Chapter 16

Mason Heart and Luca Vitale were in the limousine, the atmosphere charged with tension as they chatted about important matters. It was a key moment, and every word counted.

"Listen, Vitale," Mason began, looking out the window as if searching for answers in the darkness outside. I am going through several problems. Let's solve them one by one, in our own way.

Vitale nodded, his serious expression reflecting his full attention. He expected Mason to reveal his first job.

—The first matter I want you to resolve is very simple... It is about a man who owes me money. "Too much," Mason said, gritting his teeth in frustration. We used to do business together; I gave him my share and he never gave his. Then he ended up canceling the deal and kept my money. He promised me he would pay me back eventually, but he never did...nor will he, I'm sure. "He's a liar... an asshole," Mason snapped, letting out his anger.

Vitale watched him silently, sensing Mason's suppressed rage. He knew that this was just the beginning of a series of problems they would have to face.

"I talked to him today," Mason said, a wicked smile spreading across his face. We agreed to meet tomorrow in Chinatown, at the restaurant, at 5 in the afternoon. But there will be a change of plans: you will go personally, you will replace me. You will tell him that you are my partner and that I will wait for him somewhere else. Then you can take it somewhere else... and finish the job right.

Mason's smile was unsettling, but Vitale showed no emotion. He understood the plan perfectly: he wanted me to murder the man. For him, this was like a walk in the park; His experience made him feel comfortable in situations like this.

—I understand... Is he a sneaky guy? Vitale asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"No, it's not," Mason said contemptuously. He is an idiot who is dedicated to doing business in the dark world. He doesn't know who he's messing with.

Vitale nodded slowly, evaluating the information as his mind already began to map out the steps necessary to carry out the mission.

—How do I recognize it? Vitale asked, his voice firm and controlled.

—He has little hair and has a tattoo on his neck. "It's easy to recognize..." Mason paused, his intense gaze fixed on Vitale. I leave it in your hands, Vitale.

Vitale nodded determinedly. I already had the necessary information. He shook Mason's hand firmly, feeling the weight of the agreement between them, and then stepped out of the limo. The fresh air from outside hit his face, revitalizing it. A new stage in his life had just begun, one that promised to be both dangerous and exciting.

As he walked away, he cast one last look at Mason, who was watching him with a mix of trust and expectation. Destiny awaited him, and Vitale was ready to face it.

He got into his car and headed to the hotel; It was time to rest after a hard day. Upon arriving, he settled into his room, changing into something more comfortable before going out to the balcony. There, he observed the impressive view of the beach. The fresh wind caressed his face, taking with it the accumulated tensions of the day. For a moment, he allowed himself to enjoy that beauty, feeling small before the immensity of the ocean.

However, that peace was fleeting. Vitale returned to the room with a resigned sigh. He knew he had to do what he had to do to prepare his mind and body for what was coming tomorrow. He lay down on the bed, feeling exhaustion wrap around him like a heavy blanket. There was no time to rest even for a day; If he wanted to achieve his goal and recover what he had lost, he needed to try his hardest.

Vitale fell into a deep sleep, where he found momentary peace, away from the chaos around him. However, time seemed to fly by. A soft sound told him that it was time to wake up; It was 10 in the morning. He stood up determinedly and stepped into the cold shower, the icy water awakening every fiber of his being and clearing away the clouds of exhaustion in his mind.

After freshening up, he made himself some steaming coffee. The intense aroma filled the room as he walked towards some shelves where there was a forgotten book. He decided to take advantage of the morning to relax and unwind a little before the inevitable return to reality.

He went out to the balcony with his cup of coffee and the book in hand. The view was stunning: the sun was shining on the beach, illuminating the water with golden sparkles. He settled into a chair and sipped his coffee, feeling the heat of the liquid contrast with the cool morning air. He began to read, letting the words transport him to another world as he enjoyed the distant murmur of the waves crashing on the shore.

As the pages slowly turned through his fingers, Vitale couldn't help but think about what awaited him. He knew he had to return to his mission soon, but for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment, letting time pass unhurriedly.

Vitale was there for a while, enjoying the calm before the storm. The weather began to cloud, as if the sky sensed that something dark was coming. With a sigh, he stood up and walked back inside, feeling it was time to prepare for what was to come.

Despite the growing unease, he decided to take some time to relax before taking action. That's how the hours passed quickly and when he looked at the clock, it was already 4:30. Although it seemed late, Vitale knew he had his own rhythm; He was a man who understood the importance of doing things well and calmly.

He put on his distinctive black spiked jacket, a garment that not only gave him an air of mystery, but also symbolized his determination. Each stitch in the fabric seemed to tell a story of challenges overcome and difficult decisions.

With one last look out the cloudy window, he prepared to leave for Chinatown. A vibrant and lively place, where neon lights illuminate the narrow streets and exotic aromas float in the air. But he also knew that every corner could bring unexpected dangers.

Vitale left the hotel and descended the stairs with a firm step, heading without hesitation towards his car. Adrenaline was coursing through his veins as he started the engine, ready to take on his next objective: Chinatown.

Upon arrival, an explosion of Chinese culture was present before their eyes. The bright lights of the shops, the aromas of spices and dim sum wafting through the air, and the hum of conversations in Mandarin created a vibrant and chaotic atmosphere. He drove to the restaurant Mason Heart had indicated, feeling like time was slipping through his fingers; It was already after 5, and he assumed that his contact must be inside, waiting.

He parked his car with determination and walked into the restaurant. The door opened with a soft jingling of bells, and Vitale began searching through the tables, following the features Mason had described to him.

Finally, his eyes landed on a lone man at a table in the back. He had a visible tattoo on his neck that seemed to tell stories of a tumultuous past and little hair that accentuated his tough features. The man was sitting with an impassive expression, as if he was really waiting for someone.

Vitale felt the tension rising; He knew he had to step up and do his job. With each step he took towards the man's table, he mentally prepared himself for what could be a tense or even dangerous conversation.

Vitale approached the man's table, standing in front of him with a confident posture. The man looked up slowly, assessing Vitale as if he were a stranger in his territory.

-What do you want? "I don't give autographs," he replied contemptuously, his tone sounding arrogant.

Vitale gave a low, almost mocking laugh.

—How funny. Applause for you. "I came at the request of Mason Heart," he said, displaying a serious look that contrasted with his previous attitude.

The man frowned, his expression changing from arrogance to surprise.

—Did you come at Mason's request? Are you telling me that the coward didn't have the guts to clarify the situation? "If so, I'm leaving here," said the man, standing up from the table decisively, ready to leave.

At that instant, Vitale firmly extended his arm in the form of an obstruction, blocking their path.

—Hey, you can't leave yet. I told you I came at Mason's request, but there was a change of plans. They will speak elsewhere; one where there is more privacy," Vitale said, keeping his voice low but firm.

The air between them tensed as the man stared at him, weighing his options. Vitale knew that every second counted; I had to convince him before he decided to walk out the door.

—Here they cannot talk about their affairs; there are too many people. And you wouldn't want to discuss what's illegal in a place like that, would you? Vitale said, his tone firm but persuasive. Come with me, I'll take you to Mason Heart.

The man looked at Vitale suspiciously, his eyes narrowed as if searching for some sign of betrayal. However, his pride kept him trapped in a storm of emotions that prevented him from thinking clearly.

"Okay, let's clear things up with that bastard once and for all," he finally responded, his voice strained and full of resentment.

Vitale began walking toward the exit, feeling the weight of control settle on him. The man followed him, although his step was hesitant and suspicious.

As they walked, Vitale kept a calm, almost carefree expression, as if taking him to a place where he would never find Mason was a simple walk in the park. He knew he was close to achieving his goal.

The door closed behind them with a soft knock, leaving behind the bustle of the place and enveloping them in an expectant silence.

Vitale walked to his car. He got in and looked in the rearview mirror, seeing how the man stood there, hesitant, hesitating for a moment before taking the next step.

—Come on, go up. "Don't keep the others waiting," Vitale said in a tone that combined impatience and persuasion.

The man looked at him, his pride fighting the distrust that kept him rooted in place. I could feel the tension in the air; Every second that passed made his heart beat faster. Finally, after a deep sigh, he decided to get into the car, willing to take the risks that entailed.

A small smile formed on Vitale's face. It was a subtle gesture, but powerful; He knew that there was only one last step left to complete his mission.

As the man settled into the passenger seat, Vitale started the engine and drove forward, leaving behind a place full of curious looks and murmurs. The road ahead was full of uncertainty, but also possibilities.