Whispers of the Damned

Games. *Games*.

I am trying to figure out what game we're doing. I don't understand. All we did was stare at each other in the pub. He took me to Rodriguez's hotel, and then we did... things I'd never done with another man. Papa's hotel was in another city that took two hours to get to. It had nothing to do with our family's illicit business, but rather, it was one of Papa's legal incomes. It was clean of all things mafia.

I leaned back in my chair. It was four o'clock in the afternoon, and my part was done. I was just waiting for the time to go home. Waiting for my mood to break.

I walked out of the man's room after I punched him in the face again because he was about to kiss me again. My defensive nature had come out brutally when it came to Zane Bernardi and what he did.

I stared at the visible sea in the distance and thought about what he had said about him breaking off his cooperation with Garcia and not leaking my existence to Garcia's spies. Inside me... I couldn't accept the fact that it wasn't Zane Bernardi who did it. Damien said they were Garcia's old spies who had been in San Francisco for a long time. Then why would they find me now? Why was the timing so perfect with Zane Bernardi all around me?

My mind was racing. I felt like I was playing chess, but I had yet to learn who the opponent was and what his next move would be. Zane Bernardi could be lying. He was good at that. Or maybe he was telling the truth, and I was just being overly paranoid. But what if I'm right? If he was the one who leaked my whereabouts? Or worse, if he was working with Garcia behind the scenes?

I massaged my temples, trying to shake off the fatigue. It was like being in a maze with no way out. Every turn only led to another dead end. I had to find a way to get out of this situation. Confronting Zane Bernardi was no solution. Resigning might reduce our interactions, but that's no guarantee he'll stop bothering me. Plus, he's already threatened me with a game of God knows what.

Disappearing completely isn't an option either, not if I still want to continue my life and protect the people I love.

I may need help. Not from my brothers, who will surely make a big mess, but from someone who can infiltrate Zane's network and gather information. Someone who knows how to play in this shadowy world without attracting attention. I let out a long breath, trying to calm my nerves. The first step was to calm down and think clearly. Panicking would only lead me to make mistakes.

"All right, Daniella," I whispered to myself. "You've been through worse. You can handle this."

With a slight weight on my chest and my mood still in turmoil, I stood up and organized my things. It was time to go home, even if it was just for a few moments to feel safe at home. At least I could think better and plan my next move. However, before that, I had to meet someone. Someone who might be able to help me untangle these tangles. Someone who once promised to always be there for me, no matter what.

I picked up my phone and typed a short message.

To: Mr. J.

Can we meet? I have something to talk about.

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It didn't take long before a reply came.

From: Mr. J.

I didn't expect Princessa Rodriguez to want to meet. This is really special. Is this about you being my girlfriend and asking me out?

I chuckled, swearing under my breath at the man's reply.

To: Mr. J.

Sorry, but no. It's not about that. I want to give you a job.

From: Mr. J.

I'm more than happy to hear that. I'll wait for you at our usual place this evening.

To: Mr. J.

Okay.

I smiled slightly. Mr. J had always been another person I could rely on, and this time, I really needed his help and his performance.

With slow steps, I walked out of the office, the urgent weight on my chest unprepared for whatever was to come. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I also knew that I wasn't alone. And as long as I have my family and my best friend, I'll be fine. For now, I'll let go of the reckless thought of dying.