Chapter 0005

ANGIOLETTO

When I received a text from my father informing me of this meeting, I knew something was off. I knew it had something to do with my hostage, and now, I’ve confirmed my suspicions to be true.

Thirty minutes have I been here, still, there've been no words spoken, just the continuous rise in the tension radiating off of each person in the room.

Mio padre, his first son, Massimo, and his second son, Antonio.

“How have you been?” My older brother—Massimo questions, his eyes, as dark as the midnight, burning holes through my skull, reminding me that his question, as sweet as it might sound, is far from him merely inquiring about my physical state.

“Fine.” I simply answer, gaining a unified hum from all three of the men.

“Haven’t you been getting enough sleep? Your eyes are really sunken.” Mio padre further asks.

Completely aware that his question springs from a place of genuine concern, I answer in a soft voice. “Sto bene, padre.”

He nods. “What about Dumont Augustin, has