Facade

Chapter 44

Carlisle's pov

I sat quietly in my office plotting my approach. Being the second in command of the Canadian organization meant I always had to be two steps ahead. Not just ahead but considerably smarter. And I like to think I was. Though I could gone into any profession I wanted, after all I had the resources, I chose the mafia life. There are ups and downs but I've never regretted it. I like to think everything happens for a reason. Some might consider me cold, heartless and ruthless. Maybe I am, maybe not. I can't really say. That's just my personality. It's who I am. And I love it.  I've not had any reason or met anyone who has given me a reason to change. I am who I am. I am me. But make no mistake. I'm not perfect. Nobody is. I have my flaws. Like my inability to love. To me it's inconsequential. After all, who needs love? Love is a weakness. Love is a nuisance. Love is a distraction. And with my kind of career, love is dangerous. It can make you vulnerable. So no thanks. I'd rather not have love than be vulnerable. I've got thousands of enemies who are waiting for a slight crack in my shell to strike. Too bad, they'll be waiting for a long time.
  The sound of the door opening broke me away from my thoughts. Who has enough balls to walk into my office without knocking? I looked up, a glare planted on my face, ready to bite the person's head off. My glare relaxed to a blank look when I saw who it was.
Pablo Smith. My boss who was also like a father. He walked in supported by his walking cane. He was a huge man with an eye patch covering one of his eyes. Despite these flaws, he could take down three men with one hand tied behind his back. Though his appearance could make you think he's a sweet old man, however Pablo was as dangerous as a vampire thirsty for blood. He lowered himself into a chair.
"Have you found them?" Pablo asked gruffly. I didn't need to think before I knew what he was talking about.
"Nice to see you too old man" I riled him. He grunted a reply at me
"Have you found them?" He repeated. I huffed out and leaned into the chair.
"Yeah... " I answered, hesitant if I should give the full info. Pablo noticed the hesitation and frowned.
"Are they alright?" He asked. I began drumming my fingers on the table trying to think if I should lie to him. As if he knew what I was thinking, Pablo snapped
"Just come out with it. Don't try to lie to me."
I should have known I won't be able to lie to him. He could always see through me whenever I tried.
"The girl has some bruises and broken bones while the boy seems fine. All in all, they both look okay considering what happened" I confessed watching him carefully for his reaction. He exhaled in relief.
"That's good. That's really good. Where are they now?" Pablo inquired.
"They are staying at the Carlos villa"
I replied. He frowned for a second
"Which of the Carlos's?" He asked. I huffed at the question. We only know one Carlos so why asking? I wondered.
"Capo Carlos of the Italian mafia" I answered anyway. Pablo's frown relaxed into a pleased smile.
"Good. He's a good man and the villa is well protected. They'll be safe from her clutches" He commented. I nodded in agreement. I knew who he was talking about. And capo Carlos residence was the safest place they could be at the moment.
"I need a huge favour Carlisle" Pablo said suddenly, snapping me away from my thoughts. I looked at him curious. He bit his lip hesitantly and I scowled. Pablo knows I care and respect him a lot. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him. So what could be so hard for me to do that's making him hesitant to ask me.
"Speak up Pablo. You know I'll do anything for you" I encouraged him. Pablo sighed and nodded
"Yeah and I appreciate it. But you might not want to do this." He replied. I rolled my eyes at him exasperated. Stubborn old man.
"Don't conclude yet. Let's hear it first." I reassured. Pablo let out his breath in a huff and rushed out the words.
"ineedyoutogoundercoverandprotectthemyourself"
The words were spoken so fast it was incomprehensible. I shook my head confused. Was that Latin?
"I don't get you. Speak slowly, I won't bite" I encouraged. Pablo sighed and wiped his face with his palm.
"I need you to go undercover and protect them" He said slowly. I huffed out in relief, grateful the suspense is over. It's not as if he asked for the moon. I can easily grant him his wish.
"Alright, I'll get someone right on it." I assured. Pablo rolled his eyes. He looked frustrated.
"You don't get it" He snapped. I frowned, not understanding what he's trying to say.
"What do you mean? What don't i get?" I asked confused. Pablo gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists.
"I don't want you to send someone. I want you to do it personally" He explained. I smirked. Then the statement struck me.
"What?!" I shrieked out. Please tell me he didn't say what I think he just said. This is ridiculous. He might as well have asked for a gun to be pointed at me. Sensing my discomfort, Pablo pressed.
"Please Carlisle. I know it's dangerous but there's no one else I can trust. You know how important they are to me. If anything happens to them, I won't be able to bear it. Please just do this for me. Help a dying old man" I rolled my eyes at the last part.
"Dying old man my ass" I murmured. Pablo sounded desperate. Too desperate for me to refuse him. Yet I couldn't help but think of the danger if I agreed. It would be like putting a bounty on my head. I'll be an open target where my enemies could easily get me. Was I willing to risk everything to satisfy Pablo? The answer came immediately I asked the question. It was almost instinctive.
"Alright I'll do it. But you are going to owe me big time" I told him. Pablo jumped off his seat and pulled me into an embrace.
"Thanks! Thanks a lot man. I knew I could count on you" He said sounding relieved.

   ______________________________

Helen's pov

"Any news on Karen?" I asked Drew, one of my guards who I trusted. He looked up from the laptop he was operating and replied
"Yes ma'am. Our informant at the police department said she survived the blast." A burst of happiness spread through me at the news. I'm not supposed to care but I just can't help it. It broke my heart to put her in danger but it had to be done. That was the only way my partner would believe my heart was still in the mission. Though my priorities seemed to have changed.
"What about Carlisle Ashton? Any opening to get close to him?" I asked Drew. You are probably wondering why I'm comfortable with Drew, well it's because he works for my partner. So he knows everything about the plan.
"Not yet. However I was told he'll be going on a trip" He informed me. My ears perked at that.
"To where?" I asked, eager to see if something positive can come out of this. Drew however shrugged in reply.
"I don't know. According to my informant, no one knows."
I scowled at that. But I wasn't ready to give up yet.
"How long will he be gone?" I asked. Drew shrugged in reply. I shrieked in anger. What sort of use is he to me if he can't give me any info? I'll have to find out for myself.

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