Static Hearts

An Empty Mansion

"Where will the meeting take place? I need to wear appropriately." she said with sarcasm dripping of her voice.

"I decided to take Scott for the job. It would be more convenient for your identity to remain a secret. The sudden appearance of an older daughter, who is particularly involved in the arm dealing business would make them suspicious. You're an asset for the organization and I don't plan on letting them take you. " His demeanor remained firm as if nothing could change his opinion.

"That would be unwise." she claimed. "You don't have to tell them my identity, only the fact that I'm your daughter; a rich intelligent brat who seemed to have taken interest to hacking and is willing to take part in illegal business. They will take me in."

"Don't be so sure about it. I've known Lorenzo for years. He is not one to take things lightly." He kept being persistent, not wanting to make her part of something on which many people have given their life. De Lucas never took in someone who brought risk to their operation or business affairs.

"He won't take your word lightly. Plus they need staff for the deal in Columbia to go smoothly."

For a moment shock was displayed in Damien's stoic face. The deal with the Colombians was known by a scarce amount of people, who promised confidentiality. For something like this to leak out, lives will be taken.

"Don't tell me you hacked their system." He said not bothering to hide the incredulous look in his eyes.

"It's sweet that I haven't lost the ability to surprise you." She said while handing him some papers. "However now that the Russians are in the game, this deal would be as good as nonexistent. They want the lands where the drug plantations are, and the payments are ready."

Damian read the lines that would destroy his profits as if reading the daily newspaper, as calm as ever. After finishing he said: "We need to end this."

"What you need to do is let De Lucas know about what's going on and convince them join forces with us, well if this heartwarming love bond is not enough. Also, they had asked for three hundred million from us in order to make the transaction go smoothly."

"And I'm fine with that."

"...which annoys me to no end." she groaned. "Give them two for their incompetence."

It would be hard to rip off your in-laws and to point out their mistake. For a moment Damian really hoped for his friend to be as tolerant as he used to be.

"I'll tell them tomorrow. After I call Scott and tell him to turn back home... "

"There's no time for that." She stated. Her brother's location was unknown for the moment. After she tracked all his mobile phones Reina found out he was dealing with some gangs in London. His mother might have believed the 'went out of the country to study' excuse but she didn't. "Where is Scott?"

"Not here." His response was quick but precise, not letting anyone have doubts.

"Exactly." The permission to get involved in this organization was a must, and this deal with the Colombians is her only key. "My skills could help them and you know it. The fact that they don't even know about the Russian shows beyond doubt their lack of recruits on the intelligence sector."

"And what's in it for you?" he asked hiding his cautious distrust toward her intentions.

"The only thing that I'm short of at the moment; money." She explained.

"I'll think about it." he said even though he looked more than convinced.

A sudden 'ping' came from Reina's phone reminding her of the time.

Darkness gradually descended as countless stars covered the night sky. From the office's double-layered windows they could see a number of cars that reached an extent beyond normal, all lined up in front of their mansion. Sophisticated ladies coming out of black SUVs, trying in vain to walk the pavements with their high heels. Men in tuxedos, with well-hidden revolvers, looking for a place to invest or simply a one night stand. There were a lot of neighbors standing to watch, their gazes lukewarm, pointing and gesticulating towards the Romano's mansion, the place anyone wanted to enter, without knowing how empty and dreadful it was inside.

"Don't arrive late." Damien said as he raised from his comfortable chair. It was the duty of a host to welcome all his guests in this memorable day.

"I'll try not to." Were her last words as she left the room.

After opening one of the windows, an action which his butler would harshly reprimand, Damien took in the refreshing night breeze that was gently blowing, clearing his mind and calming heart from the turmoil of thoughts and remorseful emotions.

As his eyes captured the vast crowd of people, he murmured incoherently: "Let the game begin."

Meanwhile Reina was walking through the spacious halls in quick and hurried steps, while occasionally drifting her sight to the numerous threat messages Gregory kept sending. She was really late.

"Do you want me to take you?" a voice called behind her. A sigh of relief escaped her lips at the sudden appearance of Gilles. "The streets are full and I know a shortcut."

Gilles was Reina's confidant, a man of few words and incredibly proficient with his work. He was literally the only person she could trust in this house. Despite being six years older than her the extent of his loyalty didn't warrant any doubts.

"Yes but hurry up. Greg's patience is running low."

"Did you convince your father to let you participate in today's event?" he asked.

"Of course I did. It took me a six digit paycheck to do it though." Just thinking about the tremendous amount of money that went to African kids, her head started to hurt. For her plan to work out Reina had to participate in today's event but doing so would raise suspicions from her family members. There was really not much of a choice other than to pretend being forced to attend.

A black Mercedes was drifting through the crowd, many times exceeding the speed limit. It kept driving in spite of the deafening horns presenting other people's complains, until it stopped in front of a small apartment.

"I'll take care of the police." Gilles said nonchalantly, as if it wasn't even worth mentioning.

"See you in several minutes." She replied while climbing the stairs. Just as she was about to open the door using her spare key, it flew open right in her face, allowing her to witness what a furious face looked like.

"You said 8:25." He grabbed her hand and started dragging her towards his living room. "You idiot."

Those two words brought back everlasting memories which dated three years ago, on the fateful day when these best friends met.