Chapter 17 - Who the f*ck is Shawn? (1)

This the part where I'm gonna get hurt

I never listened but I didn't deserve it

I was young and she was my first love

So they say that you live and you learn

— HRVY, Personal

T Y L E R

Seemed to know my gloomy mood, the sky above has turned grey and started to drizzle. I pulled the hood of my coat over my head. The cool air seeped through the space in between the buttons, I shoved my hands into the pockets of my coat and hunched my shoulders against the cold as I sped up to the address Mario has sent me earlier.

It took me fifteen minutes to get there and by the time I arrived, I needed to bend down and steadied my breathing. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed Mario's number.

"Ciao?" He answered after a short while.

I swallowed hard. "I'm here."

I heard him let out a weary sigh and when he spoke, it almost sounded like he wished I didn't come. "Get inside."

My brain told me that this was a bad idea, it begged me to run, to get away from this place. I looked to my right, fifteen meters away from where the pedestrians were walking down the street of New York, unaware of my presence at the end of the alley. I turned my attention back to the metal door in front of me. I had no clue what was in there or who was waiting inside. I usually met Mario in the alley so this would be the first time I actually entered this building. My hand clasped the doorknob, ready to open the door at any time, but I was having second thoughts. I let my fear got the best of me.

Think about Autumn, Ty! Think about what would happen to her if you don't do this.

I gritted my teeth and took a deep breath as I turned the knob and swung the door open. It was dark inside, it felt like entering your house after being outside all day and realized that you forgot to turn on the lights. Yet even though it was pitch black, I knew they were people, I could hear their breathing. My hands curled into fists as I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.

Once the door fully closed, leaving no sunlight to lit the room, I heard footsteps and then a blinding light filled my vision. I instinctively shut my eyes closed and opened them slowly.

In front of me, there were at least a dozen men standing in one line with baseball bats in their hands. I jutted my chin out and refused to be intimidated. I knew there would be consequences for declining a job yet a few hours ago, nothing really mattered but Autumn.

"I don't know if I should applause you or laugh at you," said a voice from somewhere behind the line. The line split into two, making a way for a man in his early fifties which I assumed was the big boss.

He was followed by a younger man, falling only one step behind. "Brave or stupid. There's a fine line between the two," sneered the younger man. He clicked his tongue and added, "shame."

"I'm sure Mario has warned you," said the older man. "There's no day off." He raised his hand and pointed his forefinger directly at me. "You are mine! Santiano has given you to me in compensation for his unpaid loan." His eyes squinted as he locked his gaze on me. "I've owned you! You're my property and you shall do your job properly because next time, I won't give another chance."

I pressed my lips tightly, knowing that if I said something, I might not get out of this place alive. My heart hammered like a machine gun and I felt like a prisoner waiting for the gallows.

"Now accept your punishment like a man. I hope that will remind you not to make any more mistakes." He turned around and stopped in front of one of the twelve men standing. "I think two rounds will do." He spared me one last look before walking away.

The younger man started to turn but he paused and looked at me over his shoulder. "Good luck." Then he too was gone, leaving me with a dozen men with baseball bats. I looked up and prayed that I would be strong enough for what was coming.