Phoenix

Chapter 28

Railroad

Phoenix's POV
_ "Who is this?" I ask, despite knowing damn well who I'm talking to. I was just stalling so I could get to my father's office before he reveals any valuable information.

_ "Aw come on ragazzo, I think you know exactly who it is you're speaking to." The Italian man says.

_ "You're damn right I do," I seethe, entering my father's office. I put a finger to my lips, implying for him to stay silent while I put my phone on loud speaker. "Now speak." I spit impatiently.

_ "So demanding" he chuckles and I roll my eyes. "I think you know by now that the girl is with me." He pauses, waiting for an answer, but I don't give him one.

My mother walks through the door, closing it behind her before looking up at us. My father and I both motion for her to stay quiet, and she silently takes a seat on the other chair parallel to mine.

_ "lei è una bella ragazza. Feisty as well." He proceeds. Through the phone, I could basically hear the smile on his face judging by his tone. He found this amusing, but let's see how amused he'll remain when he finds out we have one of his men.
(Translation: She's a beautiful girl)

_ "Wish I could say the same about your rat." I fire back. The line goes silent and I felt my mother shift uncomfortably in-front of me.
"The girl for your member." I simply state.

My heart was thundering against my chest, I was aching to hear Essence's voice, to get a hint on whether or not she was okay. I felt guilty in some way. Maybe if she hadn't known me she wouldn't be in this position. But I couldn't show any sign of weakness. I couldn't afford to.

_ "The ragazza for the boy and weapons" he negotiates. I honestly thought he'd ditch Grays-Sergio for the weapons. I mean cartel rulers usually don't give a shit about their members. They only think about getting what they want no matter the lives it would cost. This is why in my opinion, it's better to work solo. As an assassin rather than having a mob.

_ "No." I simply decline. "It's either the boy or the weapons." I state. "Although the weapons seem more tempting, it would be a shame to have to have one of your men tortured for information about your plans and whereabouts, don't you think? We'll get to you either ways." I shrug, entertained.

_ "You wouldn't," his tone hardens.

_ "Oh but I would. You underestimate me zio."

_ "And you do too. I can have your girl killed this very second, and I'll make sure to send you her head as a gift." At his words, I wasn't sure weather my blood was boiling or had run cold.

_ "And I'll send you a finger off your spy's hand everyday until you come up with a decision."
I say despite myself. Although I knew these threats meant nothing to him, I had to stall him so we could track his phone call.

_ "This is why I should have called your father, you're just a boy." He mocks. My teeth grit against each other as my jaw's clench tightens and my nostrils flare.

_ "Why you son of a-"

_ "Fine, bring the boy and meet me by the abandoned railway station tomorrow at 11 pm. Come alone." With that he ends the call.

_ "SHIT." My father slams a hand against his desk. "We still needed 2 seconds and we'd find his location."

I lean back into the chair, running my hands over my face as I release a long exhale.

_ "You'll just have to go tomorrow." My father says.

_ "I'll prepare a team to take with me. There's no way he would've accepted to exchange Essence for Sergio only. He's going to try and kidnap me too. This way he'll be sure to get his precious weapons." I stand up ready to leave the room.