Chapter 15

Vitale handled the boat skillfully, while the murmur of the engine mixed with the soft splash of the water. Little by little, she began to make out Mark's house. As he got closer, he felt relief.

When he arrived, he parked the boat carefully on the side of the shore and secured the anchor so it wouldn't leave. The river flowed serenely, but there was something disturbing in its calm.

From a distance, Mark watched him with an expression of expectation. As he left his house, he made an energetic gesture to greet him.

"Vitale, I see you were successful," Mark said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and curiosity. Assure that and come with me.

Vitale nodded, feeling the weight of Mark's words as he took one last look at the river before following it in.

Finally, Vitale followed Mark toward his house, marveling with every step at the beauty of the place. The walls were adorned with a warm and welcoming color, and the garden was carefully maintained.

Going outside again, they met Domenico, who was sitting nonchalantly on the hood of his car, with a smile on his face.

—Wow, you're finally here. "I brought you the car here, Vitale," Domenico said, tossing him the keys with a nonchalant spin.

Vitale caught the keys in the air.

"Here you go, Vitale," Mark said as he took a wad of bills from his pocket. 15 thousand dollars for the work done. This is your part.

Vitale felt a mixture of satisfaction and tension upon receiving the money; It was a reward for his efforts, but he also remembered what it had cost to get here.

"And this is for you," Mark continued, tossing $5,000 to Domenico. Good job.

Domenico smiled as he quickly counted the bills.

—5 thousand dollars? But if I deserve more, I did everything myself! —Domenico exclaimed, with a mischievous smile on his face, as if he were joking.

Mark let out a deep laugh and Vitale couldn't help but crack a small smile, feeling the tension of the moment ease a little.

"Just kidding, don't believe it, Mark," Domenico said, giving Vitale a friendly push. Truly, this guy did it all. I don't know what I would have done if I wasn't there. Well, although I did my part too," he added with a wink.

Vitale felt a mixture of gratitude and relief upon hearing Domenico's words. It was good to know that his efforts did not go unnoticed, even amidst the jokes. The camaraderie between them was palpable and reminded him that he was not alone.

Mark sighed, approaching Vitale with a serious but grateful expression.

—Well... I think you've helped me up to this point. I thank you for this effort; You solved important problems and helped me in a great way. Now we are good partners. Maybe in the future we can work together again, Vitale. If another problem arises, I won't hesitate to call you," Mark said, with a tone of sincerity.

—You have solved all the problems that worried me the most. "We'll see each other another time," he continued, his voice slightly more relaxed.

Vitale nodded.

"It was a pleasure helping you," Vitale responded. We'll see you another time, Mark. Thanks for giving me a hand with the money; I really needed it.

—But what do you say, boy? You earned it by doing the heavy lifting. "Enjoy it," Mark said, smiling knowingly. What do you plan to do now? Will you stay away from crime?

The question hung in the air, Vitale became serious. Knowing that it still had not fulfilled its main objective.

"No, I really don't plan to leave this world," Vitale said with determination, his voice firm and clear. I close one stage, but another awaits me.

He turned to Mark, his eyes reflecting a mix of resolve and a touch of melancholy.

"I must attend to other pending matters," Vitale added, aware that his path was still full of challenges.

Mark looked at him, nodding his head in understanding. It was evident that they both knew that their paths were parting, but there was mutual respect in that decision.

They shook hands in a firm shake, a gesture that symbolized not only their collaboration, but also a friendship forged in adversity. Then Vitale slowly walked away, feeling the weight of his decisions with him as he approached his car, ready to face what was to come.

Before getting on, Vitale stopped and looked at Domenico.

-You come? —he asked, curiosity in his voice.

"No," Domenico stated clearly, a mischievous smile appearing on his face. The night is just beginning. I'm going to go have fun somewhere. If you need me for something else, you know where to find me.

Vitale nodded, acknowledging his friend's choice. With a light sigh, he climbed into the vehicle. Looking toward the back seats, he saw the MP5 and M9 pistol that Domenico had left there. The presence of the weapons gave him a little more peace of mind; I knew I was prepared for whatever might come.

With everything ready, he started the engine and headed to his next destination: the Nottinpart club. A mix of anticipation and tension filled the air as he walked away, aware that the night still held surprises.

Vitale arrived at the club and, from outside, the vibrant pulse of the music and flashing lights was already in the air. He got out of the car, feeling the energy of the night envelop him. He paid his ticket and crossed the threshold, where a crowd of people were dancing and laughing, immersed in an atmosphere of euphoria.

Despite the hustle and bustle, Vitale maintained a clear objective: find Oliver Moon. With determination, he began to make his way through the crowd, feeling the warmth of the bodies around him and the echoes of laughter that rang in his ears.

Turning towards the bar, his eyes focused on a corner illuminated by neon lights. There was Oliver Moon, having a few drinks and enjoying the night, oblivious to the world around him. Vitale felt a slight relief at the sight; Now he had to get closer and fulfill his purpose.

"I see you're enjoying your evening," Vitale said, staring at Oliver with a mix of curiosity and disdain.

Oliver almost choked on his drink. He turned around, surprised to find Vitale in front of him, and quickly tried to compose himself.

—Vitale! "What a surprise," he exclaimed, wiping his lips with a napkin. Did you come for the offer last time?

Vitale kept his serious gaze, ignoring the festive atmosphere that surrounded them; the flashing lights and booming music seemed to distance themselves as he focused on his target.

-Yes that's how it is. Just tell me where to find Mason Heart, and then, if you want, you can continue drinking alcohol," Vitale responded, with a firm tone that left no room for doubt.

Oliver frowned for a moment.

—Calm down... Is this how cold guys usually act? —Oliver said, raising an eyebrow with a mocking smile.

Vitale kept his expression serious, not getting carried away by provocations.

—Listen, I told Mason about you. The last time he was here I mentioned it to him. I told him I knew a guy who could solve their problems effectively. His response was unprecedented; He told me he wanted to see you. Why didn't you come earlier?

"I was busy," Vitale replied, sighing in frustration. Where do I find Mason? —he insisted, clenching his fists slightly, feeling the noise of the club fade away before his growing impatience.

Oliver looked at him for a moment, noticing the seriousness in his gaze. I knew there was something else at play that night.

"You're in luck, Mason is at the club right now," Oliver revealed, leaning forward slightly with a knowing gleam in his eyes. He is sitting right in that place. —He pointed out with a subtle movement of his hand.

Vitale turned his head to where Oliver was pointing and saw a lone man, dressed in an elegant black suit that contrasted with the flickering lights of the club. His posture was relaxed, but there was something in his gaze that suggested alertness.

—The guy in the fancy black suit? Vitale asked.

—Yes, it's that same one. "Go and talk to him," Oliver said.

Vitale confidently approached the man, his posture upright and his gaze fixed.

"Mr. Mason Heart?" Vitale asked, maintaining a normal but firm tone.

Mason looked at him out of the corner of his eye, his expression closed and distant, as if the conversation was of no interest to him.

"I'm Luca Vitale," he continued, feeling that each word weighed in the air.

Hearing his name, Mason's eyes widened slightly, as if a switch had been flipped. She turned to him, leaving behind her initial indifference.

—Are you Luca Vitale? The same one Oliver Moon had told me about? Mason asked, his tone now laden with curiosity and a hint of surprise.

Vitale noticed the change in the atmosphere; There was something about the way Mason said his name that suggested this meeting was more important than he had anticipated.

—That's right, it's me. "Luca Vitale," he confirmed, feeling the weight of his name resonate in the air.

Mason Heart rose from his chair with a grace that seemed natural to him. His gaze was intense, as if each word was a step towards something greater.

—I'm sure you can help me; "I guess that's what you came for," he said, with a soft but authoritative voice.

Vitale nodded quickly.

—How about we talk in a more private place, son? Let's go outside; "We can talk in my limo," Mason proposed, gesturing toward the exit with innate confidence.

Vitale accepted without hesitation and followed Mason out of the club, where the bustle gradually faded. The cool air hit her skin, contrasting with the warm and vibrant atmosphere inside.

Arriving at the shiny black limousine, Mason opened the door with an elegant gesture. The two settled inside, surrounded by a luxury that seemed almost surreal compared to the chaos of the club.

"We're calmer now," Mason said, letting out a subtle smile as he looked at Vitale. Let's talk.

—Oliver told me that you are going through darkness; "Maybe you need someone to... figure it out," Vitale said, keeping his gaze on Mason.

Mason nodded slowly, his expression grave.

-Yes that's how it is. I'm having some problems. Do you think you are capable of solving them? —She looked at him seriously, as if trying to gauge his determination.

Vitale felt a mixture of confidence and tension. I knew this moment was crucial.

"Until you tell me what it is, I won't be able to assure you anything," he responded, maintaining his direct tone. What I can tell you is that I don't mince words. You pay and I run the errands. I have worked for a mafia and recently for Mark Blaze; I suppose you know him, if you are involved in illegal things.

"Mark Blaze?" Yes, I know him. He's a nice guy. "We did business at some point," Mason responded, his tone neutral but with a slight tinge of interest. So you've worked for him recently? That's interesting. Perfect. So yes we can work together. Listen, first of all...

Vitale felt the air grow thicker; It seemed like Mason had something important to say.

"I've known you for a long time," Mason revealed, his eyes fixed on Vitale with a disturbing intensity.

Vitale frowned, his curiosity immediately piqued. I didn't understand what he meant.

-What are you talking about? he asked, his voice firm.

Mason smiled slightly, as if enjoying Vitale's bewilderment.

"Look... You might be surprised to hear this, but I'm Geovanny Bellini's cousin," Mason revealed, a tense calm in his voice.

Vitale remained silent, his mind spinning at the mention of the last name. Listening to Bellini again made him think about many things; A mixture of helplessness and pain took over him.

—Are you the cousin of capo Bellini? —Vitale asked, still in disbelief. The disbelief was palpable in his voice.

—Yes, just as you heard it. We are cousins; The difference is that I was born in the United Kingdom and he was born in Italy. "But we grew up here, in this city," Mason explained, his gaze fixed on Vitale. A long time ago, I heard that my cousin had a guy who ran errands for him, someone clever and agile. He himself told me about it one day during a visit.

Vitale felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing those words.

"He told me your name," Mason continued, "and then I found out that Bellini had your father killed... I'm sorry, son," Mason said, his voice heavy with regret.

Vitale remained silent, deep in thought. Mason's words echoed in his mind.

—But well, my cousin decided to be a mafia member; I am more of a business person. He was the boss of the city for a long time, one of the most powerful. And yet, can you believe we don't get along? Mason exclaimed, his frustration palpable. My cousin is very arrogant. When I was in trouble, he didn't give me a hand, and much less will he do so now. So I'm not interested in what Bellini does or what happens to him.

—Don't they get along? Vitale asked, surprised by the revelation.

-Not at all. "It's like we're strangers," Mason replied with a contemptuous tone.

Vitale was relieved by this distance between Mason and Bellini, although the resentment towards his cousin continued to burn inside him.

—No... nothing happens. It doesn't bother me that you're Bellini's cousin. "He's a bastard," Vitale said seriously, trying to keep his voice steady. But that has nothing to do here.

Mason nodded slowly, as if understanding the pain and anger they both shared regarding Bellini.

"Well, let's forget about that oaf," Mason said, dismissing the subject with a wave of his hand. Listen, I know that you can help me in my affairs. I need someone decisive like you, someone who gets things done.

Vitale stared at him, his serious expression reflecting his own determination and caution at the proposal.

"Okay," Vitale replied. Tell me what issues you have and we'll see how we resolve them.

Mason smirked, noticing Vitale's interest. There was something in his look that told her he was willing to get involved.