The day went by pretty quickly, and Vitale hadn't left his room since. He only emerged briefly to look for some breads that were on the table, quickly returning to his room, the loneliness gave him peace of mind.
It was the next day, and Vitale woke up early, with relentless determination, ready to start the day and visit Mark. He got out of bed and headed to the closet, opening the doors with a slight squeak. There, among the wrinkled clothes, I find clothes that Domenico used to wear.
With a sigh, he chose a tight black t-shirt that highlighted his figure. He put on a jacket of the same color, feeling the soft fabric against his skin. The black gloves were a finishing touch; They gave it an air of mystery and protection. Finally, he put on black pants decorated with chains on the pockets, which jingled softly as he moved.
He looked in the mirror and was impressed with his style; There was something about that black combination that resonated with his personality. Shrugging their shoulders, 6 spikes emerged from the jacket, three on each side, protruding with a defiant air that accentuated their figure. That small detail gave him a unique touch, and he couldn't help but smile.
—Domenico had no bad tastes —said Vitale, admiring how the spikes subtly shone under the light of the room.
As he turned slightly, he felt a surge of confidence run through him. With one last look in the mirror, where the image of a renewed Vitale looked back at him, he left determined towards the day that awaited him.
Vitale left his room and found Domenico sitting at the table, chatting with his grandmother, who was enjoying a cup of tea.
Domenico looked up appreciating Vitale's new style. —I like your new look —said, remembering his old jacket, the one he wore in his criminal days.
Vitale looked down for a moment, feeling his pride run through his entire body before looking up again. —I thought you had gone to work —Vitale commented curiously.
—No... the pizzeria won't open today —Domenico responded with a slight shrug —. There is nothing to deliver. I'll stay home to rest and spend some time with my grandmother.
Grandma smiled from her spot, nodding approvingly as she served some more tea. —It's always good to have time for loved ones —said softly.
Vitale felt a warmth when he heard it; It was a reminder of the value of those simple moments.
With nothing more to say, Vitale walked towards the door and left the house, feeling the fresh air enveloping him. His mind was focused on Mark, a mix of curiosity and determination accompanying him as he walked the streets.
The bustle of the city surrounded him; the sound of engines and voices intertwined with its own rhythm. Arriving at Mark's building, he paused for a moment in front of the entrance. Without thinking twice, he entered as if he had been working for him for years, with renewed confidence. He climbed the stairs to Mark's office, each step resonating with a clear purpose in his mind.
Vitale stood in front of the door and knocked firmly. From inside, Mark raised an eyebrow and shouted: —Pass!
Opening the door, Vitale found Mark reviewing some documents scattered around his desk, sunlight illuminating the dust in the air. Surprise crossed Mark's face when he saw it.
—It's good to see you here —said Mark, with a mocking tone—. I thought you would be cowed.
Vitale stood firm on the threshold, staring at him with a mix of defiance and determination. I wasn't going to back down now.
Mark put the documents on his desk together with quick, determined movements, as if each sheet was a reminder of how busy he was. Putting everything in a folder, he stood up with an authoritative stance, adjusting his jacket before addressing Vitale. He coughed softly, as if he needed to clear his throat before addressing what he really meant.
—Okay, Luca Vitale —I begin, his gaze fixed on the—. Let's start with this. As you know, I'm a very busy man and I can't be dealing with trash. And you might wonder what this has to do with it.
Vitale looked at him coldly and determinedly as Mark approached, showing no emotions. He stood his ground, hoping it would finally get to the point.
—Your first job will be to eliminate a man who has been causing me problems —continued Mark, his voice low but loaded with threat—. I owe him money and he keeps asking me. He threatens me that if I don't pay him, he will make me really pay.
Mark's words echoed through the office like a cold echo. The seriousness of the situation was beginning to take hold. Was he really willing to get involved in something like that?
Mark watched him expectantly, as if he were measuring his reaction.
But Vitale was already decided. I knew what I wanted.
—I won't have any problems —responded firmly, his voice echoing with calculated confidence—. I just need more details and I'll do it . And also, how much are we talking about?
Vitale was a businessman; He wouldn't get his hands dirty just on a whim. His gaze was cold and determined, and every second that passed reminded him that he needed considerable compensation for this type of work.
Mark watched, evaluating his response with interest. He knew that Vitale was a man who would not act without thinking. Mark was clear that he had to offer him something attractive if he wanted to fulfill his ambition.
—I'll give you seven thousand dollars if you make it —Exclaimed Mark, his voice firm as steel.
Vitale thought it was a decent amount; He nodded, showing his approval without words.
Mark smiled, an expression that seemed more like a flash of danger than satisfaction, leaning forward.
—The guy I owe money to is called Carter —Continuo—. As my men have investigated, today he will meet at a coffee shop called "Cafeteria Esencia", to discuss some business topics. I want you to take that opportunity to eliminate that idiot.
The mention of the name made Vitale frown slightly; He had heard rumors about Carter, a man with dangerous connections.
—You will go to Dimitri's workshop and ask him for a bomb with —control, continued Mark, his voice low but loaded with disturbing emotion —. Place the bomb in Carter's car and make sure it gets into it. And when it does... make everything do KBOOM!
Vitale felt the adrenaline begin to flow through his veins, the plan was risky. But Vitale had confidence in himself.
—How do I know exactly what your car is? —Vitale asked, aware that every detail counted.
Mark let out a low laugh, sometimes forgetting to mention the most relevant thing.
—You're right —said, regaining seriousness—. Carter's car is a classic black Chevrolet, with two red lines painted on the rear. That should be enough to recognize it.
Vitale nodded, imagining the vehicle as Mark continued.
—Dimitri's workshop is in a somewhat hidden area of the city —explained Mark, with a conspiratorial tone—. It's better this way, you know how illegal things are handled.
He stood up and walked towards the window, pointing to a Renault parked right outside.
—I'll lend you that car. Use it to move. And here —said, handing him a wrinkled map—. Mark where Dimitri's workshop is; It will be useful to you.
Vitale took the map and examined it quickly.
Mark walked towards a hook where some shiny keys were hanging, took them with a steady hand and approached Vitale again.
—Take —he said, handing her the car keys along with crumpled bills—. This will help you with whatever you need, the meeting will be around 5 pm, so make sure you are there on time.
Vitale accepted the objects, feeling the weight of the money in his hands.
—By the way, do you know the coffee shop? —Mark asked, staring at him.
—Yes, I know her —responded Vitale, remembering the cozy and old atmosphere of the place—. It's quite popular.
He put things away with determination before heading towards the exit. With every step he took, he felt a spark ignite inside him; I was ready to start a new dirty job after a long time.