Valentina Aurora Romano

"Hello Mr. Sharapov." I say as we reach the bottom the stairs.

"Hello to you too, Valentina. And to you as well, Lorenzo and Marina."

I'm still not used to being called that.

"Let's go to my office shall we," he says.

We walk across the hallways. I try to memorize every turn we take. We pass by a library that has several computers and another room filled with tech supplies. His office is also an option but it wouldn't be a smart one.

"In an hour we will be attending a dinner with my allies from Ukraine and Germany. I have to show them proof of you all so we can make our first move. For now you may explore around. Don't get yourselves in trouble."

We nod our heads. This was going to be easier than expected; he already underestimates us.

I can't wait for all his plans to fall apart.

Lorenzo, Marina and I walk down the deserted halls to find the library. My heels click across the floor, as I try to keep my balance. I've never worn something so fancy in my entire life.

When we reach the doors we split up to look less suspicious. I go near the laptops, while they go to look at random books.

I open the laptop and sigh and relief when I see there is no passcode. I get to work on decoding the tracker inside the bracelet.

30 minutes later

"I DID IT!" I whisper-yell in happiness.

The little flashing light starts to flicker on the bracelet. I found a way to send the signal to our dad without setting the alarm the Russians put on it.

This is all so weird. I can't believe this is my life now. Hacking, Kidnapping, Guns, The Mafia. It all seems to insane to be true.

"Ok that was quick. Our sister is a genius Lorenzo." smiles Marina.

"She is. Let's go back so he doesn't get suspicious."

I make sure the bracelet isn't showing the side with the light and get up from my seat. We then trace our steps all the way to his office.

I knock on the door and hear Mr. Russian-Man
mutter a response to come in.

"Are we ready to go Mr. Sharapov?" I question.

"Yes we are. I had the maids pack you all overnight bags because we will be staying in Vladimir. The quickest way is by jet so let's get going."

We follow the measly man to his jet. When I look behind us I see the men from earlier with guns in their grips.

"You know Valentina, you are being quite complying. I wonder why?" says Sergei.

"I don't feel like dying yet Sir. So if that means listening to you then so be it," I say bluntly.

"And your siblings?" He smirks.

"I don't think they want to face death so early either Mr. Sharapov."

Since when did I become such a great liar?

• • •

The jet ride was only about 15 minutes. Now as we walk through the gates of the large room we see all heads turn to us. I don't show my fear when I see all these Mafia people. I needed to be strong. I've been weak my whole life, and since I know the truth, I need to stop showing weakness.

"Hello Mr. Sharapov," everyone says in unison.

"Hello Germany. Hello Ukraine," says the man in front of us, "I present to you: Valentina Aurora Romano, Marina Isabella Romano and Lorenzo Antonio Romano."

We all step forward eying the people around us.

"I'm scared," Marina whispers in my ear.

"I am too, just act brave," I whisper back.

We turn our heads back to the front and hear Mr. Russian Mafia Man say loudly, "Let the night begin!"

.

An hour passed by and Mr. Russia goes up on the stage with his microphone. Lorenzo, Marina and I have been sitting here silently since everyone had been watching our every move since we had arrived.

"Hello, my allies. As you know, Stage 1 is complete. We have the eldest children of Stefano Daniel Romano of the Italian Mafia: The Strikers. This will start the biggest war in mafia history.

He has betrayed us all and it is finally time to take over. Stefano doesn't know our location yet, we sent him towards my territory in New York. He knows his children are missing but what he doesn't know is that I plan to do the unexpected.

If he doesn't show up 48 hours after our next threat; Lorenzo, Marina and Valentina will never see another day of their short lives. They will be sentenced to their deaths in three days time. But it is up to their father. The clock is ticking so let's start this war!"

The crowd cheers and from both sides of me I hear my siblings whisper in unison:

"Cazzo!"

Fùck is right.

You better be coming soon Dad.