A Dangerous Game

by Sienna Grant

  As we pull up outside the front of the club, I notice right away that the door has been left open. The front door is always locked until it’s time to open. He leaves the car right outside and inspects the lock on the door. There's splintered wood on the ground and it looks like someone has forced it open. Logan and I look at each other suspiciously, then head inside together.

  “Wait there.”

  He pulls his gun from the back of his trousers and walks in before me. Seeing the empty space, we go inside, it’s quiet... too quiet. Josh should still be filling up the fridges and shelves. Looking around, I notice that he’s not in the bottom bar. I call out to Logan to check upstairs in the VIP section and look around some more, pulling my own gun out.

  Something doesn’t feel right…

  “Josh.” No-one answers, maybe I’m just being paranoid…

  Footsteps sound on the tiled floor, as they walk across the dancefloor. Spinning around to the sound, I look into the darkness of the corner.

  “Well, well, well, if it isn’t young Stefano Di Marco. We meet again.”

  I’d know that voice anywhere. Shea O’Connor steps out of the corner, finally coming face to face with me.

  “Don’t patronise me. What the fuck do you want?” Lifting my gun in defence, I aim at him.

  “Drop the gun. Don’t be stupid.”

  I think about his request for a moment, but do nothing.

  “I said drop the fucking gun and kick it away.” He makes the order clear, as he switches off the safety of the gun, arming it to shoot.

  I give in to his demands and do as he says.

  “Now, I thought we’d have a chat…”

  “I’ve got nothing to say to you. Everything that needed to be said, I did with my gun and killed that little prick nephew of yours.”

  “Oh, but I have plenty to say to you Di Marco. It’s time you knew the truth.”

  Logan comes walking into the bar held at gunpoint with one of O’Connor’s bodyguards behind him. He pushes him down to his knees. Shea O’Connor smirks as he kicks a chair towards me and sits down himself.

  “I think it’s time you knew why all this is happening.”

  “Is this about your nephew? I mean you did kill one of my men and he did kidnap my girl.”

  “Rhys was out of control. I agree. This is more about your family though... How much do you actually know about your father Stefano, or your sister?”

  With the mention of Chrissie, a palpable anger takes a hold of me. I feel the curl of my lip as it turns into a sneer and my gaze is coated in a red haze. My hands ball tightly into fists ready to strike.

  “You don’t get to mention her. Don’t fucking say her name.” I stress through gritted teeth. Out of the corner of my eye, I find the gun on the floor and estimate how long it’ll take me to get to it. Logan looks at me.

  “I think we need to add more to this party. It’s a little grim. Bring him in.”

  Snapping my head to the right towards the door, someone is dragged into the room and thrown before me. Just from the black hair, I know it’s Angelo. The Irish bastard kicks him, rolling him to his back. He’s bleeding and is only half conscious, they’ve given him a right kicking.

  “Angelo?”

  Angelo groans and opens one eye, the other one is swollen shut.

  “What the fuck? You won’t get away with this.”

  “It seems I already have…” Smirks O’Connor again. “Now, shall we get down to business?” He tells his monkey to wake up Ang, as he grabs another chair and drags him up onto it. Angelo’s head lulls.

  “Angelo. Can you hear me?” He slowly lifts his head, until he’s looking up at me. “They’ll pay for this, I fucking swear.” Hanging his head again, I turn my focus back to that piece of Irish scum.

  “Now I have your attention... I’m going to give you a history lesson. Back in the day me and your dad went to school together. We were good friends, then he decided to fuck me over. The competitive streak had started between us as we hit eighteen, Di Marco had already got a name for himself. Got himself a nice bit of stuff to hang from his arm. I suppose you could say I was a little jealous. Your mother was a looker in those days…still is from what I’ve seen.”

  The lump that’s restricting my airway tells me something else is coming. I try to gulp it down, but it doesn’t work, it’s stuck in my dry throat.

  “We did business together for a while, I supplied the drugs, he supplied the guns. Your father was noble, he said he wouldn’t deal in drugs with his kid around.”

  “Is there a fucking point to all this, because I’ll be honest, I’m getting a little bored. I know all this, just get to the fucking point.” I growl, my patience already wearing thin.

  “Ahh you want me to cut to the good stuff? Okay…” He nods with a sinister looking grin. “The drug deal he told you about was a cover up.”

  I sigh, my teeth bite down harder as I get impatient.

  “You see he wanted out of our deal…. I couldn’t let that happen; we were making a lot of money. Two rival families on either end of the scope being seen working together - it was good for us.”

  “You’re seriously pissing me off now.”

  “So anyway, your father pulled out and I had to regain control of the situation.... I had to show him who was boss, so to speak. Your sister, she got in the way, so I made the decision to get rid of one of my own.

  Sitting up straighter, my gut churns as I try to make out what he’s saying…

  “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  “My daughter. I had no choice Stefano…”

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Laura

  “Kurt?” I shout walking out of the kitchen door, “Have you heard from Stefano since he was here this morning?”

  “No, Miss. I had a message from Logan not long after, but nothing since.” He doesn’t change his stance as he answers me. His hands are clasped together in front of his body and his feet are situated inches apart, as he stands guard outside my door.

  “Would you like me to make a call?”

  I consider his offer for a second, “No. It’s okay, I’ll ring him now.”

  “Is everything alright Miss?” He frowns studying my face.

  “Yeah, it’s fine. Thanks Kurt.” He nods once, straight faced, “Oh and please call me Laura.” I order him and turn to walk through the swinging doors, back into the kitchen, putting my phone to my ear. Stefano’s phone rings out until it goes to answerphone…

  “Strange.” Stefano’s phone never goes to voicemail. No matter what - he always answers.

  Maybe he’s left it in the office and is somewhere else in the club…? Putting my phone back in my pocket, I get through the mound of crockery and put it all in the dishwasher. Until Emma, one of our other waitresses turns up for her shift. When she bounces in happily, the first question on her lips is of course about the man in black that’s standing outside the door.

  “Hi… Who is he?”

  “Hey.” I can’t match her bubbliness right now, but I smile. “He’s here to guard me. Stefano’s orders.” I roll my eyes at her but I know he’s just thinking of me… “I’ll be in the office doing the banking if you need me.”

  She nods, calling out ‘fine’, then waltzes back out of the kitchen. Kurt follows me through to the office and takes up his post outside.

  I pull my chair up to the desk and take out the money from the safe underneath. I try to occupy my mind by concentrating on the banking. For the next forty-five minutes it does. I bag up the profits and place them to side, then sort out the till float for later. Every so often my blank screen on my phone catches my eye, I press the home button, but nothing.

  I gather everything together, put it all in my bag and ring Stefano’s number, but again nothing. Opening the door, I step up to Kurt.

  “I need to go to the bank and then I want you to take me to the club. Stefano still isn’t answering.”

  He nods and holds his arm out in front of
him for me to go first.

  “After you.”

  Walking through the kitchen and into the restaurant, I find Emma and let her know where I’m going.

  Walking back towards car from the bank, my phone rings in my back pocket.

  “Oh, finally, this must be Stefano…” I sigh to Kurt as he walks beside me. He nods as he unlocks the car with the fob and opens my door for me to get in. Looking at my screen, I notice it’s Jennah, not Stefano. I should be happy, but my mood deflates a little.

  With an upbeat tone, I answer. “Hey you. How’s it going?”

  “Oh, you know.... I’ll survive.”

  Frowning at her subdued voice, “What’s up?”

  “I’ve lost my job.”

  “What? What happened?”

  “A customer got a little handsy, so I slapped him. My boss took his side because he’s a big client, so I’m out of a job. When my dad finds out, he’ll kill me.”

  “This isn’t your fault Jen.”

  “I know…” She sighs, “He won’t see it that way, you know that.”

  “Your boss is a slime ball and don’t get me started on your dad.” Kurt looks out of the corner of his eye, a slight frown pulling at his forehead. “Why don’t you come to the club?”

  “This is hardly the time for getting pissed…”

  “Depends on how you look at it.” I mumble to myself, “No you moron, I’ll speak to Stefano. He’s always looking for good staff - I’m sure he could give you a job.”

  “You think so?”

  “Meet me in twenty minutes and I’ll be there - I’ll speak to him and let him know what’s happened. I’m sure he’ll give you a job.”

  “That would be amazing.”

  Okay well, I’m not far away from there now so I’ll see you soon.

  “Cool. See you soon, gorg.”

  I roll my eyes and cut the call as we pull out the front of the club. Kurt parks up and we walk together to the front.

  I’ve noticed that Kurt really doesn’t speak much, but his facial expressions say everything, as he frowns looking at the partially open door. He moves his arm out in front of me, stopping me in my tracks. He takes the gun from the back of his trousers and holds it close to his chest, before pushing the door further open. Putting me behind him, we walk further in, as we turn the corner, there’s a body on the floor. My hand covers a loud gasp when I see a single gunshot to the bouncers head.

  “Oh my god Kurt. Please let Stefano be okay?”

  He turns to me with his finger on his lips and we carry on through. Before we go through the door for the main bar, Kurt looks at me, I wonder what he’s thinking,

  “Have you ever shot a gun?”

  “No.” I answer shocked, he’d even offer me one.

  “Take this. Click off the safety, aim, pull the trigger, but make sure you hold it with both hands. The pullback will knock you off balance. Something’s going down and I’m not about to send you back outside alone.”

  I nod as he pulls out his phone and types out CODE RED.

  “What’s that for?” I whisper.

  Kurt ignores me and gets ready to open the door. We can hear movement and a hushed voice. Opening the door quietly, we squat down and make it to the bar. Some people come into view, and as I look more closely, I realise it’s Stefano on his knees. Through the gap, I notice someone else on the ground. I realise it’s Logan down on his knees, his hands clasped together behind his head, with a huge blonde-haired man standing behind him pointing a gun at him.

  Covering a gasp with my hands, “Oh fuck, Kurt.” I gasp again horrified.

  “Get down.” He orders in hushed tones, “Get under the table and don’t come out, do you hear me?”

  I nod frantically, squatting down and crawling under the table. I pull my knees into my chest wrapping my forearms around my legs, keeping the gun firmly clasped between my shaky hands.

  Kurt rushes to the side the of the bar keeping out of sight and raises his gun. The beefed-up dude keeps his eye trained on Logan, pointing his gun at his head. My hands sweat from holding the steel so tight. I’m so scared. I’m surprised they can't hear my heart pounding off my rib cage.

  Kurt raises his gun a little higher. Without warning it goes off, the echo bouncing off the walls. Lifting my hands, I cover my ears, muffling the loud shot that’s ringing through them. Forgetting about the gun in my hands, as it crashes to the tiled floor. Picking it back up as quickly as I can, I bury my head into my legs to hide my face. The last thing I want to do is see what’s going on. I saw enough before...

  In the dead silence everything seems so much louder. The next thing I hear is a scream and a body dropping to the floor. Peering out over my knees, I notice the one that was guarding Logan, is on the floor, Kurt runs out from his hiding spot and all of a sudden, it’s carnage. People are shouting to drop the gun and then I hear him; Stefano.

  “Drop your fucking gun or I’ll blow your fucking head off right here, right now.” Stefano threatens. I know that’s him; I could tell his voice anywhere.

  “Kurt, see to Angelo.”

  My ears prick at my brother’s name. Where is Angelo, I didn't see him. I think about crawling out from under the table, but Kurt keeps his eye on me. He knows I’m getting ready to make a move, a slight, but distinct shake of his head tells me to stay where I am. Not arguing for once, I stay and look out as far as I can and see the situation has changed. Stefano has taken control and next to him on the floor there’s a body trying to move, but can’t. His hair comes into view. It’s dark, it looks like Angelo. Covering a gasp before I make a noise, tears leak from eyes - my brother is hurt, badly it seems.

  Sensing movement, Logan looks my way, his eyes widening when he realises it’s me.

  “You wouldn’t shoot me Di Marco; you haven’t got the balls.”

  “You don’t think so?”

  Lifting the gun to another guard, he shoots him in the chest, in cold blood.

  “I’m saving my last bullet for you.”

  Whimpering to myself, my hands begin to shake; I can’t hold the gun from the tremble that’s running through my body right now. The gun crashes to the ground for a second time and this time it’s Stefano that looks my way, more than surprised.

  “Don’t let that piece of shit move.”

  Heavy footsteps near me and a hand appears under the table, followed by Stefano’s gorgeous, but angry face. Taking it in mine, he pulls me from my hiding place. I grab the gun from the floor, and crawl from out of my hiding place. He pulls me up to my feet, straight against his hard chest. Stefano takes the gun from my hand and puts it at the back of his trousers.

  “What the fuck are you doing here?”

  His eyes are hard, but worried all at the same time.

  “You wouldn’t answer your phone and neither would Angelo. I was scared…”

  “Fuck me, Laura. What are you trying to do to me?”

  “I’m sorry…” I answer shakily.

  “You stay behind me; do you hear me?” I nod my agreement as Stef turns to Kurt.

  “I’ll deal with you later.” He points at my bodyguard; Kurt is about to get the wrath of Stefano and it’s all my fault.

  “So old man, do you still think I won’t do it?”

  While Stefano still has the gun trained on the man before us, I drop to my knees at the side of Angelo. He’s beaten up badly and barely conscious. Pushing the matted hair from his face, I softly call his name. He tries to open his eyes, but struggles. Taking his hand, I squeeze it softly.

  “Ang, squeeze my hand if you can hear me.”

  I feel his fingers cling loosely around mine, that’s more than enough to tell me he’s still with us.

  “Stefano, he needs the hospital.” I panic.

  “I have to go; I have some business to deal with. Let Logan take you home, do you hear me?”

  “I’m not leaving you Stefano and I’m not going home.” The shake in my voice is as clear as day. I’m scared and I’m not afra
id to admit it.

  “You need to do as I’m fucking asking Laura. It’s too dangerous and I won’t lose you. Next time, I may not be so lucky.” He whispers bending to kiss me with his hands firmly framing my face. “Do this for me. I promise I won’t be long…. I’ll come straight back to you once it’s handled. I promise.” he repeats.

  “I’ll go to the hospital with Angelo, at least I’m not on my own.”

  “Fine,” he nods reluctantly.

  “Please be careful…” I add.

  Stefano nods again. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He then turns to glare at O’Connor with a curl in his top lip. A look of pure hatred and despise, twisting his handsome features.

  “Get rid of him,” Stefano orders Kurt, “I have to go. Do what you want to him, but don’t kill him. I want the pleasure of that.”

  Hearing a bang, we all look to the left and see Roberto rushing through the door with Ethan.

  “What the fuck?” Roberto stops dead in his tracks at the sight before him.

  “I need you to get Angelo to the hospital and take Laura with you.” Stefano demands. “Stay with him and once he’s seen the doctor you need to ring me. Logan you come with me.”

  Placing his hands at his hips, he turns to Kurt.

  “Clean this shit up and don’t forget what I said.” Stefano barks his orders out, as Kurt gets on the phone for some help. Logan goes towards O’Connor and taking his gun out, he whacks him across the temple with the butt. Knocking him clean out, his head lulling from the impact. Logan waits at the door, while Stefano places a lingering kiss to my forehead.

  “I love you.”

  With a small smile, I push up to kiss his lips, I need the feel of them on mine.

  “I love you too. Please be careful.”

  My eyes close from his gentle touch, he doesn’t say anything else. By the time I open them he’s gone. I don’t have time to stress, because Roberto is calling me over to assist with Angelo.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Stefano

  I’m not sure what Laura heard of our heated conversation with O’Connor. I don’t want her to think bad of my mum for cheating on my dad. Even I don’t know what happened yet. I can’t get my own head around all this shit, let alone explain it to her. I need to get my mum on her own.