Chapter 39
It's been two weeks since we started searching for Chloe and Elena, and so far, we haven't found a single clue as to where they might be.
I'm devastated and haven't slept in days.
This whole situation is tearing me apart—I can't do anything.
I want to grab that bastard who took her and kill him.
I've been talking to Anthony only through messages and calls, so I decide to see him in person.
“Come in, my friend. Make yourself comfortable.”
“Still nothing, right? This search has been driving me crazy. Not having any idea where they could be.”
“Easy, we'll find them. First, I need to gather all the information. And if anything's missing, I know where to find it.”
“Are you talking about that friend of yours? I didn't want to involve the mafia in this, but if it's necessary, I'll pay whatever they want. I'd give every penny I have for them.”
“As for that, you can rest easy. What they hate most is human trafficking. So they'll be more than happy to get involved. Well, let's head to my little room. I'll show you everything I have so far.”
We entered through a secret door at the back of the house. As we descended the stairs, lights turned on, illuminating our path, until we reached a thick lead door. I'd once asked him about that door, and Anthony told me the entire place was lined with the same material so no one could find him.
“Have a seat. I've got everything I've managed to gather so far. I detected a signal from his brother Valter's cell phone. The signal disappears at a certain point, but the important thing is it's still in Russia. I asked a friend of mine to verify if it really was Valter, and yes, it's him.”
“So why don't we just get on a plane and go there?”
“Because first we need to know if Vladimir is actually there. That's unlikely, since Chloe sent him to prison. The feds are desperate to find him—the moment he sets foot there, he'll be arrested again.”
“Then where else would he take her?”
“That's the problem. He traffics women to at least nine different countries. So I'm tracking them and keeping tabs on those locations. If there's any unusual movement, which should happen in the next few days, we'll catch him.”
“This is taking too long, Anthony. She's about to have our baby. I need to find her as soon as possible. I'll never forgive myself if something happens to them.”
“Just give me one more week, Alex. I promise I'll bring her back, along with your son.”
I was about to respond when one of his phones rang. He signaled for me to stay quiet and started the conversation:
“Anthony speaking.”
“I'm still trying to understand why you haven't contacted me yet. You're suffering there for nothing.”
“I was planning to search a bit more and, if I didn't find anything, I'd come to you.”
He placed the phone on the counter and hit the speakerphone button:
“My friend here is losing his mind over his woman going missing. She's pregnant, after all.”
“What do you mean, pregnant? Why didn't you call me, Anthony? Seems like you're losing your touch.”
“He didn't want the mafia involved, that's why I didn't call.”
“I know you hate us.” I heard a laugh from the other end of the line. “Open the door, I'm pulling up to your house.”
“And who invited you here?”
“I never need an invitation, and you know that.”
At that moment, I heard someone knocking on the door.
My friend got up, walked over, and opened it.
A tall man with an imposing presence strode through the doorway.
His strong, striking features had that classic Italian elegance—dark hair carefully combed back, a well-trimmed beard, and intense, almost predatory eyes.
He wore an impeccable suit with an embroidered handkerchief in the pocket, a stark contrast to our surroundings.
He greeted Anthony with a quick, firm hug before coming over to where I sat, extending his hand with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
“You must be the one who doesn't like me, Alexander Petrov.” His deep voice carried a slight Italian accent, with a hint of veiled provocation in his words.
“Don't take it the wrong way—I just didn't want the mafia involved.”
“But we're the ones who get shit done.” He gave a wry smile. “Don't worry, I don't usually drag my friends' friends into our business.”
Anthony stepped forward, letting out a resigned sigh.
“This is Matteo Lucchese, head of the Cosa Nostra in Italy. By the way, shouldn't you be there right now? What are you doing sniffing around my country?”
Matteo just raised an eyebrow, as if the question wasn't worthy of a direct answer.
“Business to take care of.” His expression remained impassive. “But lucky me, being here. Now I can help search for your bella ragazza… Chloe, isn't it?”
“And how do you know all this?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Tell me something I don't know.” He laughed lightly, as if I'd told a bad joke. “Alex, when Anthony goes into action, I'm already in the loop.”
“Without me having to say a single thing,” Anthony commented sarcastically.
“Come on, send me everything you’ve got. I’ll pass it to my people, and in half an hour, we’ll be ready to go get your woman.”
“I told you, with them it’s always easier.”
I watch my friend pass all the additional information to the imposing Italian sitting beside me, who quickly forwards it to someone else. Now, all we can do is wait. I’m restless, desperate to go find my girl.
“When are they going to respond? It’s taking too long.”
As soon as I finish speaking, Matteo’s phone rings. He slides his finger across the screen and puts it on speaker.
“So, where is she and who’s she with?” he asks, his voice firm and cold.
“Saudi Arabia, boss. They’re with a human trafficking ring. We should’ve seen it coming—it’s one of the biggest hubs for this kind of operation.”
“And the plane?” he asks, his voice commanding.
“Ready in thirty minutes. I’ve already sent some of our guys ahead. By the time we arrive tomorrow, everything will be set.”
“Good work. I want the exact location and a house nearby. We can’t draw attention.”
“Already arranged, boss. Safe house, secluded—everything’s ready for our arrival.”
“Efficient as always. You’ve earned a bonus.”
“Thank you, boss!”
Matteo ends the call and slowly raises his gaze, his eyes dark and calculating. He asks Anthony for a cigar, and Anthony lights it for him. He inhales and releases the smoke calmly, as if he has all the time in the world. A slight smile, almost imperceptible, crosses his face as he speaks.
“Let’s go get your woman and your sister-in-law.”
“I’m ready,” I respond.
Matteo leans forward, resting his elbows on the table.
“Alex, listen carefully.” His tone is firmer now. “Go home, change those clothes. Wear something comfortable and low-key. We don’t need heroes in flashy outfits. Twenty minutes. We’ll pick you up.”
I take my car and within minutes I’m home. I park in the garage and rush inside. I grab my phone and call Jullian, who answers immediately.
“I’m going to get Chloe and Elena.” That’s all I say before hanging up, avoiding any more details.
I head to the bedroom and strip off my wrinkled clothes. I pull on black jeans, a black t-shirt, and a leather jacket. I finish with dark sneakers. Before leaving, I stare at my reflection for a moment and think aloud.
“I’m coming to get you, my love. Hold on. Just a little longer.”
I leave the house with determined steps, my mind already focused on the mission. I don’t know where we’re going, but one thing I’m certain of: I’m not leaving without my girls and my son.
My thoughts turn to her. How is she doing?
Did she get to have the appointment about our son?
Is she okay? With all the stress, has she already given birth?
So many questions flood my mind, and as I think about what she must be going through, a tear escapes down my cheek.
I quickly wipe it away with the back of my hand. I can’t be weak now. I need to get her.
My phone beeps with a new message.
“We’re here.”
I’m already near the door. I open it and quickly get into the Italian’s car. My injured hand, my nerves on edge, the urge to kill someone—it all consumes me, but I keep it to myself and make one promise: to bring Chloe, Elena, and Alexei back with me.
“Let’s go get your family, Alex. And we’re not leaving without all of them.”
The Italian squeezes my shoulder in support. I just nod and board the plane. The time has come.