Chapter Nineteen

Tuesday, September 22nd

JORDAN

5:22 p.m.

We just left the pickup point and were now on our to meet with Franco. From there we're supposed to follow him to Renato's villa in Thousand Oaks where we'll do the exchange. I was surprised to hear that's where everything was going to take place. We had offered to do the exchange elsewhere, but Renato wouldn't be persuaded otherwise.

He said he would prefer to do it at home and while everything was being weighed by his people, we could sit down and have a nice dinner. Which I couldn't complain or disagree with. It would just give us ample opportunity to locate my mom.

I listened to the light hum of the white industrial van as we drove down the freeway. We had recently purchased two identical vans and filled them each with five thousand pounds of pure cocaine. The other van is following fifteen minutes behind with rest of the product. As Vinceta drove to our destination, it gave me plenty of time to think.

It had been two full days since the night of the club and the event that took place after. Let's just say that it wasn't pretty. Vinnie and I didn't make it back to the hotel until sometime after three in the morning. We were beyond exhausted, the following day all we did was rest. Aside from letting my dad know about what happened while we were at the club and what happened after.

Elias didn't seem all that surprised when we told him. I guess being friends with Renato a long time ago, gave my dad the inside track of how Renato worked, assuming something like this might take place. Although, it would have been nice to know that ahead of time. But then again, he did warn me that I had to be just as ruthless.

Most of the morning was spent revising what me, Vinceta, Renato, and Franco worked out. Then expounding on what to do in order to get out of there safely. By the time we were finished, it was already time to leave. It didn't leaving me enough time to go to the room and change like I wanted, which is why I asked Oscar if he could get someone to go to my room to get me a change of clothes. I figured I would change on the way there.

I couldn't meet with them in just a plain white t=shirt, jeans, and my Timberlands. I thought it would be easier to change in the back of the van, but I was sadly mistaken. The way Vinnie drove, you would think she thought she was in a Fast and Furious movie. Fuckin' crazy ass.

It's amazing what a fresh pair of clothes does for your self-esteem. I looked down at my suit, it was a Dolce and Gabbana blue silver slim fit gold two piece suit. I wore a white dress shirt to go underneath. I paired it with Dolce and Gabbana glossy derby shoes.

Vinceta didn't share the same problem as me, as per usual. She was up early in the morning, so by the time I got up, she was already dressed in a Dolce and Gabbana silver silk baroque single breasted suit, a matching silver dress shirt, and the same Dolce and Gabbana black suede Derby oxfords with the rhinestones that she wore the night of the club. How she didn't get a drop of blood on those, I couldn't tell you.

It took us over two and a half hours to get to our next destination in Agoura Hills. At least this storage facility parking lot wasn't sketchy. It felt good to get out and stretch my legs after the long drive. I inhaled the cool night air, while savoring the gentle breeze that caressed my skin. I scanned the area where Franco told us to park. The rows of storage units lined east to west.

I looked towards the fence that had a black nylon tarp running horizontally across it. The headlights of a silver SUV pulled into the storage parking lot is what drew my attention there in the first place. The SUV crept slowly to where we were parked. Not a minute later, Franco and three other guys stepped out and walked over to us.

After greeting each other, Franco told us what was going to happen next. Two guys were going to drive the van the rest of the way while Vinceta and I were supposed to go with Franco and his driver. I grabbed the suitcase from the passenger side, then we got in the SUV and left. Another twenty minutes went by as Vinnie, and I sat in the back.

We pulled into a secluded driveway. Slowly going down the long curvy road. Even in the dark, I could make out the well maintained hedges and pine trees that were lined up along the cobblestone road. Beyond the trees was a nice countryside view of rows of hedges that gave it an old Italian vineyard feel. I imagined it would look picturesque in the daylight.

I couldn't believe we were finally here. Minutes away from saving my mom. All the time and preparation coming to a head, all I had to do is keeping playing the part of a reliable source. I tried to keep my anxiety at bay the closer we got to Renato's villa. I leaned against the side of the door, resting my hand under my chin in a loose fist as the driver continued up the path.

A light shone in the passenger seat. I became hyper aware and observant since the day I landed in New York. Day wasn't any different. I assumed Franco was on his phone texting Renato that we were moments away. Flashing a glance to my left in Vinceta's direction, the picture of calm. How I wished I had her reserve; I could only hope my anxiousness didn't show in my body language and giving anything away. I kept reminding myself to remain calm and collected, my mother's life depended on it. Mine and Vinceta's lives depended on it.

I just hoped that I proved myself the other night. Hopeful that I gained even a small amount of trust and respect from having another man's blood on my hands. Either way, I wasn't going to let my efforts be for naught. Once I get confirmation my mother's here, then I'll make my move.

Glancing at the suitcase sitting between us, knowing that it held the key to our safety.

It felt like we had been on this road for hours, when in truth it had only been a few minutes. We came to a stop in front of a rustic Italian inspired villa. The warm earthy feel of the sand colored stone is nothing short of flawless craftmanship. The circular driveway is well lit, and standing in the middle of it, is a birch tree with knee high hedges surrounding it.

Before stepping out once again into the night air, I made sure to grab the suitcase. Once my feet touched the cobblestone driveway, glancing to my left, I seen a small bridge, about twenty feet in length with four small lamps placed on the bridges posts. I moved aside to let Vinceta out as I remained searching my surroundings. Directly in front of us stood the expansive villa, a stone built Mediterranean front porch with a curved archway encircled the front door.

On the outside, to my left I seen floor to ceiling windows on both levels, bright lights shinning on the inside helped to make out what type of rooms await inside. The room above held a balcony with waist high stonewalls. Unfortunately, that was all I could ascertain. Because Franco took the lead once again, making his way inside the villa as Vinceta and I followed.

Walking into the grand entryway, was a magnificent sight to behold. To the right lie a beautiful circular wood staircase, with metal railings the flowed effortlessly up to the second floor. A grand piano placed next the stairs, added a touch of class to the décor. Looking up, you could see a handmade silver spheric metal chandelier, beyond that, a sunroof gave way to the night sky.

As we made our way deeper into the villa, a grand entry hall led us to a two story great room. The room held a white sofa that faced the entryway, two matching chairs and a glass coffee table placed symmetrically in front of the seated area. Off to the right were bi-fold doors that led out to the backyard patio. A small table that could seat four was placed in front of the doors. Behind the white sofa, was a pool table with a maroon covered tabletop.

Franco led us through the doors onto the backyard patio. A giant pergola covered the entire patio, lights woven through the wood beams above. In the middle of the patio, is where an empty round table for four awaited us. We took our seats and waited for our host to make his appearance.

"Is everyone ready?" I asked feeling a little nervous.

"Yeah, everyone's in place." Vinceta immediately replied. "Are you ready?" She queried, raising her left brow.

"Surprisingly, yeah I am. I can't wait to get this over with." I felt the excitement and distress mounting.

"I know what you mean. You know, the only thing that's going to suck is us having to part ways when this over." Vinceta confessed. The sadness in her eyes was evident.

"I was thinking that too." I fully agreed. "I just wanted to say; I'm really grateful to you and your father for all of your help." I wanted her to know that I acknowledged all of their efforts and none of it went unnoticed.

"Don't thank us just yet, our job isn't done." She stated, possibly trying to make light of the subject.

"I know. I'm just saying, if I don't get a chance to say it – I'm really happy that we got to work together. And in a strange and twisted way, it's been fun." Yeah, I know it sounds strange. To say something like that while we're nearing the end of a rescue mission. But it was the truth and it felt like the right time to say it.

"Don't talk like that. You're making it sound like you're not going to survive." Vinceta looked at me with a motherly concern.

"I don't mean for it sound ominous." I chuckled at the way everything came out.

"I know. And as much as I appreciate it, we can talk about that later. For now, I need you to get your head in the game." She advised. Of course, I knew she was right.

"Yeah, yeah, you're right." Now isn't the time for showing my appreciation or acting as if everything is going to end badly.

Once our conversation ended we sat in silence. "Good evening ladies! Welcome to Casa Dei Re!" (House of Kings) Renato shouted with his hands in the air, as if he were a showman. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Franco was just catching me up to speed." He wore a beige casual suit, light blue dress shirt and black wingtip dress shoes. This time his hair was slicked back, shinning in the false light of the pergola's twinkling overhead lights.

"It's no problem. We were just discussing how beautiful your villa is." Vinceta said quick on her feet.

"Devon's right. I was actually just complimenting the waterfall and how warm and welcoming it looks." I decided to follow suit.

"I couldn't agree more. Although, I thought the moonlit view overlooking the lake is absolutely breathtaking." Vinceta added as she looked towards the lake. Suddenly enjoying the view.

"Well, I'm glad you like it." Renato remarked with an appreciative smile. "My family hasn't had it long, only about twenty-five years or so. I recently just finished a major remodel last year." Renato augmented the villa's history. Then one of the house workers came to the table and poured us each a glass of champagne.

"Either way, it's gorgeous. You have excellent taste." Vinceta complimented. And she likes to think she's not charming. She is beyond delusional.

"Thank you. But I can't take all the credit. My late wife is the main one who oversaw most of it." A small part of me wanted to feel bad for him, knowing that he lost his wife. And for a split second I did, until I thought about my father's wife. My mother. That thought willed my anger back into the threshold.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drudge up something so painful." Vinnie said with sincerity etched in her admission.

"That's quite alright. I don't mind. I know she would've loved it." He replied light heartedly. Brushing it off as fast as he could. "Let's not have talk of the past sour the mood. Tonight, I want to celebrate completing our new business venture." He raised his glass. "Saluto." His smile reaching his eyes.

"Saluto!" Vinceta and I exclaimed in unison as we all clinked our glasses.

"Renato," At the sound of her voice, my heart started to race. My head snapped up when I laid eyes on her familiar face. There she was, coming through the bi-fold doors, while staring down at her sky blue sundress and white three inch pumps. She still hadn't looked up as she continued, "I would appreciate it if you gave me fair warning before telling me ten minutes before – " Her voice hitched as her and I locked eyes, " that we have guests." She finished, her early rant all but forgotten.

I immediately got up from my seat and rushed to her. "Alex Bird. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said as I extended my hand. I didn't want her to give anything away. I silently prayed that she would play along with this charade. I willed her with my eyes as quick as I could to go with it.

"Raquel Hawkins. It's a pleasure to meet you too." She said taking her hand in mine. I decided to play it smoothly. I held out my arm, which she took immediately. Then I escorted her to the remaining seat as the table.

"This is my business partner, Devon De Luca." I said introducing her as I have grown accustomed to. They both shook hands.

"Raquel Hawkins. Nice to meet you as well." My mother said as she sat down, then made herself comfortable.

"Likewise." Vinceta replied, then took a drink of her champagne.

As the night wore on, and the champagne flowed, and our appetites satiated, and conversation steadied. I waited for an opening that seemed like it would never come. There were times I thought that we needed to hurry up and get the hell out of here. But so far, the opportunity didn't present itself.

It's hard to pinpoint how we got on the subject of Vinnie and I getting into the drug dealing business. Vinnie and I got to talking a few days ago and came up with a backstory. Just in case anyone asked. When I said I wanted to be prepared for every possible scenario, I wasn't joking. Neither was anyone else.

"So much potential in someone so young. It's refreshing to see in this day and age. What I wouldn't give to have someone like the two of you to come and work for me, permanently." Renato stated an obvious undercurrent in his delivery.

"As flattering as that sounds, I much prefer being my own boss. Make my own rules." I remarked. I had to show him confidence, and that I couldn't easily be persuaded into doing something other than what I wanted.

All Renato could do was smile and nod his head in agreement. "I respect that type of attitude. It takes a certain amount of intellect, courage and charm to be in any type of business. But in this business, you have to have the street smarts in order to have staying power." He noted, to the layman, it would sound like he was giving advice. But to someone who could read between the lines? He was pretty much telling us, that he thought we were never going to be powerful in whatever venture we chose. How it came off to me was that he was just trying to swing his dick around. I mentally laughed.

"I completely agree, for instance, we didn't get this far by being stupid. I mean, yeah – we didn't plan on staying in this line of work. But once we started to excel, we couldn't imagine doing anything else. It took a lot of planning and patience to get to where we are today, and I think it's been worth it so far." I couldn't help the subtle word play. If he wanted to have an undercurrent, then so could I.

"Exactly! Of course, no one plans to live this life forever. Yet the money and the power is the businessman's form of addiction." He thought he was clever; the irony wasn't lost on anyone.

"All of that may be true. But there comes a time when you have to grow up and get out while you're still ahead." All three of us turned our heads to look at my mother. Up until now, she hadn't really tried to contribute to the conversation. And when she did, it was because Vinnie or Renato would ask her a question.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk. Mia piccola colomba, quando imparerai?" (My little dove, when are you going to learn?) He spoke to her as if she were just a little girl. I didn't know whether to punch or shoot him. Or both. One glance to my mother, telling me no with her eyes. She's right, now isn't the time.

"Who says I haven't? It's why I moved away Renato. Devi smettere di vivere nel passato!" (You need to stop living in the past!) My mother said angrily. It wasn't often I heard my mom speak Italian, but whenever she did, it was because she would get pissed off at my dad. Which he didn't mind, he would always look at her dreamily. My mom finally caught on after awhile to what he was doing.

"Enough! Non voglio che tu mi parli in quell modo a casa mia!" (I will not have you talk to me that way in my house!) Renato scolded with a tight lipped grin. He turned his head to look in our direction, trying to bring the smile to his eyes.

"Questo é esattamente il motivo per cui me ne sono andato, non ascolti mai la ragione." (This is exactly why I left; you never listen to reason.) My mother responded under her breath, the frustration clearly evident.

"That's enough Raquel. You're being rude to our guests." Renato chided my mother like she was a child.

"My apologies." My mother turning her attention to me and Vinnie with an apologetic expression.

"Non preoccuparti, ho visto la mia giusta does di argomenti." (Don't worry about it, I have seen my fair share of arguments.) Vinceta countered, while my mother and Renato's eyes widened in surprise.

"Anch'io." (So have I.) I couldn't help to add, thus furthering their surprise. It appears that my mom forgot I took Italian as one of my electives last year. Silence filled the atmosphere as we all looked at one another. Then all of us exploded into a fit of laughter.

"Well, as good as it is hear the language of my people, I'm afraid that we must get down to business." With a snap of his finger, Franco approached the table. "Is everything accounted for?" Renato looked at him sideways, awaiting the answer.

"Yes. Everything is there. Minus the sample kilo Ms. Bird has." Franco

"Wonderful. In that case, let's test this product so we finish here." Renato

Franco snapped his fingers and waved over a house worker. The young boy hastily cleared the table and left. I put the suitcase on the table, opened it and turned it around, then slid it across the table. Franco pulled out a pocketknife, stuck the bag and coated the tip with the white contents. We watched as he inhaled the product, tipping his head back while closing his other nostril. Shaking his head, he looked down at Renato in approval.

Renato clapped his together in excitement. You would think that he never made a successful drug deal in his life. Some of things were on the verge of childlike. It was peculiar seeing a grown man act this way. Franco took the suitcase and walked inside.

"Before you leave. I would like to share a story with you." Renato said, leaning back in his chair.

"When I was just a boy, my parents brought me and my siblings here to America. I could hardly speak a word of English. Then one day, when I was nine years old, I met a boy who was my age. He was kind, smart, funny, loyal, and the ladies loved him. Even though this boy had all of these wonderful qualities about him, the one thing that always seemed to weigh on his mind, was that he was very poor. So poor in fact, that he was sleeping under bridges. Digging out of garbage bins just to find something to eat. When I found out about this, my heart hurt for him. Because he was my best friend, I was afraid for him. Afraid for his life. I didn't know if he would starve to death or get killed by some psycho on the streets. So, that same day, I asked my parents if he could come live with us. Of course, they said yes." Renato said as he appeared thoughtful, thinking of simpler times.

"As the years progressed and we got older, so did or affinity for mischief. We started out as small time pushers. Then as we started making more moves, the bigger we got, the more untouchable we became. That's when I found out he had been hiding something from me, he fell in love with a girl. Not just any girl, but the most beautiful girl in the entire neighborhood. Countless men attempted to court this girl, but none of them were good enough for her. Until he came along. They fell in love."

"But then one day, this young man, betrayed me, his adopted brother. When I heard about what happened, I went to confront the young man, but he was nowhere to be found. Like a coward, he fled, taking the young woman with him. Then one morning, I'm enjoying my breakfast while watching tv, and imagine my surprise when I see a familiar face. And since that morning the one thing that consumes my every thought is how he must suffer for all of the wrongs that he inflicted on his brother, his best friend. Me. And the only way for him to make it right, is by laying down his life for that betrayal."

"I have a confession to make." Renato stated as clasped his hands together. All three us gave him a questioning look. "I've known all along who you are, Jordan."

I leaned forward and looked him dead in the eye. "Lo so." (I know.) I said without skipping a beat.