No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 8

"Now that security is somewhat sorted, let's properly look through this place," I say, pulling Alessio over to me by his shoulder as we leave Azalea alone in the front room.

"Pretty and pink?" I question, raising my eyebrow at my brother as he shrugs,

"Sometimes she needs motivation for shit like this," he says simply,

"Fair enough," I mutter, walking into the room the auction was held in.

This is by far the biggest room, spanning over two stories. It could be used for functions or be used to train new recruits, depending on the size of the other rooms.

"I reckon this would make for a good storage room," Alessio says, "It's big, so we can put a lot of shit in here, and the other rooms can be for training recruits,"

"I was thinking the opposite," I muse, leaning against the wall.

"Well look at it this way," Alessio starts, "It would be easier to have all out shit in one room, and then the other rooms can be for either storing things in short supply or training our men in different matters,"

"Go back to the training thing," I say,

"We can have separate rooms dedicated to different things, one room can be First Aid, hacking etcetera," Alessio explains, looking at me intently.

I like my men well trained in all areas, you're only as strong as your weakest member, and everybody knows I only allow the best to work for me. It might take longer, and mean we have less men, but quality over quantity, especially when it comes to our business.

"Good idea," I nod my head, "Let's look at the other rooms then," I say, looking around the empty space once more before we walk out of the room.

We walk through the corridor and look into each room, each one as empty as the last, minimal windows scattered around the building, although meaning the property is darker, making it more ideal for storing weapons and tools in here.

We eventually make our way around the entire property before walking back to where Azalea is seated at a table in the foyer area.

The unusual thing about this property, is that although it has the functions of a house with bedrooms, bathrooms, and a kitchen, it's built more like a business building or a warehouse. It was very obviously built for someone who needed certain needs catered for, but it left it hard to sell due to its' strange aspects.

"I found a security system that we've used in the past, it's getting delivered and installed in the next hour," Azalea says, looking up from her pink laptop.

"Thanks Lea," I say, pulling out a chair at the table.

"When's the shipment coming?" Alessio asks, sitting down beside me.

"This evening, around 6 o'clock," I say,

"The security system will be installed by 4," Azalea says, "After that I'm leaving, you can organise your little shipment by yourself,"

"Wouldn't expect you to stay," I chuckle, leaning back in my chair as I cross my arms over my chest.

"It doesn't worry you that Anastasia knows that you bought this place?" she suddenly asks, closing her laptop.

"No, why would it?" I ask, slightly confused at her question.

"Well if you genuinely believe that she's targeting you, then wouldn't it be worrying that she knows you just got a new property, especially since she knows where it is," Azalea explains, and I shake my head. "I'm not worried about that Lea, we'll be fine," I say, sounding more assured than I feel.

There's this constant nagging feeling that something bad is lurking around the corner, that something bad is going to happen as a consequence to my every action. It's a nagging reminder that something isn't right, and I don't understand it.

I try to ignore it, but it forms a pit in my stomach, as if I might actually fail at protecting my family this time, that something might happen, and this time cost us all dearly.

"It'll be fine," Alessio says, always the optimist, trying to reassure us both.

"Nothing to worry about," I add, smiling at Azalea as she nods.

————

"Is that everything Don?" one of the guards ask as he shuts the back of his truck.

I give him a short nod as I look over the sheet detailed with the order, scanning the quantities as I nod again.

"Good evening Don," the man says politely, giving me a stiff nod before getting back into his truck and driving off.

"Why is it just us taking all this shit in?" Alessio groans, looking at the boxes surrounding us in the driveway of the estate.

"Because I don't trust anyone else to do it," I say bluntly, picking up a box and carrying it inside, ignoring Alessio's grumbles as he follows me, muttering something about me needing to get over my "crippling trust issues."

We take everything in to the open space, organising everything from guns, to vests, to ammunition, to First Aid supplies, and so on; until the room is neatly organised in rows of boxes.

"I'm fucking exhausted," Alessio grumbles, "Let's get out of here and hope Dad cooked something good for dinner,"

I chuckle and shake my head at my brother, gently patting his back.

"Let's go fratello, it's been a productive day," I say, leading us out to the driveway where my car is parked.

Issy came to pick Lea up a few hours ago, leaving just me and Alessio to finish setting up the estate.

The security system is all sorted out, with every entrance and exit heavily monitored; leaving it close to impossible for anyone to break in.

Close to impossible. But I'd still like to see someone try.

//

Decided to write and post another chapter today since I'm in a good mood,

Next one will be out soon, but until then, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3