CHAPTER 3: The Meetings

" Haa Captain, we are too old for this, don't you agree?" Drago was saying looking at the head of the walking stick he had come with after which he looked around the room.

"Drago! To what do I owe this pleasantry from King Drago himself" Captain said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

" Let's cut to the chase Cap, first was my container, now my package?" Drago smiled looking around the room the second time as if he would see the package stacked up somewhere in there.

Bella tightened the shawl so that it covered up her face except her eyes as she observed Drago closely, he hadn't changed much, yes age was telling on him, the lines and wrinkles were proof, their eyes met and Bella looked down immediately fearing he might recognise her, that's highly impossible for a man of his calibre she assured herself to relax.

"And you came thinking we did it? " Captain let out a chuckle, he took his hand out of the drawer and off the gun then proceeded to pour himself a glass of 18 years Glenfiddich.

"We both know, you are still sobbing over your warehouses" Drago said reaching for the glass in Captain's hand, he took a big gulp out of it.

Captain grinded his teeth, making his jaw muscles jump, the nerve of this man to admit to his face that he had been the reason Captain's warehouse was destroyed eight months ago, he had lost hundreds of millions and it had almost crumbled his business if not for the ghost Lotus and a few other contacts.

"You make enemies wherever you go Drago, it's no wonder they are coming after you," Captain said, taking the glass of whiskey back from Drago.

"Haa Captain but we all have enemies, I have made it this far because I know mine, I do not have time to be idle like you, so if you would just return what you have taken from me, I will be out of your hair," Drago said looking around the third time.

"I have no warehouse Drago, where will I put such an amount of package? Look around if you must"

"Perhaps with these little goons of yours" Drago said pointing to everyone in the room.

"Next time Drago come with proof" Lorenzo said eyeing the man despisingly.

Drago chuckled, then began heading for the door but he stopped at the door and asked.

"I take it you know the coward Lotus?"

"Is he one of your enemies?" Captain asked absent-mindedly as he took sips from his glass.

" Well I only know he is a coward, all he does is hide in the shadows, I understand I'm a man to be afraid of after all" Drago boasted with a smile which didn't change even when he got ridiculous and scoffed from the room.

"I hope he can make an appearance at the auction. He has my interest," Drago continued, then walked out leaving the door wide open.

Everyone exhaled in relief except Captain he sat still looking at the glass cup in his hand deep in thought.

"The man has got balls I can't deny, doing all the work himself" Cassandra said sitting up.

"Piece of shit!" Bella cursed.

"We would have been caught Cap, there's no longer enough space at the warehouse, we would have had to bring it here or take it home, who's to say Drago's men aren't there already searching our houses?"

Captain had three warehouses, the smallest one was a secret, and Drago had had one destroyed and the other seized by the government, yes he had higher hands and he used it to oppress others, and claim king of Mafians, he is a notorious one.

Captain's phone rang and he looked at everyone with surprised eyes, he picked up the call and left the phone on speaker.

"I'm sure by now he has left your office, now how do you want your share, raw or liquidated?" Lotus asked.

"How did you know?" Captain asked.

"I have eyes, Captain, I know about things you can only imagine," Lotus said, the pitch and voice on the phone fluctuating showing it was dubbed and not his real voice.

"Like?" Captain asked

"Like your little warehouse on Fifth Avenue, nice disguise there, I couldn't believe it was a warehouse with the little family living there"

Captain stood up in shock, and so did everyone as they stared at Captain in confusion.

"Don't worry Cap we are on the same side" Lotus assured.

"Liquidated, but no transfer, I want cash, payment will be at the auction. I want to know you Lotus if we are truly on the same side " Captain said sternly trying not to be agitated else everyone else would worry.

"See you at the auction Captain" Lotus said then ended the call.

"I told you it was a misunderstanding, he was looking out for us," Captain said in unnecessary defence.

"Forget about misunderstanding, this ghost knows too much that can screw us up," Bella said in frustration

" Well he won't be a ghost anymore by Friday " Eric said, putting a hand on Bella's shoulder.

"If he knows so much about us, then he will have information on others as well, if we get him as an ally, we will be at an advantage too" Lorenzo added...

"Captain, what are your orders?" Cassandra asked.

"Lorenzo, clear up every incoming product, we start sales next week, Eric gather the boys and keep your eyes on the warehouse, make sure the Kingstons haven't said a word to anyone, girls get ready we have a party to attend in two days and I need premium information, Lorenzo you will meet us there and bring snipper and Matt with you" Captain ordered, and they all left to prepare.

* * * * *

Leonard Giovanni stood with a glass of champagne in hand as he observed her, a raven dark-haired beauty, she wore a short white dress that hugged her figure and had a slit almost up to her waist revealing straight and full legs, he'd noticed her from the moment she walked in and she had his attention still, he wasn't big on events like this and had only wanted to make an appearance but he was glad he did, he watched her chat with a group of three men, laughing and leaning into them softly.

"Ohh she's a flirt" he murmured to himself then took a sip of the champagne.

"Haa ladies drink " he complained as he set down the glass on the tray of a help that passed him, then he headed for the bar, he needed something a bit stronger.

A glass of scotch in hand he headed towards the black-haired beauty but she had switched groups, she looked over her shoulder and their eyes met, he raised his glass slightly to her and she flashed him a soft smile then looked away.

Bella noticed the man from across the hall watching her. He looked handsome, she would give him that, but she didn't know him which means he wasn't influential and she knew half the top gang leaders and mafia lords in this room directly and indirectly and she was here to make a more influential alliance.

"Tall glass of handsomeness over there can't get his eyes off you" Cassandra informed, coming to stand beside Bella.

"Too bad we ain't here for pretty boys" Bella reminded.

"Hmm hmmm, fun comes later" Cassandra agreed nodding her head and taking a sip of her drink.

"Any juice on Lotus?" Bella asked, looking around.

"Nothing yet Cap is still waiting "

"What about Lorenzo and the boys?"

"On their way "Cassandra confirmed.

"Ohh beautiful, you look ravishing," said a familiar voice that made Bella cringe.

"Hugo? What are you doing here?" Bella asked with a fake smile as she let him hug her from the side.

"I'm a transporter baby, and all these folks need a service like mine," he said, tucking her hair behind her ears.

"I heard your last deal was a flop and now you're having troubles with Drago himself" Bella said, shifting away from him when he frowned.

" I see words travel fast," he said, laughing nervously.

"I see you managed to cover up pretty well, it's a miracle what makeup does these days".

He said in a clap back and Bella clenched her fist in anger but settled when Cassandra patted her back saying.

"They are starting, let's go sit down" and they began to walk away.

"Don't worry baby you were delicious, I will pay more next time" Hugo mocked, smiling as they left.

Leonard waited for the beauty in a white dress to sit then sat next to her, he unbuttoned his suit as he sat a soft smile gracing his face.

Their eyes met and he flashed her a little smile then looked away.

Bella smiled back, he was more handsome from close view, and he seemed new to all these, was he a new recruit who was his boss?

"Leonard Giovanni " he said finally speaking to her then extended his hand for a handshake.

"Bella Charles," she said, extending her hand also, she shook his hands softly.

He was so calm and composed that Bella thought he must be a pro with his confidence.

"Giovanni? I know a few Giovannis, who are you with?" She asked.

"I'm afraid I'm alone," he said with a little smile.

"I haven't seen you before," she continued.

"I'm not big on these things, " Leonard explained briefly.

"Ohh I see..." Bella was saying but got cut off.

"Shushh, it's starting, " Cassandra informed them.

Bella spared Leonard a smile and then searched the room for Captain, she found him three rows behind with a familiar face sitting next to him involved in a deep conversation. But she wasn't the only one taking notice, at the other side of the room Drago sat observing Captain and his companion. She pinched Cassandra who looked in her direction.

"Ohhh my fucking god, there's no way he is the Lotus, him?" Cassandra said in a whisper, and Bella couldn't help but feel something was off.