Anger Management [Meloghia]

Chapter 16: Kill Kitty

TRIGGER WARNING

For those wondering what Risotto and Prosciutto were whispering about last chapter, read: After the Long Mission

https://www.wattpad.com/874607852-after-the-long-mission-risopro-after-the-long

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Isabella woke to a cold, dimly lit room. She was strapped down to a chair and a gag was tightly tied around her mouth. She was so thirsty and the cloth on her tongue wasn't helping. There was an exposed lightbulb dangling from the ceiling. Every now and again there was a "tink" sound as one of the many bugs buzzing around it collided into the harsh light. The walls were exposed cinder block and cracks ran along the concrete foundation. There was a dark stain on the floor around her feet leading to a drain in the center of the room.

Oh, god, where am I?

She looked up as she heard footsteps above her. She must be in a basement somewhere. But why? Was this gang retaliation or something? She knew she shouldn't have taken on a Passione gangster onto her caseload, but she thought maybe she could make a difference, help him realize that there was a life outside of all the gang violence. She knew if she dug deep enough, she could reach him. No one was beyond help.

She heard voices outside. The reinforced door creaked open and a bleached-blond man walked in.

"You're a pretty one, aren't ya?" He said as the door locked behind him. Her eyes went to the purple "p" on his neck. He walked over and pulled the gag out of her mouth. She licked her lips and tried to swallow.

"You're Passione?" she deduced. Some sort of inner gang conflict then?

"Very good," he smirked and tilted his head up to look down on her.

"I don't understand," she said. "What does Passione want with me?"

"Yes, why are you here? What do we want with a shrink like you?" The man pulled up a chair in front of her and sat backward in it. "What do you know about Risotto Nero?"

"Risotto?" The name sounded vaguely familiar but she couldn't place it.

"You're on his payroll, Dr. Florence." Recognition came to her, Melone's boss. The one I talked to on the phone. The man pulled a gun out of the back of his waistband and began to play with it. A scare tactic. "Maybe the name Melone Bellucci is more familiar to you?"

"I have doctor-patient confidentiality. I cannot speak on Melone, and I never met Risotto." She reminded herself to remain calm. Don't show emotion. Don't give him anything to work with.

"You must know something about their little den of assassins, eh, Isabella?" He began spinning his pistol on his trigger finger. A blatant disregard for human safety. Be careful, Bell. He may be playing at charisma, but he's still dangerous.

"I believe you have me at a disadvantage. You know me, but I don't know you," Isabella said.

"You can call me, Surge," he said. He seems to be playing good cop. I might be able to get him to talk. Maybe if I know what they want, I might be able to get out of here. Isabella summoned her stand and began to discreetly fill the room.

"Is that your gangster name?" she inquired, smiling. He raised a brow.

"It's what you're gonna call me, sweetheart. Now let's get back to the questions, shall we?" he patronized.

"Well, I don't know anything about Risotto besides that he's paying for his subordinate to be in therapy."

"We'll see what you know, doc. There's gotta be something in that little brain of yours," he whispered as he tapped the gun against her temple. Her heart was racing. Stay calm. She was feeling more relaxed now due to her stand having filled most of the room. He didn't seem to notice it yet.