Fatal. Jacqui Rose

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       14

      Nico Russo ruminated as he glanced out of the prison window. He sniffed the bitter espresso that he’d got one of the wardens to make, then took a sip. He sat watching his younger brothers, his expression as usual blank, the only giveaway sign of his seething and burning anger the muscles pulsating on his jaw line as he clenched his teeth, grinding them until they gave out a low screech.

      Bobby, uncomfortable with the silence, which had hung in the air for the past five minutes, glanced around the empty visitors’ waiting room, locking eyes with the prison officers in the corner before turning away contemptuously. Trying to keep his voice light, but still with respect, he leant across the table, touching Nico’s hands.

      ‘Nico, both Sal and I did everything we could to get the girl.’

      Laughing scornfully, Nico pulled his hands away before burying his fist in Bobby’s face, the force of the blow knocking him to the floor along with the coffee. Officer Johnstone went to make a move, but Nico raised his hand, indicating for him not to interfere.

      ‘How dare you come in here to disrespect me! You think I’m stupid, Bobby?’ Nico loomed over his brother, speaking dangerously low. ‘First, Salvatore goes behind my back by not telling me about the cocaine shipment …’ Nico paused as he stared at Salvatore angrily until he dropped his head as Bobby shot him a puzzled glance. ‘Now, you think you can come and give me excuses whilst I sit and rot in this place. She’s a kid. Sixteen. Fucking sixteen and she gave you two the runaround. I want her found, she’s mine. I want her. I want you to bring me her heart. You understand me? No more excuses.’

      Getting up slowly and sucking the blood from his lips, Bobby shook his head. ‘Nico, it’s not an excuse, I don’t want you to think we didn’t try.’

      Raging, Nico growled out his words. ‘This family was built on success, on honour, on men who could be counted on, but, in turn, this family will be destroyed by failure, by weakness, by motherfuckers like you. By my own brothers.’

      ‘Nico—’

      Nico flew at Salvatore, grabbing hold of his face, squeezing and crushing it between his gigantic, rough hands. He shook, trembling with rage as he spoke, his mouth touching his brother’s cheeks. ‘I love you, Sal, you’re my own flesh and blood. You hurt, I hurt, whatever pains you, pains me, but I’ll break your neck right here, right now, if you continue to disrespect me. Understand?’

      Salvatore gave a tiny nod. ‘Sì.’

      Then, taking a deep breath and exhaling noisily, Nico let go of his brother’s face and placed a kiss on the top of his head. ‘Good, good. I’m glad that we’ve got that sorted out … Now, give me your cell.’

      Clearly relieved, Salvatore gave a small smile as he passed over his phone. Scrolling down the numbers, Nico came to the one he wanted, but just as he was about to click the call button, Officer Johnstone stood up.

      ‘Nico, you can’t have the phone in here. You’re not supposed to have phones in prison, you know that, and this block picks up unauthorised mobile signals. Use it when you get back to your wing, or we’ll both be in trouble.’

      Nico walked over to the officer, his face twisted with rage. ‘You think it’s okay to speak to me like that in front of my family? What are you trying to do, embarrass me?’ He stopped, then walked even closer to the warden and pressed his forehead against his. ‘I know where you live, Officer Johnstone. I know where your mother lives and your children, so don’t push me, because like that –’ he clicked his fingers ‘– they could be gone.’

      Officer Johnstone, alarmed, put his hands up, backing away slowly. ‘Okay, Nico, okay, I was only saying, there’s no need to do anything rash. We’ve got an agreement that we’re going to stick to … I’m sorry.’

      ‘And you’d do well to remember that. Now, get out of my fucking face. Capito?’

      As the officer nodded in understanding, Nico turned and pressed call, waiting for it to ring before going straight to voicemail. He paced as he talked.

      ‘Hello, Cabhan, it’s Nico. Happy birthday. I understand from my brothers that your girl got away, but I just wanted to call and tell you, there’s no hiding place, nowhere we won’t find you. Nowhere revenge won’t touch you. I will find you, Cabhan … or rather, I’ll find your little girl. Hide, Alice Rose, hide, because Nico’s coming, ready or not.’