Chapter 4 - The Debt
Dominic ordered his men to load Maya and Sophie into the back of the armored SUV.
Maya held her sister tightly as they drove out of the city and into the dark countryside.
They arrived at a massive estate surrounded by iron gates and armed guards.
The house looked like a modern fortress built out of black glass and steel.
A team of private doctors was waiting in the grand foyer.
They immediately took Sophie from Maya's arms and rushed her to a sterilized medical wing.
Maya tried to follow them but the scarred enforcer blocked her path.
Dominic walked down the sweeping marble staircase wearing a fresh black shirt.
He poured himself a glass of whiskey and told Maya to sit on the leather sofa.
Maya refused to sit and demanded to know what he wanted from her.
Dominic took a slow sip of his drink and admired her defiance.
He explained that a very powerful cartel from Naples was arriving in the city tomorrow.
He said the cartel leaders spoke an ancient, highly specific street dialect that standard translators could not understand.
He needed someone who knew the dialect perfectly and who could read the subtle threats hidden in their words.
He needed the brave waitress who had cursed him out in the Obsidian Room.
Maya shook her head and said she wanted absolutely nothing to do with the mafia.
Dominic smiled coldly and set his glass down on the table.
He reminded her that her sister was currently receiving the best medical care in the world.
He said medical care was incredibly expensive and her debt had just grown substantially.
Maya angrily stated that she would just go back to her job and pay him in installments.
Dominic walked over and handed her a printed photograph.
It was a picture of Henry the restaurant manager accepting a thick envelope of cash from Dante Falcone.
Dominic revealed that Henry had sold her address to the Russians just to save his own skin.
Maya felt her stomach drop as she realized her entire normal life was gone.
She had absolutely no job and nowhere to hide.
Dominic leaned in close and whispered that his world was the only safe place left for her.
May you like
He told her she would play the role of his trusted confidante starting tonight.
Maya looked into his dark eyes and realized she was trapped in a gilded cage.
