Chapter 3 Vows And Revenge

If Lena had learned anything over these past five years it was how to survive.

She had managed to trick the media five years ago that she died along with her family even though they had never found her body.

She had lived in the shadows since then and nobody knew who she was. So she knew how to survive because she knew how to get out of situations such as this.

She managed to keep her face impassive as she said, "Mr. Mancini, I apologize if my extracurricular activities,"- she made sure to empathize the word well-"has caused you any inconveniences. First of all, I spend late nights in the office simply because I'm dedicated to my job. I'm also deeply sorry about the missing hours, Sir. I make up for those missing hours with my late night at the office. But I'll do better. And as for the missing files, I can assure you, Sir, that I have nothing to do with that. If you want to investigate that matter I won't stop you."

That last part was a lie. She would try to stop the investigation because all roads would lead to her. But Mancini didn't need to know that. All he had to do was to believe you.

And she knew he had when she saw him hesitate. He quickly cleared his throat and he was back to the cold, composed boss. "There would be no need for an investigation," he said, his voice low and composed. "You're one of our best workers in this firm. I just wanted to hear what you have to say concerning the matter. You can go back to your work, Ms. Costa."

Lena fought hard not to smile as she rose from the chair. "Have a nice day, Sir."

As soon as she left the office, she released a breath and her shoulders came down, the tension leaving her body.

That was a narrow escape. She had known there were eyes on her but she hadn't known they were that focused on her.

She had to be more careful. One slip and all her five years of work will come crumbling down.

If she paused now with the missing files Mancini would know it was her. Because she had been called out he would expect her to act more carefully.

So she wouldn't stop. She would just have to be extra careful. It wasn't as if the files went missing forever. Lena made sure her clients returned the files the same way she had given them.

So Mancini will get his files back. She just needed them more than he did.

***

Lena needed an appointment with Rafe Moretti.

She had spent the past week researching and so far the arrows were pointing to Moretti. So she needed to be close to him if she wanted to get more information.

And so she planned to propose a business idea any businessman with the right head won't be able to resist. But she needed an appointment with him first.

And so here she sat in the bar, sipping her wine as she waited for Marco to arrive.

She didn't have to wait long today.

"Hello, beautiful," Marco greeted as he took the seat beside her.

"Evening, Marco," she greeted back. "I need a favor from you, Marco."

That got his attention because he sat up straight. "A favor?" he repeated and she nodded. "You know favors are not just granted like that in this world, Selene."

"I know that," she agreed. "So grant me this favor and I'll owe you a debt."

Debts in the underworld meant a lot. And so did grant favors. Someone granted you a favor and you refused to pay your debts when the time came they could kill you, and nobody would bat an eye.

After a while, Marco nodded. "Let's hear it."

"I need an appointment with Rafe Moretti."

Marco blinked at her. He stared as if she had gone mad. Maybe she had.

Rafe Moretti wasn't just any man you could book an appointment with. He was the most powerful man in Naples. Even more powerful than some who occupied the government seats.

Having an appointment with him was like having an appointment with the president. The chances that he would accept were very slim but not zero.

She had gained the man's attention so maybe he would approve the appointment. She just needed someone who could carry the message to him.

"You want an appointment with Rafe Moretti?" Marco asked, a dazed look in his eyes. "Have you gone mad, Selene?"

She clenched her fist around the wine glass, trying hard not to grate her teeth. "I'm desperate, Marco."

"What could make you so desperate that you'll want a one-on-one appointment with Moretti?"

She didn't answer and just stared at him.

Finally, he sighed.

"Fine," he agreed. "I'll try to get you an appointment with Moretti. But don't get your hopes up. That man is harder to reach than even the president himself."

Relief floods through Lena and a small smile curves her lips. "Thank you, Marco."

Marco looked at her like he was just seeing her for the first time before he shook his head and downed his shot. "So you do know how to smile," he said.

She shrugged and went back to her wine. She did know how to smile, it just felt like a foreign thing for her. It felt like something happy people did.

Lena's happiness had burned in that mansion five years ago. She didn't know what it felt like to be happy. She didn't know how her own laughter sounded again.

Her hand absentmindedly toyed with her necklace. She fought the urge to touch her scared hand under her sleeve.

She picked up her jacket before she rose from the chair. "Thank you once again, Marco. I'll be waiting for your message."

Marco nodded and bid her goodnight and she left the bar and entered the busy night streets, wondering if she'd ever know what happiness was again.

***

Lena tried not to fidget as she crossed the streets and walked towards the location of the appointment.

Marco had gotten her an appointment with Moretti. She hasn't doubted him for one second; she just hasn't expected it to be so soon.

It has only been four days since she told him.

She breathed deeply to calm her nerves as she entered the private club, one of the most popular in the city. As popular as it was it was hard to gain entry but she had. In times like this, it was good to be connected.

Marco had told her this was the place Moretti had chosen for their meeting and she didn't ask why. The club would offer privacy and protection for the Mafia boss.

She walked to the private dining room and waited.

He was late. Of course, he was.

Lena had to wait for another ten minutes before the door to the dining room finally opened.

She looked up and her heart skipped a beat as Rafe Moretti entered.