Page 242 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

But the world was full of fucking idiots.

And I was about to become the poster boy for them.

Luckily, no one was in the water.

I started down the metal stairs.

The suitcase clacked loudly as the wheels hit each step.

I prayed no one would hear it over Isabella’s screaming.

I reached the bottom and stepped out onto the nearest rocks.

They were slick and slimy with algae, and I struggled to keep my balance as water crashed over my shoes and pants.

I glanced up above me.

There wasn’t anybody along the walkway.

It was now or never.

I grunted and dragged the suitcase –

And stepped off into the water.

Cool water soaked my pants.

I didn’t go deep – only up to my thighs before my shoes hit the rocky bottom.

Isabella had been right about the suitcase: the air trapped inside caused it to be alittlebuoyant.

It didn’t float, exactly, but it was easier to pull through the water.

I trudged across the seafloor until I was neck-deep –

Then started swimming.

It was a fucking struggle.

The suitcase was heavy enough that it kept me underwater.

I would drag the bag out as far as I could until my lungs were burning –

Then kick to the surface for a quick gasp of air before heading back down.

I’d flail around in the darkness until I found the suitcase handle, then start all over again.

Every time I went up to breathe, I would check to see if anyone on the street was watching.

I didn’t see anyone, so I kept going.

My tenth time underwater, I reached the boulders that formed the breakwater around the swimming area.

I knew the water was deeper because it took longer to find the bag. Plus, my ears hurt from the pressure.

I couldn’t leave Isabella alone much longer, so I shoved the suitcase underneath the edge of the largest boulder.

It was a lot harder than it sounds since I did it all blind.

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