down and you get hurt or worse right?"

I shook my head yes and didn't allow my fear show through. "Could you give me at least two more name's to interview? You know just in case they look into me it doesn't look like I'm just seeking them out".

Theo nodded and supplied me a few more name's. "Can you shoot a gun?"

What? Wait? A gun? Why? "I've never held a gun". I said somewhat confused and heard several snickers.

Theo shook his head and rolled his eye's. Looking at Toni he said. "Since your mainly responsible for this start training her pronto. Also show her alittle self defense."

Toni gave an annoyed look but agreed. "Now Jacey make those arrangements and hurry back down". Theo said

I nodded my head and rushed off wondering just what I'd gotton myself into.