Chapter 4

HOTEL SILVER MOON

It wasn't surprising to have a tv screen at such a reputed hotel. You could see many things that were going on around the world. What made people tremble in fear were the bomb explosions at the Italian Mafia's Mansion. People didn't know if they should be happy that the mafia rule was now over or whether they should be more afraid of who would take over.

Noah was done with the preparations for the day. He owned the hotel, but still he was a chef first and helping others in the kitchen was his utmost duty as he thought.

"Sire, have you seen the news today? There was a series of bomb explosions today at the Juliano's Mansion. Weren't we suppose to deliver there today?" An associate who was in charge of the order asked Noah.

"What? How's that possible? Lucas's Mansion was bombed? Isn't he the Italian Mafia? Who dared bomb him?" Noah was shocked.

Hotel Silver Moon had orders for a feast celebration at the Juliano's. But Noah was always prepared for the worst. He clapped his hands and everybody gathered around him.

"Listen up, everyone. It's obvious today's orders stand cancelled. But, we will still prepare what all things were ordered and that will be the Chef's special for today. I trust all you guys. So let's make people double happy today. At the end of the day, let's have a dinner together. Cheer up." Noah was an excellent motivator.

He never once blamed or scolded anyone. He was a kind and easy going man.

"Yes, sir." Said everyone in one tone. He nodded and excused himself wanting to call his wife.

A while later...

"Emma, stay at home today. There's lots going on today. Ask our children to be home too. I don't have time to explain, but you can turn on the tv, if you wish to know." Noah said, his voice trembling with fear for the first time.

"Honey, explosions took place in Milan. It's not like Venice will be affected as well." Emma to Noah trying to calm him down.

"My dear wife, I won't force you, but if things turn to bad, I can't risk losing your guys."

"You won't lose us. Don't you say anything bad. Get yourself together. I will wake children up." Emma assured Noah and they hung up.

Even though Emma had assured Noah of certain things, Noah's worries were visible on his face. He went out and called for an emergency meeting with the guards.

"Sir, what is it that's troubling you?" Asked Jaden, the butler.

"Everybody, there is lot going on in Italy at the moment. Lucas was not an ordinary man. And things might get worse, now that he's... I don't know the details, but that's what the media says. So let's be on guard. Strict checking, in and out records, CCTV checkups and checking for women too. Get our lady guards here. Everybody for a stay at our hotel should be given passes and get their fingerprints scanned. So we know the actualy count. If you find anyone suspicious, call the polis immediately and then notify me. Got it?!" Noah said trying to hide his fear.

"Yes sir.. Will make sure." Said Jaden. And everybody left.

Just then Malcolm happened to get down for a walk. He was trying to figure out the way. He seemed lost, but it's always good to be careful.

Noah walked upto him and greeted him.

"Good morning, how may I help you?" He asked Malcolm.

"Oh hi, good morning, I was just wondering where the pool is. I thought I could take a swim." Malcolm said with a smile.

"Sure,why not? Walk straight and then turm to your right. Go straight again and take left. It's your destination." Noah explained him.

"But, I have to remind you, boy. You look young. You must be here for stay at the hotel. Please take care, if you go out. Things don't seem well here in Italy. It might go worse from now." Noah told him out of worry.

Malcolm smiled and patted Noah's shoulder.

"Noah Russo?" Malcolm said. "You're the owner?" He asked Noah.

"Yes, boy. I am the owner. Tell me." Noah told him.

"Sir, let me ask you one thing. Are you afraid, now that Juliano is dead, somebody else might take his place? But, don't you think, Italy is now free from the shackles of a gangster? Aren't you happy?" Malcolm asked Noah.

"Boy, when you're a family man like me and have much to lose, you certainly will worry. Even though you're happy, you will still have the thought of your happiness being stolen the next moment." Noah replied to him.

Malcolm looked carefully at Noah and observed that he was more than careful. Suddenly, Noah's phone rang. His wife was calling him.

"Excuse me," Noah said and Malcolm nodded.

"Yes, Emma. What is it? All okay?" He asked his wife.

"Honey, it's Mia.." She said and stopped.

"Mia? What about Mia? Isn't she home. She had no classes, She isn't at the hotel too."

Noah said.

As soon as Malcolm heard that Mia was missing, he realised what had happened the other day. He decided to text Ray. But then, Ray had slept so well for the first time. So he decided to take matters into his hand. After all, she was the woman his Ray loved.

"I just came to her room to find she wasn't there. Jas and Marcel have no idea where she is either. Honey, I am now worried." Emma said crying.

"Emma, Emma.. Calm down love. Pass the phone to Jas." Noah said.

"Yes, Dad. Please don't worry. We will find her. She must have gone out for a walk. I will go out now. Will inform you." Jasper assured his dad.

"Ok, keep me informed. And please find my baby girl." Noah said, his eyes tearing up.

"Sir, if you don't mind, tell me the way to your home. I have my car, I will just take stroll around there. Maybe she's on her way here. Trust me, am not as bad." Malcolm tried to help Noah.

"Yeah.. Here's the location. Please. I will be grateful to you. Being a stranger, you're helping me." He said to Malcolm.

Noah saw Malcolm leave with his car.

Noah began to think who this stranger was. He was way older and he aware of the world. He could tell what a person is just by a look.

But this man, was something different. He was confident and knew about the situation as if he was behind all the mess. But how he agreed to help was only a gentleman's thing.