Chapter 2 A heartbreaker

Positioned before the expansive window that stretched from floor to ceiling, Lorenzo’s gaze remained fixed on the city’s skyline. One hand was casually tucked into his pocket, while the other held onto his phone tightly, engrossed in a crucial call.

From the other end of the line, a voice, that of Donald Anderson, spoke, “I’m so happy to hear from you, Liam…”

“You know my name isn’t Liam anymore, grandfather. It changed the moment my mother sold me out. I’d advise you to call me by my real name,” Lorenzo cautioned.

“Alright. Lorenzo, not a bad name either,” Donald acknowledged.

Acknowledging the sentiment with a nod, “About what I’ve just heard, I wouldn’t like the situation to be one where you use such fake news to get my attention.”

“It’s no fake news, Lorenzo. Your twin brother is really dead,” Donald affirmed.

Still skeptical, Lorenzo responded, “I hope you’re not pulling my leg, old man. I won’t be dancing to a tune that’s just smoke and mirrors. Spit it out straight, or I might just think you’re crying wolf.”

Donald, sensing Lorenzo’s skepticism, insisted, “No smoke and mirrors, Lorenzo. It’s the cold, hard truth. Your brother’s gone.”

Lorenzo’s eyes flickered, a shaky breath escaping him. “Wow, that’s a real heartbreaker. What happened? Accident? Did he get sick or something…”

Donald, his voice carrying a heavy burden, responded, “It’s no accident nor was it natural. It was a deliberate act against him.”

Lorenzo’s countenance turned stone-cold. “What? You mean he was murdered?”

“Indeed. He got entangled in some nefarious dealings, and it cost him his life. He was shot to death and left to die. He went missing for days only for us to receive a call that his lifeless body was found,” the pain in Donald’s voice resonated as he recounted the grim details.

Lorenzo’s eyes widened, their redness reflecting the shock as he absorbed the information. He fell into a contemplative silence before finally breaking it, “Why the sudden call, grandfather? I’m sure you didn’t dial me up for a chinwag or just to inform me of my brother’s death.”

“The task of locating you, Lorenzo, proved to be quite challenging; not even your mother is aware of my persistent attempts to reach you…”

In agreement, Lorenzo nodded, his tone dripping with disdain, “That’s very good to hear. That bitch can go jump in a lake for all I care.”

“Careful with how you speak, Lorenzo! Your mother is my daughter; do you understand?!” Donald admonished with an undercurrent of anger.

Lorenzo let out a sigh, his laughter echoing through the conversation before he remarked, “If you’ve managed to locate me, then you must have an inkling of who I am and the turn my life has taken.”

“What you've become is water under the bridge. I don’t fathom how you ended up in the Mafia when the Italian folks your mom handed you to were as clean as a whistle. Nevertheless, I need that side of you. I need you to return to California and find out who killed your brother.” Donald divulged.

“Revenge?” Lorenzo queried, a wry smile dancing on his lips. “That’s a horse of a different color, grandfather. I have no intention of going back to that place.”

“But it’s imperative you do, for your brother’s sake. You must reconcile with your mother; she needs you now more than ever,” Donald insisted with a resigned sigh.

“Hmm,” Lorenzo hummed, lost in contemplation. “She needs me, doesn’t she? Alright, fine then. The prospect of revenge appeals to me, and I prefer to keep my arrival under wraps.”

“I understand and I'm glad you accepted.”

Lorenzo acknowledged with a nod. "First and foremost, I’ve got to tie up loose ends at the office, and then I’ll catch the next bird to California.” Swiftly concluding the call, he averted his gaze from the captivating city skyline, focusing on his attentive personal assistant, Marco.

Surprised, Marco inquired, "You're leaving?"

Lorenzo affirmed, making his way to the desk and taking a seat. "I need Luca to act as my eyes and ears here. Contact him and convey that his presence is urgently required to oversee Spark."

"Understood, Capo. I'll inform Luca right away," Marco responded, heading to his desk to make the necessary arrangements.

After a brief interval, Luca Santoro, Lorenzo's crime partner and right-hand man in the underground world, arrived. Their connection traced back to Lorenzo's Mafia training under the Romano family, and they stuck together as allies after Lorenzo carved his own path.

Upon bowing respectfully, Luca inquired, "Marco mentioned you're leaving, Capo. What's the situation?"

Lorenzo rose, facing Luca. "I have business back in my hometown, and I need you to step into my role temporarily—be my proxy here, you understand."

Luca nodded in comprehension. "I'll ensure your office is secure, attend to all matters in your absence, and close up shop before your return. You can trust me, Enzo."

Lorenzo acknowledged with a nod. "Certainly. Remain vigilant, keep tabs on the surroundings, and keep me informed of every development here, particularly regarding Stefano. Quel ragazzo non sta tramando niente di buono (That boy is not plotting anything good)"

"There's nothing he can do, Capo. If you give me the green light, I’ll put an end to his existence!” Luca asserted confidently.

A contemplative silence lingered as Lorenzo gazed at Luca. Eventually, he spoke with a measured tone, “The notion is tempting, and it aligns with my deepest desires, but he's his father's only son. Just keep a watchful eye on him."

Luca nodded, a sign of respect. "I'll do just that. But if I may inquire, why the return home after twenty-four years? You mentioned you'd never go back to your biological family."

Turning away as he reached for his coat for an imminent meeting with a pensive expression, Lorenzo explained, "Circumstances have changed. The heinous murder of my twin brother demands retribution. Someone must answer for this.”

"You must care about him," Luca observed.

Lorenzo emitted a subdued chuckle, remarking, “All I know is, if there ever were a reason for my return, it was him. I expected to reunite with him in the realm of the living, but fate has twisted the narrative, and now I’m compelled to go back because he’s no more. Quite ironic, isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Capo,” Luca expressed with genuine sympathy.

Lorenzo, dismissing the condolences, shook his head. “There’s no need for apologies. We were mere five-year-olds when we parted ways anyway…”