Page 6 of Ludovico's Vengeance

It’s the first time in years that Cece has been so openly kind in front of my father. The last time she was like this in front of him, I didn’t get to see her for a few days. When I would wake up in the mornings during that time, a cooler with food for the day would be left for me to eat. Since then, she stays silent when he’s around. Almost as if I don’t exist.

I glance around at the men when one of them steps forward with his hands held up in front of him to show me he’s not a threat. He's more beautiful than the others, a square jaw with piercing deep chocolate colored eyes that don't leave mine.

“Hi Nina, I’m Milo.” His voice is so smooth and calming that I feel at ease as he speaks. “I promise you, we’re not here to hurt you. Your dad has asked us to take you and your things with us to my boss’ house. He will explain everything to you when we get there.”

Tears are falling uncontrollably now, everything around me becomes a wet and soggy blur. I sense him step forward, and I freeze. I’ve never been around anyone but Cece and my dad, what am I supposed to do?

“Is it ok if I lead you outside? We have a car waiting to drive you.” He explains calmly.

I instantly perk up at the words. Outside? Drive? I feel like those videos I've seen of dogs being teased by their favorite words.

“I get to go outside?” The confusion in my voice has a wicked growl emanating from his chest, which makes me step back again and I find myself pressed against the wall.

Milo steps forward and whispers just loud enough for me to hear.

“Nina, once we get you out of here, you’ll be able to go outside whenever you want, but I need you to come with me. Please.”

And just like that, my decision to leave the only home I've ever known with people I’ve never met is made.

Mrs.DeLucahastaken it upon herself to prepare the Barone girl’s room just down the hall from my own. I don’t know much about the girl. After I told Mr. Barone that I wanted her under my roof, he shut down. Not that any of that matters. With the information provided, I know she’s turning twenty-five soon and from how the fucker spoke about her, she’ll be better off here. Besides, my mother has always wanted a daughter, so she’ll be thrilled to have another female around the house that she and Mrs. D can care for.

My men are tasked with fetching the girl while I’m out handling business, which I can’t hold off. The desire to end this shit sooner rather than later is what motivates me to get it done as soon as possible —which happens to be today. Mateo was asked to confirm who has been dealing with him and Frederico before I allowed him to leave so that he could assist in his daughter’s transition into my custody. Now I’m sitting in the back of a large black SUV while Michael drives me through town.

I take in the rolling hills of the countryside as we drive along the back roads into the city, a drive I remember accompanying my grandfather on time and time again. As we enter the city limits, my gaze is locked on the landmarks from my childhood. Not much is different, yet it feels like everything has changed since I was last here. The same ice cream place is on the corner that my parents took me to as a kid when times were simpler. I blink rapidly as the car begins to slow in front of the old pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

My, oh my, how things have changed.

When I step out of the car and look up at the side of the familiar building, I see a neon light shaped like a prescription label for the night club that has taken over the space. My eyes shoot to Michael who steps out of the driver seat a moment later.

“Really? They named it ‘Rx’?” My lips twist into a smirk as I shake my head. “I’ll give them this much, it is clever.”

The blinding sun is still high in the sky as I follow Michael through the front doors of the club. As we walk through the entrance, all of the lights are on as there seem to be employees prepping for tonight’s guests. We barely get ten feet inside before we’re stopped. A man who looks to be in his late twenties and is wearing a pair of cargo shorts that don’t belong in this environment, whether it’s closed or not, and a graphic T-shirt. He’s maybe an inch or two shorter than Michael who steps toe to toe with him.

“We’re closed; what do you want, my guy?” His piss poor attitude reminds me of the Situation circa season four of Jersey Shore.

I clear my throat and step into his line of sight. The shit head doesn’t even acknowledge my presence.

“Hello, I’m here to speak with Matt.” The tone of my voice is as sharp as a knife. The mystery man glares at me before he speaks.

“And, who the fuck are you?”

Michael grabs hold of the man by the throat as soon as he begins to move toward me.

“My name is Mr. Ludovico. I will not make my request a second time.” My face is a mask of indifference as the man struggles to free himself from Michael. Once he’s released from the strong grip the man steps back as if he’s been hit. Good, the seriousness of my being here is beginning to sink in.

The large open space, which looks to be a dance floor during normal business hours, is starting to hold an audience that I neither need nor want.

“Sorry, dude, I’ll grab him.” He disappears down a hallway to the right of the entry.

I jerk my head in a silent acknowledgement to the employees who have gathered, and they take the hint to scatter. Several moments later, a bald heavyset man who appears to be older than me begins to approach where Michael and I stand. He’s got on a similar pair of cargo shorts – does no one have respect for male fashion around here? Hell, even a JCPenney catalog has more fashion sense than these jackasses. At least he’s got enough sense to wear a solid black Henley T-shirt.

“How may I help you, gentlemen?” The newest addition asks once he’s standing before me.

My eyes dart to Michael who nods subtly confirming the identity of the person before me. I arch a brow at Matt, what a disrespectful dick.

“As I stated to your associate, my name is Mr. Ludovico. My grandfather, Frederico, was the backer for Mr. Barone, who just happened to provide me with your information as the primary supplier for the area.” Nothing about my name seems to click for him, however Barone does, how interesting. Matt's face begins to flush as his expression morphs into one of irritation. “The thing is my grandfather died a few days ago, and I was unaware of this business arrangement. So, as you can understand, I have some questions.”

Michael and I end up in the back office of the club, where we sit down with Matt for the next few hours to discuss what exactly his part is in the manufacturing and distribution of the drugs. It doesn’t take long to determine he’s just a pawn in the bigger picture. Nothing about this man screams intelligence. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait to deal with him once we have more information. Shutting shit down now would just lead to a war I’m not ready for.

---