Burn Loot

"Boungiorno sir" the voice coming through the phone as Capello was perturbed by the news he just heard.

He was expecting his shipments from Port Miami when he is just informed that the shipment sank into the ocean with very few crewmen surviving.Still in his disbelief he turned on the Tv to see if he can get the news, teardrops streamed from his eyes as he saw it was all over on Sky news that the cargo ship number AE55557 sunk in the Atlantic ocean.

He has put all his money into procuring this consignment contract and was lended a huge sum by Sanchez, his friend.He is confused on what to do as his desperation heightened,a week earlier his wife was involved in a fatal auto accident that has put her in a state of coma presently.

Capello in his train of thoughts was seeing his whole world crumble right in front of him, with a swirling in his head, he fell from his standing position on the floor,Toriano his personal aide who was with him swiftly ran to his aid and was able to stabilize him.

He didn't know what will become of his little daughter Elena who is just barely three years old; as he is neck deep in debts with no hope of paying back and his wife is in coma with hospital bills beginning to pile up as his insurance could no longer cater for all the expenses in the hospital.

"Amico" was the voice of Sanchez calling Capello through the phone," I am sorry for this news I'm watching right now about your shipments. It's quite unfortunate this is happening to you at this critical moment'' , Sanchez said in a consoling tone.

"Grazie" Capello replied as he bit his lips slightly. "Stai bene?" Sanchez asked.

"I will be fine, I need to stay strong for my daughter," Capello replied.

"You sure need to,I will see you soon, Arrivederci" Sanchez said before hanging up.

Capello couldn't reply knowing fully who Sanchez is.Sanchez is a drug lord he runs the central cartel in Genoa with springs of dogged and rugged urchins lurking around him.Sanchez has the capacity to wipe out Capello's lineage from the surface of the earth,every single underground runnings and words don't fly in the city without the knowledge of Sanchez.He is the most dreaded and revered kingpin in the whole city.

Capello and Sanchez have been childhood friends,Capello delved into legitimate pathway of life by dealing in car sales while Sanchez who has always had the runnings with the law stamped his footing in the world of hard drugs acquisition and distribution.Capello discovered early in life that he is not cut out for the drug life hence he retraced his steps after a near death experience he had when caught in a crossfire between Sanchez's gang and a rival gang in the neighborhood.

Few days later, Capello looking at the time,knew he needs to do another round of routine check on his wife in the hospital.He went upstairs to Elena's room to check if the maid was done dressing her up; "Papi" Elena elated to see her dad who was watching her from the doorpost, ran into his embrace.Capello squatted to enable her have a full closure for the warm embrace, "my Amore" Capello said cheerfully trying to fight back the tears brewing,he was looking at his most precious reason to live and die for.

He has been making excuses for his wife's absence as Elena had consistently cried for not seeing her mother the past weeks.He had to take her to the hospital to pay her mother a visit.

"Tell Lautaro to get the car ready to take us to the hospital," Capello said, looking at the maid walking behind them closely.

Few moments later Capello and Elena arrived in the hospital along with the maid whose name is Patricia.

Elena, seeing her mum in a state of coma with drips and oxygen,started crying despite her infancy she knew her mum wasn't fine.Capello tried to calm her down,had to give her to Patricia who eventually was able to make her stop crying.

On their way back from the hospital, Capello couldn't keep his thoughts in one place as his mind wandered to and fro.He was looking at options available to him when his creditors would come calling for their money.

When they arrived at his house, he went to his room and brought out a catalog of documents; while glancing through each carefully he became exhausted as he couldn't find any substantial information needed to come up with a clue to raise funds to service his debts.

Patricia laid Elena on the bed who was fast asleep.Capello walked into Elena's room to check on her; he sees how innocent she looked laying on the bed and beautiful with her carefully tucked in hair strands.While pulling the duvet to tuck her in properly he saw a piece of paper with a colouring picture drawn of a family...father,mother and child on the bed.Capello still admiring the beauty of the drawings with the paper held in his hand walked to Patricia in the kitchen, "who did this painting"?he asked, displaying the paperwork to her. "I had to come up with something just to please Elena"She replied.

Capello looked down at the drawing again, his fingers clenching into a fist. He sees a family-father, mother, and child-all smiling in bright, innocent colors.

A lump formed in his throat. How could he tell Elena that their perfect family was already slipping through his fingers?

Before Patricia could say another word, his phone buzzed violently in his pocket. He hesitated before pulling it out, a deep sense of dread coiling in his stomach.

He swallowed hard and answered.

"Signor Capello," a low voice rasped through the receiver, sending a chill down his spine. "It's time to pay your debts."

The line went dead.

Capello, shivering from the call trying to get his breath with his mind wandering wild, knew that Sanchez was never up to any good and he feared his next actions.

Sanchez stepped out of the Escalade limousine and walked straight to where the boys were awaiting his arrival for his instructions. Tied to a chair and blindfolded was a man in his forties with blood stains all over his body, evident of the severe torture he has undergone.

"Has he spoken yet?" Sanchez asked, signaling for a cigar smoke. " He is still proving stubborn, Adrian spoke; he is the top henchman of Sanchez's echelon of hoodlums.

"Remove the blindfold," Sanchez ordered the boys. "You think you can double-cross me, you nitwit?" he asked, pointing his walking stick at the man sitting under their torture. "Are you ready to speak to save your life?" Sanchez asked, stooping low to give him a lower gaze.

The man spat at Sanchez's face; immediately, his boys began another round of beatings as he began coughing blood. While the boys were still at it, a call came through for Sanchez. "Have you seen the whole package"?,he asked the caller before ending the call.

"Adrian, you can dispose of him as dead; we have gotten the tons and money back. Meet me at the subway when you are done with this bin of trash." he ordered as he made his way out.

The subway was outside the city of Genoa, facing the river with an echo of cool breeze blowing across. Sanchez, standing facing the river while puffing the cigarette, looked on as the boys arranged the tons of cocaine in the bag and stashed the wads of dollar notes in briefcases. Sanchez turned around to see how the boys had rounded up their exercise; he headed into the car as they all, in their droves, drove out of the space.

The sun bathes the courtyard in a golden hue, as Alejandro's laughter rang through the open space as he kicked a worn leather ball, his small feet scuffling against the ground. His mother sat under the growing oak tree, watching him with great admiration. There is a soothing contrast from under the soothing leaves compared to her son's playful energy, with a glimpse of wistfulness glaring in her eyes..

A convoy of sleek, black cars rolled past the giant iron gates, with the tinted windows making the men inside hidden. The vehicles gradually came to a halt in front of the villa, with a deafening silence bearing an aura of authority.

Alejandro's attention was caught, with his small arms wrapping around the ball as he looked on at the thrilling scene unfolding before him. His mother instinctively rose to her feet,with a sharpened gaze. The air shifts with a thicken unspoken anticipation.

Sanchez emerged from the lead car as the door opened.

Decked in a dark, designed tailored suit, he with an audacious command of power and authority, how the world shifts at his mere presence.The courtyard hallowed his presence with glistering of his polished shoes by sunlight,he adjusts the cuffs of his shirt with tenacity. His face had an unreadable expression leaving a cold feeling with no room for warmth.

In a split second Alejandro sprang into action.

"Papá!" His voice brought ease to the atmosphere that was getting tensed up.

Sanchez with a slightly curved lip caught Alejandro mid-air, lifting him swiftly before settling him down, with a gentle but firm grip.

Alejandro's mother had stepped forward too,but couldn't name what had drawn her.. Her hands clutching her fabrics with clenched fist hoping to be acknowledged by her husband.

He didn't even give her a glance.

It was not the first time and it would not be the last.

She swallowed, the flicker of hurt meeting with a lump in her throat with an undertone of pain,mirroring her non-existence in the face of her husband.

Sanchez, walking along with his son's hand in his, finally spoke.

"I see you've been playing football, Chapo," he said, ruffling Alejandro's dark hair gently.

Alejandro giggled, clutching his father's fingers like he will never let it go.

Following closely is his mother whose presence has become unnoticed.

She exhaled softly with her gaze still lingering on the space she once stood before the arrival of her

husband whose presence had melted the joy blooming in her heart.

Young Dino just woke up and was crying in the room, the old nanny Mara went in to bring him out,he went into the open arms of the mother."I think he is hungry" she said looking at Mara "get him his food".Mara took Dino and heads to the pantry for his food.

Celia was watching her youngest son being led to be fed in the pantry, had a lump in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes.Sanchez was standing right behind her with murderous looks on as he watched Dino being led by Mara.

"You startled me," Celia said as she stylishy wiped her eyes."I didn't realize that," Sanchez said, lifting her face to have a proper look at her Celia felt a cold chill down her spine as a mere touch leaves a scary crawl on her skin.

"I'm awaiting the day you would tell me what I need to know" He snorted at her. "I don't know what you are talking about" she replied as she fought back her tears. "With time I promise, you will know" Sanchez replied with a wry smile and walked away.

Celia walked to her room wiping her tears, she brought out a box she hid in a secret drawer and saw the picture of a young man.She touched the frame before her,as her little cry turned into wailing.She heard the door of her room opening slowly,she hurriedly kept the picture in the box and hid it under her bed.

She saw Alejandro walk towards her "Mama why are you crying" he asked; she couldn't mutter any word she just drew him close for an embrace.Turning to look at her son,"promise me you will always take care of your brother Dino" she said looking at his eyes carefully as if she was searching for an answer.

Alejandro tilted his head, confused. Take care of Dino? His mother's voice trembled, her grip tightening around him.

"Promise me, mi amor," she whispered, desperation seeping into her tone.

"I-I promise," Alejandro said, though he didn't understand why her words felt so heavy.

Celia exhaled shakily, brushing his hair back. But before she could speak again-

A distant thud.

The sound came from the hallway.

She stiffened. Alejandro did, too.

Another thud. Closer this time.

Then-

A baby's cry.

Dino.

Celia spun toward the door. The nursery was down the hall, but something felt wrong.

The cry grew louder, more urgent.

Alejandro clutched her arm. "Mama?"

Celia took a slow step forward, heart pounding.

The nursery door creaked open.

A shadow moved inside.

Someone was in there.

She barely had time to react before-

The crying stopped.

The rain fell visibly heavy in Sanchez's estate; Emilio Capello's heart is in turmoil just like the brewing storm outside. Sanchez's study was dimly lit by a single desk lamp as he sat in a black leather chair. Sanchez, the most dreaded drug lord of Central Genoa, with a glass of whiskey in his hand. His blue sparkling eyes were glued on Capello, who sat like a man about to be hanged.

"Emilio, you look like shit," Sanchez said in amusement.

Capello restrained his fingers from clutching a fist. The last few months have seen him drown in financial ruin; his thriving car import business is left with no trail. His last hope, the shipment from Miami to Italy, had sunk; he is now left with unrepaid debts. Hospital bills pile up as his wife, who is undergoing treatment, is still in a state of coma.

Sanchez had extended his hand once, under the guise of friendship, and lent a loan to him. The time is due for the debt to be paid, and Capello is empty-handed as he has no hope of paying.

Capello replied, trying to choose his words carefully, "I will need more time."

Setting the glass of whiskey on the table Sanchez sneered, I've given you enough time already, my pal. It's been months now, and I haven't gotten anything from you. You came running to me for help, and I helped out. Time is up to settle your debt."

Capello's throat tightened as he swallowed hard. He was left no other option than this, as he had awaited this day.

"I have something to offer that will be more valuable than money," Capello finally spoke.

Sanchez's eyes opened wide with a cunning smile.

A long, still silence births between them. Capello hears his own heartbeat throbbing fast. His voice sounded like a whisper as he barely spoke.

"My baby girl"

Sanchez with a stern look. "Elena?"

Trying to avoid his gaze, Capello nodded. "I know she is just three years old, but she would grow to be a beautiful young lady worthy to be a wife to your son." He swallowed hard. "I betrothed her to Alejandro, your son, and when she is of age, they can be married, thereby bonding our family ties together."

With his elbows on the desk, Sanchez leaned forward. The weight of the room became too heavy as the air has become suffocating.

"You are willing to give your daughter away to settle your debt?" Sanchez asked, trying to fathom Capello's desperation. "

Capello responded with a nod, "That's the only available choice I have."

Sanchez's lips tugged with a smirk. "I am thrilled, Emilio. I saw you as a proud fellow who can never make such a move. But desperate times call for desperate measures from a man who is desperate.

Capello maintains his silence.

Sanchez overhears some noise coming from outside; he stands up and goes to the large window where he can oversee his estate. He saw his two sons playing, Alejandro and Dino. His biological heir, Alejandro, was already showing signs of his cruel nature. The bastard son Dino, the son of his wife and his dead bodyguard, was always watching and a lot quieter.

Sanchez mused, "It's a fantastic offer, I must say, Amico.". He turns around to look at Capello. "Do you guarantee her respect and love for my son?"

Capello nods in affirmation. "She will do even more."

Sanchez chuckles and walks back to his desk. "Splendid." He drew out a drawer, pulling out a prepared contract as if he knew Capello would offer something desperate. "If you sign this, the betrothal will be sealed."

Capello hesitated, knowing fully well the ink of that paper would seal the fate of his innocent child to an unknown future.

Sanchez's smirk fading. "Emilio, you came to me with this offer; you can't back out now.".

Capello, with a shaky hand and blurred vision, signed the document with teary eyes.

With satisfaction, Sanchez picked and examined the document. "You have made the wise choice, Emilio; you can go home." Points to the door. "You are free because the debt is paid. Elena is part of my family now; remember that."

Capello was struggling to leave as his legs became weak and shaky.

Sanchez, with his tone in amusement, said, "One more thing."

Capello turned back with his hand still on the doorknob.

"When she grows up, make sure she knows her place and is of good behavior.".

Capello with a stiff nod bows before walking out of the study, with his decision weighing heavily on him and crushing his every step.

---

At Night

Capello, with a half-empty glass of whiskey, sits in his study. The distant hum of hospital machines occupied the silence in the house while his wife's lifeline is hanging in the next room.

The silence was broken with a soft giggling.

He saw Elena, standing at the door, clutching a big teddy bear. Seeing his three-year-old daughter with her innocent eyes stepping closer to him with her eyes locked on him.

Crawling onto his lap, she whispers, "Papa."

He wrapped his arms around her small frame, swallowing the lump forming in his throat. He buried his face in her soft hair, inhaling the scent of lavender as he was caught in her innocence.

She has no idea that her fate has just been sealed.

With teary eyes and guilt in his voice, he whispers to her ears, "Papa loves you."

"Love you too, Papà." Elena giggles, holding firm to her teddy bear and relaxing more in her father's embrace.

He shuts his eyes.

He had saved his business and his wife, but at what cost? he asks himself.

A single tear rolled down his cheek as Elena slept on his chest.

The deed has been done; the die is cast; no going back.