The Secrets We Hide

Chapter Thirteen

Alec and Derek hustled through the small alleys of Italy, their backs hitched as their eyes scowled as they shuffled past the habitants of Italy. Many were in groups, huddled together, puffing on the sweet smell of tobacco. Others were scattering out of clubs. The evening air was crisp as it crashed against their skin. Both brothers shuffled through the crowd, ensuring that both were inconspicuous. Neither wanted to draw attention to themselves, for they both had small splatters of blood on their suits. Although they didn't fear the law, they were in an unknown territory with little political pull. If they were to get in trouble, they would most likely have to pull some strings with the local Mafia, which was the Barone family. Both were aware that the fiasco tonight would make it extraordinarily difficult to intercede.

Although Derek was the head of their family, Alec was extremely versatile. His observation skills were paramount, his ability to blend into his surroundings like a chameleon was a highly valued skill. Derek simply followed his brother, not missing a single step. Derek's thoughts darkly wandered, he couldn't help but think of the potential he had to be the head of their mafia. He rivaled his brother in every aspect, but in adverse times, he couldn't help but feel inferior to Alec. Although there was a tinge of jealousy towards his brother, he was extremely thankful because he knew he would not have survived the attack. The abrupt stop of his brother shook him out of his thoughts.

"Why'd you stop?" Derek pondered, his gaze scattering across the street.

There they stood in one of the many narrow cobblestoned alleys. The buildings were tall and domineering, without a single flash of natural light creeping in. Both brothers were painted in the night's darkness. The silence was heavy and thick, they could only hear their laboured breaths.

"We're somewhere safe." He nodded his head to a small, slender wooden door. Derek lightly brushed his knuckles, tapping on the door. They could hear the clanking of locks from the other side. With a tug, a small gap appeared and a pair of ice-blue eyes glared at the two men at the door. However, the hostility dissipated, which was replaced with familiarity and respect.

"Boss." The deep voice croaked out as he swung the door open. The man was small, but bulky in muscle with a short haircut. His ivory skin was red, making it look sore.

Alec brushed by the man while Derek followed him. Derek recognised the male as the subordinate at Alec's company. He often followed him like a shadow, this made him frown because he had wondered where this man was when the two were preparing for the evening festivities.

"Jordan." Alec nodded his head in return.

"The rooms are prepared for you upstairs as you instructed." Jordan curtly responded.

"Thank you. I need you to get in contact with Dexter. Tell him I need him to hack into the local police system and get as much information as possible about who started the attack. I also want all the local CCTV recordings in a twenty-mile radius. I also want any traffic camera footage of the main roads going to Venice for the last week." Alec instructed.

"Yes Boss." He replied before he pulled out his phone from his pocket and then proceeded to another room. Alec made his way up the stairs, with Derek trailing behind him.

"When did you set this up?" Derek's eyes narrowed at his younger brother's head. It was as if a leopard was about to leap onto an enemy that was stepping into his territory.

Alec sighed deeply. "No matter where you go, I always have a back-up plan."

"What do you mean?" Derek pushed for further answers.

"Well, whenever you travel, I always make sure there is a spare safe house for you. I don't tell you because I knew you would feel it was unnecessary." He reached the top of the stairs and pushed open a door, which led to a room with sparse furniture. He slumped into the chair before rubbing the side of his temple. "You're the head of the family. We'd be screwed if something happened to you. I organise it so that if there was ever a traitor, then you would have somewhere safe to be until we could get to you. The only people who know about the plans are me and Jordan." Alec reassures.