The Contract Keepers (PLAYBOOK #4)

CHAPTER 15: When the last sand falls in the hourglass.

FELIX

The news of Kevin Newton's death is blasted all over the country with his mugshot on newspapers and tv screens all over the Dominican Republic.

Of all the people we chose to kill, we actually did the lord's work on this one because he was a wanted man in both Mexico and Cuba for domestic violence and assault of a minor.

Bianca is gone 4days without contact to us or her family. Before dropping her off, we made sure she had her story straight and have her alibi ready just in case but it is never requested.

Today is the fifth day of her absence and Ivan is going back to Singapore tonight to check on Odessa because lockdown has him overstrained.

"I am losing patience," Abuelo Rio tells us. "Both Vladimir and I are losing patience with you kids."

We are in his office because the time I asked for is now up and he wants me to announce my decision while Ivan is here so he can return word back to the Russian mob.

"We know sir but there is not much we can do during lockdown." Ivan answers the grumpy old man who forced this gathering.

We are also in the presence of Maria along with her parents, Laura and Dr Samuel Hidalgo. It seems the only one missing here, is Bianca herself and it feels...

"Wrong." Rio stomps his cane on the ground. "Everything can happen during lockdown, the bride is here and the groom is here, why should we wait for an announcement?"

"Because both families have to agree." I speak before Ivan can. "My family has to know and—"

"We agree," Rio interjects. "If you are both worried about Bianca, don't. We will handle her and make sure she is on board before Maria walks down the aisle."

"Yes but—" Bianca.

"Then it is done," Rio talks over me again. "Do you choose Maria Gloria Hancock as your bride?" Rio and Ivan look at me.

"I do but—" Bianca.

"And you Maria, do you accept Felix's proposal to unite our families and fulfil the blood contract?"

"I do Abuelo." Maria smiles and everyone in the room cheers and by everyone, I mean Maria-Gloria and her mother.

Dr Samuel and I share a similar look because again, this feels wrong without Bianca.

"There, it is done." Rio looks at Ivan, "return the word back to the Dominaka clan that after you choose a wife, a Dominaka and Hidalgo wedding will follow shortly."

More cheers erupt around the room as music starts from somewhere.

"Wait, just like that?" I try to speak over the noise but Ivan is the only one still listening as Bianca's father leaves.

"If you want me to stop this just say the word," he glances at Maria and leans in to add "but I need to remind you that you need a bride Felix. Your time is up, if it is not her then it needs to be someone in this clan."

"I know but—" I am stopped by Maria jumping over me in a hug.

"We are engaged!" She beams into my ear and holds me tighter, "oh I can't wait to be your wife."

"Wife?" I nearly stumble back because I am at a loss for words.

"Felix?" Ivan calls when Maria breaks the hug to leap into her grandfather's arms next before kissing his cheek. "What's the verdict? I need to return to Vladimir with a name."

I look around the room and the celebrating people cheering around us like they are genuinely happy. I pull out my phone and find it blank with no notifications from Bianca which leaves me with one question.