Chapter 19
CHAPTER 19
“What did you say?” Angelina gasped.
“If Sergei thinks you won’t cooperate, he’ll use your compassion against you. The cribs are filled with probably fifty women or so. Every time you refuse to do what they say, they will kill one. In front of you.”
“Cribs. I don’t believe it.” She’d heard rumors of places like this but hoped it wasn’t true.
Megan slumped in her chair. “I didn’t either when I first arrived.”
“How long have you been here?” And what horrors had the poor girl been through?
“I don’t know the number of days but probably not as long as I think.”
Megan was a young woman. Tall and slender with lifeless, empty blue eyes. “What happened to you?”
“You mean how I got here, or since I’ve been here?”
“Both.”
“I was kidnapped. I had a job I loved and was celebrating the night before a huge event. Same old story, never leave your drink unattended. I only looked away for a moment but I’m sure there was something in it. They next thing I knew I woke up in a cold room with other women. Some were taken as I was and others were lured in through a courier company job. They were told to drop off packages at certain locations that were actually snatch and grab spots.”
“Others were kidnapped with you?” What a horrible thing to happen! They must be terrified.
“Yes, but not at the same time. They’re from all over. It’s a holding area before they decide what to do with them.”
Angelina felt sick, but Megan insisted again she eat.
“I caught the eye of one of the men, Lucario. He runs the brothels and auctions. He said if I didn’t willingly have sex with him, he’d kill the woman in the cell with me. I thought he was crazy. I couldn’t even move.” Megan inhaled deeply. “When I didn’t say anything, he took out a gun and shot her in the head.”
Angelina flinched and reached for Megan’s hand, but she pulled it away.
“I was so in shock and couldn’t move. My mind couldn’t comprehend what had happened. He killed five more women before I could bring myself out of the trance and nod. Sergei heard the gunshots and stopped him. Said Christopher needed a girl to help around the house so he picked me. He saved me from Lucario but kept me for himself.”
The way she stared at the floor it seemed almost like she was reliving the experience. Regret and emptiness battling it out for the win.
“These are evil men. Which is why I am telling you this. I didn’t do horrible things because I wanted to. It was to save others’ lives. They threaten to kill some if you don’t do something. It’s how I bend to Sergei’s will.” Megan eyes bore into hers. “Don’t hesitate. The person they aim a gun at might be me. I don’t want to die here. Thrown out in the woods for animals to eat my flesh. I live each day to leave here.”
“Then we will escape together.” Angelina reached for her hand but Megan pulled it away.
Megan smirked and shook her head. “There is no escape. Some have tried. The lucky ones died right away, the others,” she swallowed, “lingered.”
“Once my father finds out I’m gone, he’ll rescue me.” Her parents had to be frantic by now.
“I was hoping you’d say that. I knew you had to be important or you wouldn’t be given special treatment.”
“Special treatment? They’re forcing me to get married.” It still seemed nuts. Why the hell was Joseph going along with it? Was he just trying to bide time? That had to be the reason. Maybe he was doing what Megan was, following orders so that others may live.
“Yes. I’m supposed to help you get a dress.” Megan pointed at Angelina. “I really like the one you have on.”
It finally dawned on her she was still in the black gown. “A dress? How soon is this supposed to happen?”
“Christopher doesn’t want to wait, so I expect soon. Things move fast around here.”
“How long have you been here?” And what must this young woman have endured?
“Maybe a month?” She shrugged. “Not sure. There are calendars on the wall but I don’t have access to a phone or computer.”
Angelina bit her bottom lip then eyed Megan. “Do you know who might?”
“Only his men. The staff who work here have to leave everything at the gate.”
“Do you think the room is wired? What if they’re listening in?” Angelina’s gaze darted around the room.
“I overheard some men talking once. There are only cameras on the outside not inside and no bugs. Seems weird, but from what I’ve witnessed, Sergei is a bit paranoid about others. Maybe even afraid the police are using technology to spy on him.”
The Caponelli’s were high tech. All the women had trackers on their jewelry, phones, and some even had chips implanted if they wanted. It had proven invaluable the few times her family members had disappeared. Foolishly, she wasn’t wearing the pieces she knew were wired.
Wiggling her fingers, she eyed the engagement ring on her finger. Was this one somehow wired and the reason Joseph had given it to her? As much as she wanted to believe his feelings for her were true, she didn’t trust anything or anyone right now.
There were so many things in the last few hours that didn’t seem right. How did their kidnappers get into their apartment? Where were Stephan and Bella? There must have been something in their drinks or food to knock them out. Who tampered with it?
Once she didn’t show up for work, the alarm would be sounded for sure. Maybe it was why the rush for a wedding.
A sharp knock at the door caused them to both jump. It swung opened to reveal a large man wearing a double holster. The light from above reflected off this shiny head.
“Megan. Go to my room. I know I don’t need to ask twice.”
She jumped to her feet and hurried to the door. Was this Sergei?
Angelina held up a hand. “Wait. Christopher sent her here to help me.” The last thing she wanted was to be left alone with him.
“The boss sent me for you. Follow me.” The girls exchanged glances and followed him out the door. Megan trailed down the hallway in the opposite direction, her gait slow but steady. She glanced back a few times but kept going. Angelina’s arm hurt as she was roughly pulled along.
“Get a move on or I’ll take you downstairs.” Sergei’s voice was deep and dark.
It was on the tip of her tongue to argue but took Megan’s warning seriously. The house was huge and appeared to have several wings and numerous hallways. When she didn’t move fast enough, Angelina’s feet slid on the cold, tile floor. They arrived in a large, cavernous room. Christopher sat at the head of a large table. Joseph was to his right. Several other men filled the remaining chairs while others, she guessed to be bodyguards, stood behind Christopher and along the wall. There was an empty seat next to Joseph. Sergei shoved her onto the seat. Joseph reached for her hand as he glared daggers at the man who’d dragged her there.
Sergei took the empty seat across from them.
“Gentlemen, and young lady.” Christopher focused on her and smiled. “I’ve gathered you here for some amazing news.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. “Many years ago, my only child was killed senselessly in an accident. I was devastated and out of my mind with grief for years. So much so, I lost my way and let Sergei make decisions and run different aspects of the business most of which I don’t approve. Some I’ve only recently been made aware of.” Christopher scowled at the man on his left. He nodded toward two of the guards and the moved to stand behind his man’s back.
“The accident also killed my grandson. A precious child I’d loved beyond comparison. The child survived the crash. To ensure my grandson’s safety, his other grandfather had placed him in the care of a man whose wife had recently lost a child. To further protect him, I did not know where they took him, but was assured I would find him when he was older.”
The tiny hairs on the back of her neck stood. Her body trembled. Joseph tightened his grip on her hand and laid his other on her thigh. “Imagine my surprise to come across that young man after all this time.” Everyone gasped as Christopher stood and placed his palms on Joseph’s shoulder. “Let me introduce you to my grandson, Joseph Caponelli.” Several men exchanged glances. “Yes, you heard me. Caponelli. Roman raised him.”
“How do we know this is true?” Sergei scowled at the old man.
“As soon as I saw his face, I knew. Anthony had the same face, the same gait when he walked, the same pissed off expression on his face.” Christopher chuckled as he returned to his chair. “I contacted Joseph’s grandfather for verification. He confirmed it was him.”
“Excuse me if I don’t believe it.” Sergei slid his chair back and exchanged glances with a few of the other doubters in the room.
“As soon as he arrived, I had genetic testing done. It was an exact match. Joseph is indeed Anthony’s son.”
A few mumbled around the table; some not sure how to react. A few men bowed their heads and offered a hand to Joseph while others held back and nervously glanced between Sergei and Joseph.
“Soon we will celebrate not only his return but also the marriage between Joseph and our guest, Angelina. This will officially join our two families and strengthen the alliances.”
Again, there was some shifting in the chairs and darted glances.
“With this bond, we will be able to increase our holdings and increase our business in the US and with Nicoli again here in Italy.”
When pigs fly. Angelina tried to meet Joseph’s gaze but he was focused on Sergei. There was no way in hell Roman would ever do business with that guy around, anyone could see Sergie was a nutcase.
“Starting today, I will begin to educate my grandson on all aspects of our family business as he will be my new right-hand man and heir to my empire.”
“What?” Sergei barked as he beat his fists on the table. “That is my position I’ve earned it.”
“Was your position.” Christopher’s tone was firm.
“But —” Sergei started.
Christopher held up a hand. “Quiet. It is decided.”
“No, it is not. Ever since Anthony died, it has been the strongest who earns the position.” Sergei smirked at Joseph.
“That’s correct.”
“Then I challenge your new grandson .”
Christopher remained quiet as Sergei continued to state his case.
“I challenge Joseph to a fight for the position, the rightful place in the family, and to be the husband of this woman.” He motioned toward her.
Her pulse raced to keep up with the conversation happening around her as a few others at the table joined in. In less than twenty-four hours, she’d been proposed to, kidnapped, forced to get married, and now it appeared she’d be the spoils in some battle for the head of an Italian mob family.
“No. I forbid it.” The boss spoke.
Sergei chuckled. “Afraid your new progeny isn’t up to the challenge?”
“On the contrary, I’m sure he would be up to challenge, but he needs to wed first. I want this marriage for many reasons. I am thankful the Caponellis raised my grandson to be a strong young man, but livid they kept him from me for so long. They took one of mine, I will take one of theirs.”
Joseph briefly met her gaze as if to say, don’t take the bait. She knew when to keep her mouth shut, which was the minute she stepped into this room. The level of testosterone was off the charts.
“Fine, then the day after the wedding, your so-called grandson and I go to battle.”
“Enough. There will be no more talk of this.” Christopher pushed his chair back.
“I accept.” Joseph let go of her hand and addressed the room. “Your men need to know they can follow me proudly in any fight.”
His grandfather pressed his lips together as his face turned a mottled red. It was a given he didn’t want to lose his own flesh and blood so soon, but to not allow it would show weakness. “Fine. In two days. I wish to spend more time with my grandson before then.”
“Two days and to the victor goes the spoils.” Sergei lured at her. A few laughed while the others remained quiet and eyed each other as if they didn’t know whose side to take. Was there a division in the ranks? Not knowing anything about this finally made sense. They were pretty much off the grid and based on what Megan had said, barbaric. The thought of Joseph doing battle with Sergei left a hole in her stomach. He was an excellent fighter, but, if she had to guess, there was no honor with this guy. He would certainly fight dirty.
Christopher pushed a button behind him and the door opened. “Take our guest back to her room.”
“Yes, sir.” A woman appeared and motioned for Angelina to follow.
Angelina glanced at Joseph who nodded.
As soon as they were out of hearing distance, the older lady asked if she was hungry. The last thing she felt like doing was eating again, but the chance to see more of the house won out. It was important to find exits for when the opportunity presented itself.
“Yes. I’d like that. Thank you.” She trailed behind her taking in her surroundings as they went.
“This way dear.” They took a right. “I’m Ellenore by the way.” The woman went on to explain that she was the housekeeper and head of staff.
In no time at all Angelina was sitting in a charming room off the dining area. The view of the countryside and mountains was breathtaking. Ellenore set a bowl of steaming potato soup in front of her.
“Thanks. This smells delicious.”
“Don’t forget the bread.” She added a plate of sourdough to the table and joined her. “It was Anthony’s favorite. He used to sneak pieces when I wasn’t looking. He was the devil for sure, but not more than any other young boy.”
“You knew him?”
“I watched him when his parents needed a break.” The woman stirred some sugar into her tea. “Christopher loved his wife and their child.”
“He must have been devastated when they died.”
“Yes. He was devoted to his son. Not soon after Christopher’s wife passed, too. She went for a walk in the woods. No one knows what really happened but Sergei found her. He said it appeared she’d fallen while hiking and hit her head. When they died, Christopher became a ghost of himself giving Sergei more and more power.”
“I take it you don’t like him.” She could see why after what Megan had shared.
“I hate him.”
“Then why do you stay?” Maybe Ellenore would help her escape?
“For Christopher. My husband used to work for him. When he died, I jumped at the chance to live here. I wanted peace and quiet. I soon found out it wasn’t so quiet after all.”
“Why didn’t you leave?”
She took a sip of her tea. “Since Sergei took over, it’s not easy to leave.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Was it a test?
“So, you know to be careful.” Ellenore winked.
“Believe me, I will.”
“Sergei’s evil to the core. He was jealous of Anthony. I think he secretly loved his beautiful wife, too. As soon as he knew she was having a baby, he became even more cruel. Once the baby was born, he disappeared for a time then returned months later. Christopher was still overwhelmed with grief and took the monster back.”
Angelina was hungrier than she thought. She finished the soup before the woman was done with her story.
“If he defeats Joseph, he will destroy you.” Ellenore warned.
“Joseph will win.” He had too.
“But if he doesn’t, you run and don’t stop. Don’t let your guard down. Trust no one and escape if you can.”
Goosebumps rose thinking about the danger they were in. “Thank you for the food. I’d like to go to my room now.”
Ellenore stood. “As you wish. Just remember what I said.”
Her mind a mess of emotions, once she was in her room Angelina collapsed. Ellenore warned her to trust no one. Could she trust the woman? And could she trust the person who opened the door and walked into the room?