Echoes

Chapter 3 

 Months had passed after the fatal gunshot that almost claimed Germano's life which made him require urgent surgery. 

 Thankfully the cover of darkness helped to serve as a shield because the bullet missed major arteries but caused severe hemorrhage.

 Thanks to the bravery of the cemetery guards whose swift intervention saved Germano's life. 

 Germano had just got off the phone where he had just been invited to an annual gala dedicated to honouring retired law enforcement officers who had devoted their lives to protecting and serving the city, before Padrino's demise he had been very benevolent to them and now for smooth operations Germano had to keep that up.

 Germano was dressed in a black Versace tuxedo and a Patek wristwatch. Tonight he would be using the Rolls Royce because this was his first social gathering after Padrino's funeral and more importantly the surgery. 

 Hotel Orient was transformed into a battlefield of elegance for this evening's fundraiser, the sparkle of chandeliers cascading overhead gracefully blended with the thick scent of fresh blooms that filled the atmosphere.

 Micaela adjusted the edges of her carefully selected silver satin gown that hugged her curves, the lights made her eyes glow, Micaela had often walked this paths as a housekeeper but tonight she was stepping into an unfamiliar role- the daughter of a retired officer accompanying her father whilst also breaking free from the monotony of her routine. 

 Micaela's father, a tall and stelwart man, stood beside her, with his years as an officer evidently seen in his demeanor.

 As Massimo and his daughter entered the hall, they were greeted with laughter and the clinking of wine glasses like an enchanting song. Officers and celebrities stood side by side, their stories intertwined through shared memories of sacrifice and heroism. 

 Micaela, who isn't one for social gatherings, felt a mixture of anxiety and nervousness but she was here to support Massimo, her father who talked about his days in the force with pride and nostalgia. As Massimo exchanged pleasantries with old colleagues, Micaela's gaze wandered across the room and it was then that her eyes landed on him.

 It's been several months since the fateful day their lives crossed paths. Now there he was- Germano was deep in conversations with other guests as his smile and persona pulled people towards him just like moths to a flame. The glass of scotch in hand shone like liquid gold under the reflection of the light. Yet beneath all that polished exterior, lay an intensity that sent a shiver of curiosity down her spine.

 A feeling of sudden rush, an unexplainable excitement and a spark flickered- Germano's eyes were sharp but his gaze was sharper piercing through Micaela's heart like Cupid's arrow. Germano's lips curled into a subtle smile, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. Time lost its significance in a moment charged with unspoken possibility. 

 As Micaela turned her gaze away, she felt something- a pull as if gravity had shifted. She momentarily lost herself in the bustling crowd of dignitaries and officers yet Germano's presence still loomed in her heart like a wave. Massimo nudged her gently bringing her back to reality. 

 "Ah! There's Chief Maximiliano" Massimo nodding towards a distinguished gentleman of impeccable fashion taste hugged and greeted by many people in celebration of his lifetime achievements in the force. "Let's go say hi," Massimo said. 

Micaela agreed but kept stealing sidelong glances at Germano, who was now trying to make his way towards her amidst the mingling crowd. Micaela couldn't shake off the sense that Germano was watching her too, like an invincible energy was connecting their brief encounter.

 Germano's movement to Micaela was cut short by a couple in their mid forties, his charm and charisma ignited both laughter and lively debate. 

Their eyes locked as both tried desperately to steal glances at each other without actually making any eye contact. 

 Micaela's father conversed heartily with fellow retired officers and a few celebrities.

 It didn't take too long before Germano got to Micaela's table- she could hear her heart beating so loudly. Their eyes locked again but this time it was maintained. Germano's smile was both well timed and perfect with his dentition complimenting the smile. Germano stepped forward brimming with confidence and an energy like anyone she has ever met and an aura like a Greek god. His voice smooth and soothing

 "Isn't it my lucky day?" he asked jokingly. 

Micaela hesitated but something about his demeanor made her speak honestly 

"That would have been true if only you believed in luck though you don't strike me as a man who depends on luck….."

"Do you really think so?" he replied with a sly smile that made his lips curve. 

"And what do you believe in Micaela?"

The sound of her name on his lips made her blush but she quickly hid it with a steadiness she didn't quite feel. 

"I believe in hardwork, ambition and determination" the words echoed from Micaela's mouth and reverberated off Germano's ears. "And how do you know my name because I don't recall telling you my name?"

"Don't worry yourself about that" Germano's gaze was making it impossible for her to breathe properly and with each passing second made it more difficult for her to maintain her composure. 

 "My darling, there you are!" her father couldn't have been more perfect with his timing. 

 "Good evening sir" Germano greeted with his hand stretched for a handshake 

"Good evening, I hope I wasn't interfering" Massimo said, taking Germano's hand.

"Of course not, I was just about leaving….Micaela take care of yourself and sir please enjoy the rest of your evening"

"I most certainly will, Signor....." Massimo's reply had curiosity all over it. This was the first time he would see Micaela in a conversation with a man who wasn't a family member or a colleague from work. 

"Signor Germano" Germano's reply was sharp as he turned around and got mixed with the crowd. 

 Micaela took a deep breath just as her father whispered the words "I hope he wasn't bothering you?" 

"No, he wasn't," Micaela replied, trying desperately not to give anything away.

"It's been a wonderful evening and thank you so much for the sacrifice tonight dear….I know functions like this are not your thing" Massimo said looking into his daughter's eyes as though he was trying to read her emotions

"You're welcome daddy and I enjoyed every bit of time spent here with you….I love you" Micaela said

"I love you more my cupcake, I think it's time we left….." 

 "Excuse me, Signora , the gentleman over there asked me to give you this," the waiter said. Germano had given her his business card with a short inscription on the other side "Call me"

 Micaela collected the card and thanked the waiter as she walked alongside her father as they exited the event. 

 Lucretia was nonchalantly going through files, documents and all the paperworks she could lay her hands on inside Padrino's office because for months now the office has been shut, not even the maids at the Manor house were allowed to clean the office. In her bid to dust off a file she considered important, her eyes came across a small diary nothing too fancy. She was about to trash it before deciding to flip open the pages and what she saw intrigued her but the writings intrigued her even more. Lucretia could not even in a thousand years not know the handwriting of Padrino- her beloved father.

Padrino had a unique way of writing that could only be deciphered by a privileged few.

"Hello brother, you need to see this…"