Chapter One: The Informant

Sofia's hands were moist with perspiration as she held onto the tray of vacant glasses, the noise of ice clinking and celebrations echoing in the busy bar. It was a regular night of serving drinks and avoiding unwanted advances, until she stumbled upon a discussion that would alter her life permanently.

The entrance to the rear chamber burst open, exposing a heated conversation between two bulky men in dark suits. Sofia was motionless as she heard the words being spoken, "The boss is requesting their elimination." There cannot be any observers present. She felt her heart beating quickly when she understood the seriousness of what she had just heard.

Sofia felt the heaviness of her discovery in her chest, her mind racing with endless possibilities. She was aware that she needed to act fast, but her feet seemed stuck to the ground. The sound of the bar's laughter and chatter seemed to decrease in intensity, as if time itself had slowed down.

While contemplating her next step, Sofia felt a sudden rush of excitement when the door to the rear room opened again, unveiling the intimidating presence of a stranger she was unfamiliar with. His intense stare penetrated her, and at that moment, Sofia realized that her destiny was decided.

The man moved ahead, causing his footsteps to reverberate in Sofia's thoughts. His face marked with scars and wide shoulders gave off a sense of danger, causing her to instinctively move away.

"Something was heard by you that you weren't supposed to," he said in a deep, gravelly voice. "Don Giovanni will wish to meet with you."

Sofia felt her heart racing in her chest while she trailed the man into a poorly lit office through the back room.

A man she knew from the portraits in the bar, Don Giovanni, the Mafia family leader, was sitting at a desk in the corner.

Don Giovanni fixed his eyes on Sofia as if he were a predator stalking its prey. He reclined in his seat, fingers intertwined in front of him.

"He said you have placed yourself in a challenging situation, exuding calm authority in his voice." However, I am someone who seizes opportunities and I think you can be beneficial to me.

Sofia's mouth went dry as she swallowed nervously. "I-I'm not sure I comprehend," she stuttered. "What is it that you desire from me?"

Don Giovanni grinned, displaying a line of gleaming white teeth.

Heart pounding vigorously in her chest, Sofia could hear the deafening echo of its thumping in her ears. She struggled to maintain a steady grip on the tray as her hands trembled.

"You overheard a conversation that was not intended for you," Don Giovanni stated, his voice remaining composed and tranquil. "And from this point on, you will act as my source of information. You will need to inform me of all that you observe and hear while in this bar. And I will ensure your safety in exchange."

Sofia's thoughts were overwhelmed with a combination of confusion and fear. She was always well-behaved, avoiding trouble and preferring solitude. However, she was now in a vulnerable position under the control of the city's most influential man, compelled to engage in a risky game of cat-and-mouse with the Mafia.

"What if I decline?" she inquired, her voice barely audible.

Don Giovanni's smile disappeared, his eyes becoming as hard as polished onyx. "Then you will face the consequences," he responded, his chilling tone sending shivers down her spine.

Sofia experienced dryness in her mouth and sensed the office walls were closing in on her. She had never experienced such intense fear before. However, she was aware that she had no alternatives.

"Okay," she muttered, her voice trembling. "I will carry out your request."

Don Giovanni nodded with a satisfied expression on his face. "Okay," he replied as he stood up from his seat. "Tonight is when you will begin." And also keep in mind, if you deceive me, there will be no place where you can seek refuge.

Sofia felt like she was navigating a nightmare, with each stride leading her deeper into the unknown underbelly of the city, distancing her from her familiar life. She went back to the bar, her thoughts a chaotic mix of fear, anxiety, and grim resolve.

While moving around tables and attending to customers, Sofia's eyes swept across the room seeking anything unusual. Observing a man sitting in a booth corner, his face obscured in the shadows, she felt a sudden cold sensation travel down her back.

Sofia's hands trembled as she neared the booth, carrying a tray of drinks.

"Here are your drinks," she said with a forced smile while placing them on the table.

The man sitting in the booth glanced up, his face finally visible in the dim lighting. Sofia was shocked when she identified him as Luca, a lieutenant of Don Giovanni.

Luca expressed gratitude with a deep, rough voice. "Are you the new informant?"

Sofia gave a small nod as her throat quickly became dry. She murmured softly, "Yes."

Luca leaned in closer, his gaze locked onto Sofia's. "You're in too deep, do you realize that?" he asked, with a touch of amusement in his voice.

Sofia took a deep breath, her hands continuing to tremble. "I-I am left with no option," she stuttered.

Luca nodded, a grin teasing at the edge of his lips. He leaned back in his seat and commented, "Everyone says that." "But keep in mind, once you're inside, you can't escape."

Sofia shivered as Luca's words resounded in her thoughts, sending a cold sensation down her back. As she made her way back to the bar, her mind was in a whirlwind as she attempted to comprehend her circumstances.

As the night progressed, the bar started to clear out, with the sounds of celebration diminishing into quietude. Sofia was by herself in the bar, finishing cleaning the last few glasses, when she heard a sound coming from the rear room. She stopped suddenly, feeling her heart race as she moved quietly towards the door, placing her hand on the knob.