Vitale frowned upon hearing about Domenico's parents. The absence of his family seemed like a delicate issue to him.
Vitale couldn't believe that his friend's life had changed so much.
—And what have you thought? Are you coming to work with me or do you prefer to do it on your own? —Domenico said.
—The truth is that it is a good option..... far from the criminal world, but I don't know if it is what I am really looking for. I want to find a way to make money fast. —He responded with a shrug.
Domenico looked at him curiously, as if evaluating him.
—The only way I know to make money fast is by doing the dirty work..The world of crime. —Domenico said, with a serious tone that reflected his concern.
—I think I have no choice, all I want is to destroy Bellini —Manifesto, his eyes distilling a mixture of anger.
Domenico cared about Vitale but was willing to help him.
—If that's what you want..... then do it, but be careful. Since that mafia was one of the most powerful in the city. —Advertio, remembering when he worked there.
—Yes, I remember —Vitale responded clenching his fists— But don't worry since I don't plan to face him yet. Do you have any contact who can help me?
The question hung in the air like a heavy shadow, Domenico hesitated for a moment, aware of the risk involved in returning to that world.
—I don't know if I should...—Murmuro, uncertainty marking his voice—. But yes, I have a contact who could help you, although I don't know exactly what you have in mind.
Vitale leaned forward, his interest palpable.
—Really? If so, then tell me how much sooner —He said, his voice filled with urgency.
Domenico looked around before whispering the name and address of the man he had in mind and what he did for a living.
—I'm sure —will be able to help you added with a cautious tone—. But be careful: explain that you are on my side and share your past experiences.
Vitale smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The phrase that his father told him one day resonated in his mind: "Think about the decisions you make because they also affect others"
That warning made him hesitate for a moment. But he was already decided.
Domenico, seeing that the daylight was fading, offered him that he would spend the night there. Vitale didn't want to at first, but ended up accepting and decided he would go see the man tomorrow morning.
Vitale spent the night there, managing to find sleep and unexpected tranquility. He set the alarm early, he was perhaps excited for tomorrow and to recover what he once had in the city, "money and respect".
Finally dawn broke in Cinderwood. The sunlight reflected on the curtains. Vitale got up and turned off his alarm, it was a cool morning in the city. He stretched and stood up.
Leaving his room, he met Domenico, who was already awake in the kitchen, preparing a steaming breakfast. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mixed with the sound of bread toasting.
—Good morning! —Domenico greeted with a smile—. I have prepared something for you too. Would you like to have breakfast together before everyone goes their own way?
The offer was tempting, Vitale nodded, feeling that sharing that moment could be just what he needed to face what was coming and have a normal breakfast. After eating unpleasant things in prison.
As they sat at the table they began to chat about trivial things: Domenico told him funny anecdotes about his coworkers, having a good time among old friends.
The morning progressed and Vitale knew it was time to leave to begin a new chapter in his life.
They finished breakfast and prepared to leave for their next destination. They shook hands in a gesture of camaraderie and set out on different paths: Domenico headed to work, while Vitale headed in the direction Domenico gave him.
The distance seemed considerable, especially on foot. As he progressed, his eyes scanned the city, assimilating the changes that had arisen in it after so many years. The streets he once knew so well now seemed different: new buildings stood proudly alongside others that had stood the test of time.
When he was observing the city and not paying attention, he realized that he was walking faster than normal. He had reached his destination. It was located in the middle of a strange hallway, it was like a fairly large hotel, but the walls were covered in a greenish tone, perhaps due to the passage of time or lack of maintenance. A strange sensation floated in the air.
He decided to enter and found a surprise: board games and a pool table occupied the center of the place, where several tough-looking men gathered together, laughing and throwing jokes at each other. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of crashing balls and the constant murmur of conversations.
However, that didn't worry Vitale: he was a guy who, due to his past, was colder and more resilient than anyone present.
One of the players left his stick on the table and began to walk slowly towards Vitale, attracting the attention of everyone present. The room was momentarily silent, as if tension was floating in the air.
—What are you looking for, boy? —The man asked with a deep voice that echoed in the place.
Vitale looked him directly in the eyes, feeling the penetrating gaze of the stranger.
—I'm looking for Mark Blaze..... They told me I could find him here —Vitale responded calmly, but with a slight tone of defiance in his voice.
The man studied him for a moment, evaluating the determination in his eyes.
—This is Mark's building. what are you looking for it for? —He asked, crossing his arms.
Vitale did not hesitate in his response, keeping his gaze fixed on him.
—Where is it? I want to talk to the —Responded, his voice firm But controlled.
—He is at the top of the building, whatever you want to tell him.. I can let you know—He said, dropping the last word with a hint of warning.
Vitale frowned, feeling like there was something else behind that response. I wasn't sure if I could trust this man.
—No, I will give you the message in person. —He said confidently.
—Okay... accompany me. — The man said with a gesture towards the stairs.
The man took Vitale with Mark, as they went up, Vitale looked at the decorations that decorated the walls, each painting and each object seemed to tell its own story.
After a short journey, they reached the end of the hallway, standing in front of a door, carved with intricate designs that spoke of wealth and power.
—Here it is. —The man said before leaving, his figure disappearing into the darkness of the hallway.
Vitale just watched as the man turned back.
Without hesitation, he pushed the door, which creaked as it opened, echoing in the silence of the room. Instantly, Mark's eyes turned towards him, fixed and piercing.
Upon entering, Vitale was amazed at the beauty of the place. An exquisite leather sofa occupied the center of the room: the paintings on the walls, the glasses shone under the light of the elegant lamps. Everything there spoke of the good taste and status of its owner.
—Excuse me, are you Mark Blaze? —Vitale asked.
—Yes...and who are you? —Mark responded, his tone mixing curiosity with a hint of disdain.
Vitale sighed... He was ready to start this crucial talk.
—I come from Domenico Frost. He told me a little about you, so yes, I know clearly who you are.
Mark raised an eyebrow, his expression changing to a mix of surprise and recognition.
—Domenico Frost? Last name sounds familiar to me —He said while trying to remember—Frost... Clear! Surely you tell me about his son, I used to work with his father.
Vitale smiled upon hearing that. He realized that Mark seemed like a trustworthy guy, the fact that he had worked with Domenico's father gave him more peace of mind