I'm held against a solid chest, terror racing through me at such a rapid pace I can't breathe.
There are six armed men in the room.One more comes through the door, his gun held out, ready to open fire.He too has a mask, but with his sleeves rolled up his thick forearms, I recognize his tattoo.It's a black dagger with the word eternal written on the blade and a cobra wrapped around the dagger's handle.The first time I saw that tattoo, I knew I'd never forget it.Nor his face.
I wasn't supposed to see his face the night I caught him with my mother.
That same night when I heard his voice, I realized he'd been here several times before.As he speaks now, I recognize his voice the same way.It's him.
I don't need to see his stony face or hisdark coaleyes to remember how evil he looks.
That night he didn't see me watching him.No one did.
The man walks in, and a quick glance at my mother suggests she recognizes him too.I can see it in her eyes.
"William Ricci, I hear you've been up to no good," the man intones in a singsong voice.The deep timbre and the air of menace in his tone linger like a bad dream.
"Please, let my wife and daughter go," Papa begs, but his pleas are met with laughter."Take me. You want me."
"Tell me where the information is," the man demands.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Papa answers.
"Fucking dog, you won't lie to me.You pick the wrong method to save your family."
Oh God... what does he mean?
What did Papa do?
The other night when Papa found out what was happening to Mom, I don't know what he did after.Whatever it is, has resulted in this.
"Please, let them go. You want me.Let my wife and my girl go."
"Tell me where the information is."
This is about information. On what, though?
What information did Papa find?
"I don't have it."
"You dumb fuck. We know what you did, and the boss isn't happy.Bring her here." The man points to Mom who starts screaming when she's dragged over by her hair.
"No, please. Don't hurt her," Papa cries.
"Where is it?" the man demands.
"I don't have the information anymore.I don't know where it is. My wife and girl know nothing.Take me, take me, take me." Each plea that falls from his lips rises an octave higher and stirs more horror in my soul.
"Can you remember now?" The man taunts, cocking the hammer on the gun.
Click-Clackis all I hear. It's all I focus on, along with the sight of Mom trying to break free.
"Please no, don't. Don't hurt her."
"Tell me what I need to know."
"I don't have it. Please. Not my girl."
"Yours? No." The man laughs.