After committing his first crime in so long, Vitale drove to Mark's building. He parked and got out of the car, taking a deep breath before getting inside.
Walking through the door of the building, she quickly climbed the stairs to Mark's room. Without even knocking on the door, he pushed hard and entered. Mark was on the phone; Seeing Vitale, he hung up immediately, his expression changing from surprise to caution.
"Yes, we'll talk later," Mark said, dropping the phone on the table.
Vitale approached. Without taking her eyes off him.
"It's done..." he told him in a deep voice. "Carter is done for."
Mark had a sinister smile upon hearing Vitale's words. He placed his hands on the desk and slowly stood up. He took the bills he had left on the table, his fingers caressing the money greedily.
"Here you go," he said, extending the bills toward Vitale. You've done a good job. Maybe now we can strengthen our alliance...
Vitale looked at the bills, feeling a mixture of satisfaction and caution; His pay had been as promised.
—Listen to me... If you need any work, you just have to let me know —I responded, maintaining a serious look.
Vitale quickly stuffed the bills inside his jacket. Before leaving, he stopped for a moment to give more information on how to contact him.
—I'll be staying at the Hazel Hotel, if you need me, call the hotel and ask for me—making sure that Mark will listen to you well.
"Of course, when I need you, I'll let you know," Mark responded with a calculating smile. By the way... if you like, keep the car.
Vitale nodded, feeling relief and determination, he left the place with the payment in his possession, ready to start his own life again, being able to live alone and not depend on anyone else. But before staying at the hotel, he had to make a stop.
He was returning to the neighborhood, to see his trusted friend Domenico. He slowly braked his Renault in front of the house, listening to the crunch of stones under the wheels as the car moved forward slowly.
When he stopped completely, he noticed Domenico outside his house, illuminated by the soft moonlight that fell on him. Vitale got out of the car and walked towards his friend, feeling the cool night breeze. The weather was admirable, a relief after tense days.
—Domenico! —Greeting Vitale.
The moonlight reflected every shadow, and Domenico was surprised to see Vitale arrive in a car. His expression changed from disbelief to a smile.
—Wow, until you arrived! —He exclaimed while smoking a cigarette, letting out a puff of smoke that mixed with the night breeze—. I thought you wouldn't come back.
Vitale approached him with a relaxed air and they both greeted each other with a firm handshake.
—Hey... what do you think you're doing? —he said, looking curiously at the cigar between Domenico's fingers. Stop that damn it.
Domenico dropped the cigar to the ground, crushing it with the toe of his boot, and let out a light laugh.
"I see you did very well with Mark Blaze," he said, looking at the car. If I'm not mistaken.
"Yes... for now everything is going well," he responded, pointing to the car, "this is just the beginning." I think now we have more confidence to be better partners.
Domenico raised an eyebrow, cracking a smile.
"Congratulations, friend... You will have made more money than I have in months." I let out a laugh.
The soft breeze carried with it the distant murmur of the city.
—I just wanted to thank you for staying at your house... Now I have a hotel to rent, I'll be at the Hazel Hotel. —Vitale said.
—That hotel is wonderful, it has a great view of the beach... And as for the accommodation, it's nothing, you are my friend and it was the least I could do.
Vitale looked at his friend with concern; I notice the frustration and fatigue on his face. He didn't hesitate to offer him a way out.
"I see you tired and frustrated," he said, leaning a little towards him. Why don't you work with me on this? Like before, or at least help me when I have to do dirty work.
Domenico frowned, hesitating.
—I don't know... What if they murder me in a future crime? —He responded sarcastically.
Vitale smiled defiantly.
"The old Domenico was not afraid," he replied. He worked for the most powerful mafia in the city, and are you coming to tell me now that you're afraid?
Domenico gave a dry laugh.
"It's difficult, but calm," he said, shrugging his shoulders. If you need help, I will be happy to do so. Although working for a boss... I still don't know that
Vitale looked at him curiously.
—Come on, Domenico. You know you've always been good at this.
Domenico sighed, looking toward the horizon where the city lights twinkled like distant stars.
"The last time I got involved in that, I ended up in a big mess." His voice was deep, reflecting the seriousness of the moment.
Vitale walked to his car, pausing for a moment before getting in. I look at Domenico seriously.
"I don't know very well what happened to your life after I was arrested," he continued. I only know that at that time you were still working for Bellini. If he intimated you in any way. Don't stop, think about what I told you.
With those words echoing in the air, he got into the car and left the place. Leaving Domenico alone with his thoughts.
Domenico stood there, reflecting on Vitale's warnings. The words echoed in his mind as he contemplated the life he had led. Crime might offer him quick money, a way to get ahead, but it also carried risks. I knew I had to make a decision for you soon.
Vitale did his thing; He rented a room at the Hazel Hotel and bought some new clothes along the way, although he knew that what he was wearing was his true style, something he wouldn't change easily.
He sat in a comfortable chair, looking around his new room. It was acceptable, with walls painted in soft colors and a great view of the beach.
He closed his eyes for a moment, and not knowing that he would fall asleep... a new day awaited him, full of possibilities. I already had a phone for any emergency, a small ray of security in the midst of uncertainty.
I had a quick breakfast, and when I least expected it, the phone rang. Vitale stood up and picked up the phone.
—Vitale? I'm Mark, are you there? —His voice sounded somewhat frustrated.
—Yes, I'm here, Mark. What happened?
—What do you think? The press has been spreading rumors about us. We are suspected of being responsible for Carter's murder. They published it in the newspaper this morning! —he said, his tone altered.
—Calm down, it's not that serious. "I'll take care of this," Vitale responded with surprising calm.
—I'm glad to hear that. Find the main editor, extort him to stop those publications. But don't kill him; that would only draw more attention to us.
—I have a plan, but I need you to give me a little more information. Do you at least know what vehicle he uses?
—Yes, as we have found out, it is a Chevrolet; His registration ends in 93.
—That's enough. "Leave it to me and calm down, Mark," Vitale said, trying to calm him down.
Vitale hung up the phone with determination. He sat down again, his mind already plotting each step to follow. I knew how to act in these situations; He had everything calculated in his mind.
He waited patiently until the appointed time arrived, just some time before the company that published the newspapers closed. She got ready carefully, choosing the clothes she liked. His black spiked jacket gave him a unique touch and made him feel more confident.
The clock read 7:00 pm. When he left his room, he noticed the hustle and bustle of the city at that time; Cars passed quickly and lights flickered on the streets damp from a recent rain. He walked down the hotel stairs and out into the fresh air, breathing deeply.
He started his car and headed to his next destination, knowing that every second counted.
Surprisingly, Vitale drove to Domenico's house, parked in front of it and got out of the car. It was time to find out what his friend had decided.