Mena
After the strange women had come for Isaac, we followed them through the guarded woods and pulled up to a hidden mansion. The mansion was massive, with tall, bright windows that let in streams of sunlight.
It was tucked away to the point I wondered how anyone ever found their way here. Outside, there was a large group of people working, gardening-and most of them didn’t look different from the nurses who came to save Isaac.
It made me think again.
Who did he call?
Now we were waiting in a lounge, decorated with beautiful flowers and a lot of green. The air was fresh, the people were nice-so far, so good. Nothing strange.
When I first heard Alessio decided to bring Isaac here, to this person he hadn’t mentioned by name, I felt a chill throughout my body. Strangely enough, now that we were here-I felt at ease and comfortable.
More than I had been the first day I entered the Fanucci mansion.
The only thing less peaceful was waiting for any news on Isaac’s condition. He had to hold on for quite some time, possibly lost a lot of blood, and for now, all I could do was hope that he would make it.
“Are you okay?” Alessio leaned closer. I looked at the corners of his lips, slowly curling into a forced smile.
“Yes.”
He kept asking me that question, but it was him who I was worried about.
What was he thinking?
Would he already regret his decision?
“If I knew you were going to call him, I would’ve told you to let him die,” Donni grumbled. He was not fond of the idea of coming here, and hearing he would’ve rather let Isaac die-did make me even more curious about the owner of this mansion.
“I didn’t have a choice,” Alessio muttered with a troubled expression.
There was tension between the two, and unfortunately, I was right in the middle of it.
“Where are we exactly?” I asked, trying to understand more about the situation.
“An old acquaintance of my Dad’s. They had a falling out,” Alessio shrugged it off. “They are not on speaking terms at the moment.”
Another one of the Fanucci allies, or former ally, in the east and they were not on speaking terms? Interesting.
“I thought you kind of controlled everything and everyone in the east,” I tried to piece the puzzle together. I knew Diego did whatever he wanted, but that was perhaps a bit different. This man literally lived around the corner, to put it that way.
Donni let out a chortle, making me raise an eyebrow in confusion. “What is it?”
“This one? Everyone avoids,” Alessio explained. “He mostly deals internationally, and we all like to pretend like he doesn’t exist-”
“Because he’s a nutcase and runs his household like a cult,” Donni took over, his face full of disgust.
“Not a cult,” Alessio rolled his eyes. “He’s just… an odd man.”
My eyes widened as I thought about the people we had seen outside. They all wore similar outfits, similar hairstyles-it did feel like some sect or cult.
“It’s not a cult,” Alessio chuckled, seeing the look on my face.
“But will Isaac be okay?”
“Donni’s right, the man’s a bit insane, but he has good doctors. They know what they’re doing,” Alessio nodded. “He can fix people, change their identity like they never existed…has good connections-”
“He doesn’t do things for free though. He never asks for money,” Donni cut him off. “He expects a favor in return, whenever, whatever.”
All I could think about were Alessio’s words.
I wondered if that was what he planned to do with Isaac-send him away like he never existed, make him disappear. If not that, what else could he do with someone like him?
The door creaked open, and a man in a white suit entered the room. He looked like he owned the place, and he probably did. Just by his stance, I could see he was the man in charge. He appeared to be in his late forties, had handsome features, and dark, full hair.
As I looked at him, he caught my eye and flashed a questioning smirk as if he wanted to ask what I was doing in his house. I smiled back at him, and then his own smile warmed.
There was just something about him, something good that I couldn’t quite explain. Despite Donni’s words, I wasn’t afraid of this man.
Alessio stepped forward. “Julian,” he greeted him.
So, that was his name-Julian.
Julian’s grin widened as he looked at Alessio. “Alessio Fanucci,” he spoke back. “I couldn’t believe it was really you on the phone.”
Alessio breathed, “Julian… Sir, I know you and my father have had your issues, but I’m thankful for your help.”
“Glad to help,” Julian made a welcoming gesture with his arms. “Especially after being left out of that little thing you all had going on with the Baldinis,” a slight smile appeared.
Alessio hummed, “Didn’t want to bother you with the Baldinis,” his voice dripped with sarcasm.
“So who are you bothering me for?” Julian asked, raising a brow. “Who is your guy?”
“His name is Isaac Halberg,” Alessio hesitated before he continued speaking. “He was an undercover agent working with this organization, MISA, under the name Levi.”
Julian made a face like he had just bitten into something sour, then burst out laughing. “And you couldn’t have twisted the scissors a bit deeper? You brought a fed into my home?” he mocked Alessio, shaking his head. “Did Domenico send you to do this to set me up?”
“No, and I’d appreciate it if this stays between us. He’s supposed to be dead,” Alessio stated. “He’s a good guy who made bad decisions. I need him to disappear…he’s someone precious to me.”
I was surprised by Alessio’s choice of words. Isaac, precious? The same Isaac he was going to torture before I had stopped him? But then again, if he didn’t care for him at least one bit, he wouldn’t have let him live.
Julian responded with a hum, then nodded toward Donni. “I know him, he’s been with you since you were little,” he gave a respectful nod which Donni forcefully returned.
“But this beauty?” His gaze then shifted to me. Alessio was quick to react and grabbed my hand, pulling me slightly behind him. I released myself from his grip and stood beside him instead.
“Is this ‘the’ woman,” Julian’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“This is-” Alessio started to introduce me, but I cut in.
“Mena, it’s really nice to meet you, Sir. You have a beautiful home,” I said, eyeing my surroundings to admire the decorations once more.
Julian grinned, pointing his finger at me. “You’re quite the flatterer, but I like it.”
“No, really. I meant it, I could just live here,” a laugh escaped.
Julian’s face lit up. “Well, don’t hesitate to knock on my door when you get sick and tired of those Fanuccis.”
I laughed awkwardly, aware Alessio would most likely not appreciate the joke.
“She’s fine. There’s no need for all of that,” he quickly dismissed the idea. “And from what I’ve seen, you already have more than enough people to tend your…gardens.”
“One more couldn’t hurt,” the man pursed his lips, amusing himself as he teased Alessio. I could see he knew how to get on his nerves, and enjoyed every second of it.
Before things could escalate, one of the nurses from before entered the room. I watched her closely, and couldn’t take my eyes off her uniform. Where did he find these people?
“Nurse Madeline, what do you got for us?” Julian questioned.
“Sir, I have an update about the patient.”
“Is he okay?” Alessio immediately asked, concerned.
“He’ll be okay, there’s just some things I want to discuss.”
“Of course he’s okay. You brought him to the Rosas nurses,” Julian boasted, making a rainbow gesture with his fingers before letting out an awkward laugh. “Best of the best. If you had brought your Uncle here as well, they could’ve resurrected him.”
“Yeah, I very much doubt that,” Alessio grumbled.
I lowered my head to hold back my giggle at his dark humor, but I was too late as Julian had already caught me and sent a wink my direction. This man was unfiltered, not afraid to speak his mind-and I bet that might’ve been part of the reason why no one bothered with him or meddled in his business-whatever business that was.
The nurse cleared her throat. “Sir Fanucci, if you’ll follow me.”
Alessio and Donni took the first step, but just as I was about to follow-Julian’s voice stopped me.
“Wait!”
We all looked at him. “The girl stays with me. She’s good company, and I’m sure nurse Madeline doesn’t want to bore her to death with all these medical terms-right Mads?”
“S-Sure, Sir,” the nurse dryly responded with a slight bow of her head. She was clearly in a hurry.
She showed no emotion, no chuckle-nothing.
Alessio shook his head slowly. “No, that’s out of the question,” he responded firmly. “No.”
“No?” Julian gasped in a high-pitched tone, like he had never heard the word ‘no’ before.
I chuckled, not wanting to make such a big deal out of something small. “Don’t worry, Ales. I’ll be fine,” I reassured him.
We were all grateful for Julian’s help, he had been kind to us and I wanted it to stay that way. This man also carried our secret, and even though something told me he wouldn’t-I didn’t want him to turn on us.
“You heard your woman,” Julian said to Alessio. “She’ll be fine!”
Alessio sighed, giving me a long look before a heavy sigh came out. “Suit yourself,” he smiled softly. “Just call for me if-”
“I know,” I spoke. “I got it.”
Alessio nodded, then turned and followed the nurse with Donni, leaving me with Julian.
Julian stepped closer to me, but even then, I didn’t feel uncomfortable. It was a strange feeling beyond explanation, but his presence brought a warm vibe-and I liked his energy.
Was I getting too comfortable around these people?
“It must’ve been a rough day for you. Let’s get you a drink,” he patted my back. “You know, my brother just sent me a bottle from Chile. I think you’ll love it.”
“I think so too.”