The weight of my responsibilities bore down on me, threatening to suffocate as I left my office that evening. My head throbbed from the incessant stream of issues that had plagued my company. It was undeniable – the ongoing crisis was taking a toll, and the sales were plummeting at an alarming rate.
Massimo's absence since he had left for Italy had left a void that was impossible to fill. His expertise and insight into dealing with the Mafia, along with his determination, had been invaluable in tackling the issues we faced. Without him, it seemed that the company was adrift, struggling to navigate treacherous waters.
As I exited the building, the clock on the wall showed that it was well past eight o'clock. The compound that had once bustled with activity during daylight hours was now eerily quiet, illuminated only by the dim glow of streetlights. The janitors, dedicated souls who ensured the cleanliness of our workspace, were the only ones left.
I offered them a tired smile as I made my way towards the elevator. They nodded in acknowledgment, their faces reflecting a mix of sympathy and understanding. It was moments like these that reminded me of the dedicated individuals who formed the backbone of my organization, even in the face of adversity.
The elevator doors closed, enclosing me in a cocoon of solitude as it descended to the ground floor. The hum of the machinery was oddly soothing, a temporary respite from the constant chaos that had become my life. I knew that I needed to find a balance, to regain my footing and ensure that my company didn't crumble under the weight of the challenges we faced.
As I stepped out of the elevator into the quiet night, I couldn't help but felt the feeling of feeling watched as I walk towards my car. I've been feeling this lately, like I'm being watched but I most likely to let it be.
Sliding inside my car, I quickly start and reversed the car to make my way home. As I was driving to the empty street I noticed a black sedan following my trail. Even if I turned many times I couldn't lose them. Thoughts came running to me as a car starts to approach me from the side.
"Not a chance ." I mumbled as I pressed on the gas. And expertly maneuver the stiring wheel. I've drifted before that is why I know how to lose this cars.
Looking into my rear view, I nearly screamed in panick when bullet broke the mirrors. Bending down, I calmly controlled the wheel as they continue to fire bullets over my car. Pressing the gas harder, the car almost flew in speed, and I don't care if I broke the speed limit. I've got a bullet chasing after me.
As the chase and rains of bullets continues, my phone rings and as I looked into the ID caller I grabbed and answer it instantly.
Fear coursed through my veins as I sped down the empty streets, the relentless pursuit of the black sedan closing in behind me. Bullets shattered my mirrors, and the chilling realization that I was being targeted sent shivers down my spine.
Massimo's voice crackled through my phone, his concern palpable. "Natalia, what's going on there?"
"I'm being chased, and they're shooting at me," I replied, my grip on the steering wheel white-knuckled as I maneuvered through the winding streets.
A string of curses in Italian escaped Massimo's lips, and I could sense his frustration and anger through the phone. "Do you have a gun in your car?" he asked urgently.
With my left hand gripping the wheel, I reached into the compartment and retrieved the small handgun I kept for emergencies. My fingers wrapped around it, and I felt a surge of determination chaos around me.
"Good," Massimo said. "Listen carefully. Find a secluded area, somewhere you can hide. I'll come to you as fast as I can."
My heart raced as I followed Massimo's instructions, scanning the surroundings for a place to take cover. It felt like a scene out of a movie, the desperate chase through dimly lit streets, bullets flying, and a sense of impending danger.
I spotted an alleyway up ahead, and without hesitation, I veered into it, narrowly avoiding a collision with a parked car. The darkness swallowed me as I cut the engine, hiding in the shadows.
The black sedan screeched to a halt at the entrance to the alley, its occupants seemingly disoriented by my sudden disappearance. I held my breath, praying they wouldn't spot me.
Massimo's voice came through the phone again. "Natalia, stay low and stay quiet. I'm on my way."
With the phone still pressed to my ear, I watched as the occupants of the sedan began to search the area, flashlights sweeping the darkness. My heart pounded in my chest, and every breath felt like an eternity.
Minutes passed, but it felt like hours. I remained hidden, the silence in the car deafening. Then, like a guardian angel, Massimo's sleek black car appeared at the entrance of the alley. He expertly parked and stepped out, gun in hand.
The sedan's occupants hadn't noticed him yet, and I watched with bated breath as Massimo crept closer. With a sudden and swift movement, he disarmed one of the assailants and subdued the other.
Relief washed over me as I saw the danger dissipate. Massimo had come to my rescue once again, and in that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for the man who had become such an integral part of my life.
As I stepped out of the car, still shakin. A warm hug engulf me and the fear that I'm feeling was replaced with safety and warm.
"Thank goodness, your okay." He mumbled as he put kisses to my hair. Relief washes upon me as I feel the concern of his touch.
"Don, il nostro informatore dall'Italia ha appena raccolto alcune informazioni ed è stato Diego a minacciare la vita di Donna." A voice which I presume an Italian because of his speaking came from behind and informed Massimo.
The softness in his eyes, suddenly disappeared and is instantly replaced by danger. I assume the information didn't go well.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
That's when Massimo looked at me apologetic.
"You should come live with me. Your in danger now, because you've been exposed to the Mafia." He said seriously and I don't think I'll have a chance to say no. Because in just a second I was being scoped from the ground.