Read Online AWAKENING by S. W. Frank - Free Book Online Page A

wasn’t for that sonovabitch. But, hey, it’s done and there’s a kid who need ing a dad. There’s no way he’d allow Sal to navigate life crap alone. No pe !
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
     
     
     
     
    The poker game ended. Roberto owed the house ten thousand euros . He put on his jacket and shrugged. “Nobody’s lucky all the time Giuseppe, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re cheating.”
    Giuseppe dismissed the comment, “Where are you going, have a nother drink? ”
    “Ah, it’s late. I’ve drank enough.”
    Giuseppe rolled his shoulders. The stinging to his upper torso grew irritating. How Alfonzo suffered through the annoyance, he’ d never know. The tattoo on Giuseppe went from shoulder to shoulder. They were words, a phrase he found poignant . His father had it inked in the same area. He decided to pay homage to the man. Forever, this m ark will follow him, s traight to the grave. He wanted to feel pain tonight, because it would pain him immensely to say good-bye to his friend. “Good-night. Next week I will take more of your money . ”
    “I will have my own cards next time.”
    “Eh, but it will suggest you do not trust me. W e ’re friends and trust is all we have , no?”
    A strange expression crossed Roberto’s face . It faded as he waved and exited. Giuseppe stood, removed his jacket from the back of his chair and walked leisurely out the back door to the club. People will witness Roberto l eaving alone as planned. Giuseppe on the other-hand if anyone questioned remained in the club.
    At the back stairs he met-up with three of his henchmen and they entered the car waiting behind the building. The night darkened to a thick blackness thanks to the absence of the moon. The men did not speak, Giuseppe preferred silence tonight . He watched the black alley and soon a set of headlights passed . Their vehicle moved forward and onto the desolate street. They remained far behind Roberto’s vehicle, pursuit was not part of the plan, besides the route the car traveled was a familiar one . Roberto had to take one street. This street ran between an industrial building and a market, which was closed at this hour.
    They were not far from it and in five minutes would reach the assigned spot for the ambush. The quiet made it easier to discern the sounds ahead .
    W hat he listened for echoed aloud. Squealing tires alert the driver to speed forward. They reached the area and Giuseppe pushed open the back door and rushed to Roberto’s sports car box ed between a pair of waste removal trucks. His father’s waste management business made getting rid of garbage a pleasant breeze. There were guns pointed from every angle at the man sitting inside. Roberto was yanked out the vehicle and his mouth clamped shut by the hand of one of the men. Another quickly searched him for chest to foot for weapons and wires. The watch was snatched off Roberto’s wrist and held up for Giuseppe to see. Giuseppe made his presence known and walked around one of the trucks into view of Roberto . He stopped inches from his friend and in Roberto’s eyes he saw regret.
    The unusually bulky and cheap quality watch was not the kind Roberto would eve r wear. No, he was a man who only wore the best. This timepiece was subpar and only cost a few hundred euros . Giuseppe nodded and the inexpensive watch dropped to the ground and cracked i n t o pieces by the heel of Giuseppe’s boot. Only then did Giuseppe sp eak , “Friends, eh Roberto. What friend sets-up another and for what purpose do you stab me in the back?”
    The hand was removed and Roberto’s words came out with a heavy breath, “Giuseppe, what do you mean?”
    “ Your meeting in Venice with the DSS and do not lie. What did you discuss? ”
    “ I was asked a question, a promise was made and that’s all.”
    “What question?”
    Roberto’s eyes were downcast, “I am truly sorry friend. The DSS were threatening to haul me off to jail. You know the passports