Alessio
As I sat in the car with Donnie and Levi, my mind was set on one thing. Taking care of the Jimena situation, involving that guy from the picture, was my main priority.
Donnie sat in the backseat, while I sat beside Levi. Nearly six years ago, Levi became my driver. Our first encounter was when I was completely wasted, unable to tell left from right. He was kind enough to drive me home from the club, and when I offered to pay him, he requested a job instead. He had been fully aware of who the Fanuccis were and the risks involved, but he was desperate, and I admired his courage.
Donnie had done his homework, digging up everything on the man from the picture. His name was Anson, and he was Jimena’s ex, and Naty’s dad. He was once an aspiring football player from Texas, but now turned to construction work, probably to provide for his family. According to Donnie, many described him as a loudmouth with a temper, aggressive, violent, and physically abusive towards Jimena. Old neighbors confirmed he would sometimes beat her so badly, she wouldn’t leave the house for a few days.
A walking red flag.
Anson had been in this city for weeks, and made regular stops at a particular coffee shop. However, today, would be his last visit. I could give you that.
My thoughts traveled to Jimena, and how someone as timid as her ended up with an animal like Anson. It wasn’t surprising, given she was naive, but still hard to understand.
She had all this time to leave him, but why did she wait that long? I just couldn’t understand.
The more Donnie informed me about her past, the more I understood her quiet behavior. She probably had a lot to say to me, but kept her mouth shut because she didn’t want to cross me.
Then there was the situation from yesterday, when I ordered her to pack her bags and threatened her to follow the rules, which wouldn’t have been the first time.
Had I known about her past with Anson, I wouldn’t have gone that far.
Hell, I wouldn’t have kept her this close to me at all. I didn’t like broken people, didn’t want to be around them, interact with them-because I knew I didn’t have the heart for it.
To make matters worse, the new buyer Donnie found insisted on meeting Jimena after hearing about the fallout with the Donatis. That’s why I had to take her and Naty with me to Miami.
While Donnie and Levi chatted, I stared out the window, waiting for Anson to make his exit from the coffee shop. Hopefully soon because I had a flight to catch today.
“I was just thinking,” Donnie began, and I knew some rubbish was about to leave his mouth. “You and that maid…it’s a match that might actually work out. I see the vision.”
I shook my head, unimpressed. “Then you better get yourself some glasses.”
Levi chuckled, bumping Donnie’s shoulder. “She’s not bad to look at, quiet, polite, minds her business…” he added. “Just saying.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at their words. “You guys are crazy. I’m not interested in her at all.” I gave them the truth. “I’ve heard none of you mention that she is the biggest liar to ever walk the universe. Lied about her man, her daughter-”
“Damn, I don’t want to hear what you have to say about the kid,” Donnie snickered.
“The kid?” I thought for a moment as I thought about Naty. She was something with her sharp comebacks, and seemed wise beyond her age. “I like the kid,” I admitted.
Levi nodded in agreement. “Me too. She’s precious, reminds me of my own daughter.”
Donnie raised an eyebrow. “And when’s the last time you saw her?”
“What, you think I don’t want to see my daughter?” he spoke, aggravated.
Levi was a father to a four-year-old daughter. His ex-wife had been giving him a hard time, trying everything in her power to keep him away from her. He told us not to interfere, so we didn’t.
However, despite all the crap he dealt with, even Levi agreed with the fact that, that Anson guy could not be a good fit in a child’s life.
Just the thought of Anson laying a hand on that little girl made my blood boil, and my fist clenched before I knew it. Truly, I wasn’t that invested. I just didn’t want him to get in between whatever deal I had with Jimena, but hearing something like that, I couldn’t help my reaction.
Knowing he was a shitty person made it less difficult to kill him.
“Do you want me to find out more about her background, where she came from, and her family?” Donnie asked.
I shook my head. “I’m fine for now,” I replied, not ready to delve deeper into Jimena’s past. Right now, my focus was on Anson, and making sure today would be his last day walking around.
“There he is,” I spoke, seeing Anson exit the coffee shop. I shared a look with Donnie, and he understood the plan without saying a word. We got out of the car, just the two of us, and silently made our way behind Anson so we could follow him from a distance.
In my head, I had already painted a picture of Anson-and seeing him, I could tell it was correct. He had the typical look of a washed-up athlete, and a defeated walk, looking like he himself didn’t know his purpose on this earth.
“Need it done in one shot?” Donnie whispered as we closed in on him.
“No,” I responded. “First, he should feel how it’s like being on the receiving end.”
“Can’t disagree with that,” Donnie quickly caught up to Anson and grabbed him by the throat, shoving him into a nearby alley.