CHAPTER 9

**AVA**
I say goodbye to Paul before leaving the library, eager to get home and reflect on the recent events. The streets are dark and quiet, and I soon realize the night will be more complicated than I imagined when the first drops of rain start to fall. I don’t have an umbrella, so with a sigh, I quicken my pace to avoid getting completely soaked.
I walk faster, my heart racing along with my steps. I turn my head and see a man a few meters away. He’s wearing sunglasses, a detail that, combined with my instinct, makes me feel that something is wrong. Ignoring the rain now drenching me, I speed up even more, feeling the urgency to escape.
I look back again, feeling the panic intensify. The man continues to follow me, his steps steady and determined. I turn into a more secluded street with closed shops and little light, a place where, if he is indeed following me, a confrontation is almost certain.
My senses are on high alert. With each step, my body prepares for a confrontation. I look back one last time and see him getting closer.
“Who are you, and why are you following me?”, I shout, my voice echoing in the silence of the night.
He smiles—a sinister smile that tells me everything I need to know. In an instant, he runs towards me, trying to grab me. I silently thank the martial arts classes I started after my parents' deaths, regretting only that I’m not armed. I grab the man’s arms, spin my body, and push him forcefully to the ground.
He quickly gets up, his determination unwavering. His hands grasp my neck, pushing me hard against a wall. There’s no one around to help, but I’m not defenseless. I raise my leg and kick between his legs with force, hearing his scream of pain as he releases me.
With anger pulsing in my veins, I raise my leg again and kick his face hard, making him fall to the ground. He bleeds from his nose, but before he gets up, he whispers:
“He wants you and won’t stop until he gets you, just like he did with your whole family.”
These words strike a nerve. The memory of what happened to my family fills my eyes with tears and my heart with hatred. I recognize this man as one of those responsible for the tragedy that changed my life.
I kneel beside him, my hand seeking the knife I carry in my boot. I place the blade against his neck, my voice firm and loaded with fury.
“I should kill you now. But I want you to go back and tell your boss to try to get me because I’ll be ready and waiting for him. This time, I will kill him. I will kill all of you.”
I stab the man’s leg forcefully, hearing his scream of pain as I stand up. He retreats, and I realize he’s unarmed. I resumed walking quickly, my anger still pulsing inside me.
I arrive home and grab a glass, throwing it forcefully to the floor. I fall to my knees, finally allowing the tears to flow freely. The pain of loss, the anger at the injustice, and the fear of what’s to come mix in a whirlwind of emotions.
After a few minutes, I get up and run to my room, grabbing my computer. The memory of the ring the man wore, with a skull and a cross, returns to my mind. I decide to research this symbol, hoping to find some clue about who these people are.
My hands tremble as I type, but anger gives me focus. I find references to a criminal organization known for using this symbol. They are notorious for their brutality and operate in the shadows, but what frightens me the most is their connection to my parents' deaths.
I discovered that this organization has tentacles extending across several cities and countries. They are experts in drug, weapon, and human trafficking and seem to have their own code, a world of darkness and violence. The connections begin to fit together, and I realize the fight I face is much larger than I imagined.
The revelation sends a chill down my spine but also brings fierce determination. I won’t let these men go unpunished. I will use everything I’ve learned and all the skills I’ve developed to protect myself and avenge my family.
I close the computer and prepare for what’s to come. It’s Saturday, and since I don’t need to work, I take the opportunity to put into practice a plan I’ve been developing since the night before. After hours of research, I discovered a place where men like the one who attacked me tend to gather. I put on my boots and leather jacket, adjusting the weapon discreetly on my back. I want to go unnoticed, so I choose clothes that blend with the environment. Leather and black.
I look at my phone and see a message from Pietro:
“Are we still meeting tonight?”
I smile before quickly typing the response:
“I will be there, master.”
I call an Uber that takes me to a bar in another city. I get out of the car and face the black façade of the place, with a skull drawing that seems to mock me. I enter and am immediately enveloped by the deafening sound of rock music.
I look around and see many men with big beards and tattoos covering their entire bodies. Two almost naked girls dance on the stage, under the watchful and lascivious eyes of the patrons. I walk to the bar and order a drink, trying to blend in while observing the environment. I need to find out who did that to my family, and this place seems like the right starting point.
The bartender, a man with a face covered in tattoos and a strong smell of cigarettes, hands me the drink and asks if I’m new here. I nod, and when he asks my name, I decide to lie.
“My name is Vanessa.”
He observes me with interest, his gaze full of malice.
“I’m new in town and recently moved here. I’m looking for new and cool places. Is the owner of this bar here today?”
The man shakes his head negatively before answering.
“The owner rarely shows up here. He doesn’t manage the bar personally; he has many places like this to take care of. But I can suggest some cool places for you.”
I quickly perceive the intention behind his words and smile forcefully, nodding my head.
“Thanks, maybe another day. Today I’m more interested in meeting the people here.”
He laughs, showing yellowed teeth, and returns to attending to other customers. I feel a twinge of disappointment, but I try not to show it. I stay there, drinking slowly and observing every movement around me.
I need a plan B.
I look around and notice a group of men in the corner of the bar, talking conspiratorially. I decide that approaching them might be a good idea. Furthermore, I walk over, trying to appear as casual as possible.
“Hi, can anyone recommend an interesting place to go after here?”, I ask, striving to sound friendly.
One of the men, with a vest full of patches and a thick beard, looked me up and down before responding.
“Depends on what you’re looking for, darling.”
“I just want to have some fun and maybe make some new friends. I just moved here and don’t know anyone.”
He smiles, but his eyes don’t convey sympathy.
“You’re in the right place. Why don’t you stay with us? We can show you how we have fun.”
I sit with them, trying not to show the nervousness growing inside me.