Chapter 41
We're in Arabia, in a house in a remote area, but close to where my wife and son are being held. The plan to get them out is ready—we're just waiting for nightfall. But it feels like night will never come. I pace back and forth, restless, until my newest friend touches my shoulder.
“Calm down, amico mio. Soon we'll have your famiglia back.” His voice is firm but serene, as if he's done this thousands of times.
“I know,” I respond, trying to control my anxiety, “but I can't calm down thinking about what Chloe must be going through at that bastard's hands.”
One of Matteo's men approaches quickly, his posture rigid.
“Boss,” he says, “movement at the house has died down. Vladimir's already there. Now we just wait to go in.”
The Italian nods with a satisfied smile.
“You know what to do with him once we catch him, right?” His voice is cold, almost amused.
“Perfectly, sir.”
“Excellent. Our friend here,” he points to me, “will want to have a little fun before we finish the job. Then we end him. Let's get ready.”
I look at Matteo, who's already holding his gun, checking the magazine with precision—automatic movements that show this is routine for him.
“Wait... You're going too?” I ask, surprised.
He looks up and smiles—a cold, almost sadistic smile.
“Of course I'm going. I enjoy having fun with vermin like that. I never miss the chance to teach these insects a lesson. I like to do the job with my own hands, if you know what I mean.” He smiles and adds, “Do you know how to shoot, Alexander?” His question is loaded with expectation.
“Yes. I have a gun permit.”
He tosses a gun in my direction.
“Then this one's yours. Just be careful with that injured hand.”
“Thanks, but I brought my own,” I say, pulling my Glock from behind my back, where it's been hidden this whole time.
He smiles again, satisfied with my attitude.
“Bravo. I like men who come prepared. So get ready—the fun is about to begin.”
We left the house and found several cars already waiting for us. Matteo, Anthony, and I rode in one car, going over the plan one more time. Everything had to go right—I was there to bring my wife and son home.
Ten minutes later, we stopped at a secluded spot with a clear view of the house where they were being held. It looked quite spacious, with trees blocking the view from outside. We positioned ourselves behind some large rocks, waiting for the right moment.
First, Matteo's men went in. Then we followed. Everything happened according to plan. Five minutes after the henchmen entered, we received authorization to proceed. I didn't hesitate—I'd been waiting for this moment for days and didn't want to waste another second.
As soon as I entered the house, I took in the scene: in one corner, several men kneeling with their hands on their heads. Our companions watched them closely, armed to the teeth, ready to act at the slightest suspicious movement.
“Go up the stairs. The child is already with us, and the doctor is examining her,” I heard Tomaso say—Matteo's brother and consigliere. “I'll follow shortly. I need to see the child one more time.”
I ran toward the indicated location, spotting a door that was still closed. One of Matteo's men noticed, moved past us, and quickly opened it to let us through. Denaro went ahead, and I followed.
We reached the bottom of the stairs when we heard one of the bastards speaking:
“As soon as the child is born, take her to this address. Payment's already been made. As for the brat, leave her here until I get back. I'm going to the club to take care of some business.”
“Yes, sir,” another man responded.
The moment the last word leaves his mouth, Denaro steps out from behind the wall, both guns drawn and aimed at the two bastards.
I hear something metallic clatter to the floor and, looking in that direction, I see Chloe on a gurney—tied up and unconscious, covered in dirt and bruises.
My heart clenches at the sight, and my eyes burn as I fight back tears. My God! What did they do to my girl?
Anthony, beside me, comments:
“You're not going to cry now, are you? First let's have some fun, then you can cry all you want.” Bastard, I think before springing into action.
Even at a moment like this, he still cracks jokes.
The only reason I don't put a bullet in his head is because he's my friend.
I look to the other side and see one of Matteo's men standing there, gun trained on the bastard who took Chloe.
I approach, feeling like my life depends on it.
Without thinking twice, I punch him square in the face—he's still wearing that irritating smile.
The rage I've repressed for so long explodes, and I hit him again and again until I'm spent.
My newest friend pulls me off him before I kill him with my own hands.
“Enough, friend. Leave the dirty work to us. Go take care of your wife.”
I start walking toward my girl, but then I hear the hoarse voice of the man on the ground:
“So you're the one who's been fucking the hot little slut... Just so you know, I also had the pleasure of touching her. And I have to say, she's still hot and tight, just like before,” the bastard says with a mocking laugh.
“You son of a bitch, I'll kill you!”
Once again, I lunge at him. This time, it takes three people to hold me back. The hatred is so intense that if I could, I'd beat him to death with my bare hands.
“I know you want to kill him, but your wife needs you more right now. Go to her and give her the support she needs. Leave him to me—I know what to do with him,” Matteo says, his voice firm and steady.
His words bring me back to reality, and I realize Chloe needs me most right now. I approach the gurney where she's still lying. The doctor is already at her side and gives me an update.
“She and the baby are fine. She's a little weak, but she'll be okay.”
“Thank you, doctor. Can I take her now?”
“Of course. I'll go with you back to the hospital in your hometown.”
“Wouldn't it be better to stay here, at a nearby hospital?”
“No need—my plane is already ready to take you.”
I turn to Matteo, who just spoke, and thank him. I pick up my wife in my arms and leave, putting that place behind me. I promise myself that from now on, I'll never leave Chloe and our child again—and Elena too, of course. I'll protect all of them with my life if I have to.
We're already on the plane, on our way home, when Elena approaches her sleeping sister.
“Hi, you must be Alex, right? My sister talked about you all the time.” A beautiful girl approaches me and touches my arm.
“Hi, Elena. Yes, that's me.”
“I'm so glad you came to get us. When Chloe wakes up, she'll be so happy to see you. And when will she wake up?” I hear the anxiety in Elena's voice. The doctor accompanying us responds:
“The medication they gave her was strong, so it'll take a while for her to wake up. But don't worry—everything's fine.”
“And my nephew's okay too, right? Chloe wanted this baby so much.”
“Everything's fine, Elena. I'm here with you both, and from now on, we're never going to be apart again.”
“You promise?” she asks, with a small, sweet smile on her face.
That question caught me off guard. The lack of affection they'd experienced, especially Elena, made me realize how much I needed to make it up to them—do everything in my power to give them security and love. I got up from my seat next to Chloe and hugged little Elena.
“I promise, Elena. I'm going to take care of both of you from now on.”
I returned to my seat, took my girl's hand, and wrapped it in both of mine. She slept like an angel, and I couldn't stop thinking about everything they'd been through. I wanted to see her smile again, the way she used to.
We finally arrived. The helicopter landed at the hospital, and from a distance I spotted Jullian and Monica waiting anxiously.
I climbed out and helped Elena down, and she immediately ran to my friend and hugged him tight.
In that moment, I felt like we were home.
Their presence brought me relief, knowing my friends had taken good care of them while we were away.