Page 4 of Used By the Bratva

“Well,” Leo said over his screen. “Once we have more, we will send out some men to check if the information is valid. You focus on rectifying the deal, and we’ll keep you updated.”

“Okay, already on it. See you later,” I said, heading out the door. I felt sick knowing there was nothing I could do to fix this. Even though it wasn’t my doing, we could all be in danger. This made my anger spike even more. The family had to be protected at any cost.

I took the backroads, heading back to my gambling den to make some calls. Parking in my usual spot, I sat for a bit, observing. I had worked hard the last couple of years to get this place up and running and now this.

I wasn’t sure how much time I would have to clear the place out or get someone to take it out of my hands. I sat and admired my handy work a bit. The place was a wreck when the family bought it. Now, it was one of the most popular gambling dens in the area.

At night, the lights fitted into the dome above lit up the entire area. It is a marvelous creation, even if I have to say so myself. Abandoning it would be a shame. There are three floors of entertainment. At the bottom, the entire place was fitted with the latest gambling machines, a food court, and a dance floor. The second floor consisted of the biggest variety of tables available in Miami and the top. Well, the top is the most impressive.

It included a five-star restaurant, pool area, topless bar, private dance rooms, and so much more. I felt my anger being replaced by a deep sorrow. Stepping out of my car, I slammed the door with force. “If I get my hands on the person responsible, I swear…” I spoke to the building before trailing off as my guards came over.

“Sir,” the tall, skinny one said as they came to stand before me. “There’s a call for you. It’s someone about the deal.”

Shoving past them, I entered the building quickly. As I moved to the stairs, I showed the lady at the desk to transfer the call to my office. When I entered my glass office on the second floor, the phone started ringing.

Taking a deep breath, I answered. “Ashan here; how can I assist.” I wasn’t prepared for the voice blaring back at me over the phone, and for a second, I held the handset out before me, staring at it.

“Ashan, Ashan, are you there?” It was the firstborn son of Mr. Castoia himself, Bonno. I had not expected him or anyone in the family to call. I would have thought they would have had one of their men, do it? But seems I was mistaken.

“Hi, Bonno; what can I do for you?” I inquired, keeping my tone as level as possible.

“Is Mr. Urgens still there?” he asked.

“Why, no, he left a couple of hours back,” I replied, rubbing my forehead. It felt like the start of a migraine. Sitting down, I pulled my meds from the top drawer and swallowed two pills.

“He is missing; we can’t find him, his car, his phone, or anything else. What was his state of mind when he left you?” Bonno continued.

Clearing my throat, I answered shortly, not wanting him to hear the irritation in my voice. “He seemed fine. He said he would get back to me on the details of the deal and left. Sorry, Bonno, but I have to go. Let me know if we can assist with anything else, okay?”

“Yes, okay, fine, thanks.” The reply came before the line went dead.

Chapter 3 - Jamie

Staring at the screen, my mind whirled at the speed of light. Before my eyes, was a message; it wasn’t something any hacker ever wanted to see. It read, ‘Found you, prepare for war!’

I was still trying to absorb the details when my screen changed, and my personal information flooded the internet. I stepped forward, sat down, and started slamming at the keys, moving from one site to the next, trying my best to stop it. I’ve been hacked, and my firewalls cracked.

After a couple of seconds, I realized I wasn’t going to be able to stop or remove all of it. I watched in horror as my name, telephone number, address, and more leaked out into the open. “No,” I screamed at the laptop, picked it up, and chucked it at the wall. Rising from my chair, I knew there would be company coming soon. I grabbed a bag and started collecting the most vital items.

Running was my only option now. I would have to find a place to hide. Ben did this to me, I thought as I pulled my shirt back on and added a hoodie for extra cover. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I stared at the screen. Feeling sure my security on the phone was good enough, I decided to keep it. I kept some of the information I discovered. With this came the realization that the Mafia groups would be looking for me and those who wanted to get to them.

Standing at my door, I wondered where I would go as I put on my coat. I dialed my last client. It was the only number I had for Ben. He has to assist me; after all, it’s his fault. “Ben, Ben, you must help. I got traced doing what you wanted. I need a place to lay low.” I breathed into the phone as he answered.

“You do know you were paid, and it’s not my problem if you get sloppy and are caught in the act.” He responded abruptly.

“Really, Ben? You know, I don’t do sites where there are traps. You led me there. Now you have to help me.” I replied angrily.

“Slow down, let me think for a second,” Ben replied in his usual quick manner. “Okay, okay, I have it,” he added. “Hang up and get to the address I am sending you now. You can tell them I sent you.”

Feeling a tinge of relief moving up my spine, I darted out and headed to the address on my phone. It was still dark out, but morning would come soon. I stuck to the buildings and bushes on the sidewalks as I moved, checking for anyone suspicious. After a while, my muscles burned, but slowing wasn’t in the cards.

I wasn’t even sure if I’d make it as the address was on the other side of town. Staying low and out of any area with cameras made for slow progress.

By lunch time I was only about halfway. Counting what cash, I had on me left me with very few options. I bought a pack of chips and a water at a corner shop.

Hiding in a brush, I rested my body and appreciated the little food. Looking at the sun's movement, I knew I would be spending the night outside. Getting up, I proceeded with the hope that I would at least get closer to my end destination before complete darkness.

As night finally set in, I estimated I was about twenty to thirty blocks away. I found a secluded spot in an alley hiding behind some dumpsters and settled in for the night. It had been ages since I had slept outside in fear for my life. It brought back a lot of memories I had long forgotten, and my sleep was filled with demons.

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