" Uhmm... hey mama." I said once I entered Junior's room, where Amanda spends most of her time ever since Junior was taken, about a week ago. Amanda hasn't been the same ever since that day , ironically she wasn't crying and neither did she seem shaken up, she was just mute and that scared me more than anything .

" I brought you food ! your favorite actually, tuna sandwich and it's cold, just the way you like it. " I slowly approached the rocking chair she was sitting on, she ignored me and continued to stare off in space.

" I'm worried about you mama... You won't eat or drink anything and you lock yourself up in this room all day everyday. " I said kneeling before her and taking her hands into mine.

" We're going to find Junior, I'm certain about that." I said kissing the back of her one hand and a tear rolled down her face. I reached out and wiped it, cupping her cheek.

" It's been a week already Leonardo, where are they keeping my son ? What are they feeding him ? Are they washing him ? Is he warm ? I can't Leonar--" her voice faded and all you could hear were her loud sobs. I pulled her onto my chest and she held on to me so tight as if I'd leave her too. Tears poured out of her eyes, down her swollen face. I picked her up from the chair and sat her on my lap and rocked her back and forth trying to calm her down, keyword "try ".

" I'm as worried about Junior as you are. I'm trying so hard to keep it together and not break down because of the guilt I feel. I have failed as a parent once again ." I sighed, throwing my head back in frustration. Amanda picked her head up from my chest and looked at me.

" You didn't fail and you never did. " she said softly with a small smile before kissing my forehead.

" I haven't seen you smile in a while . " I said and she simply just shrugged before standing up to leave.

" I'm going to freshen up and feed Mariano and Nikita . " she said leaning on the doorframe .

" My mother and Mia already washed them and she said something about feeding them the... milk you pumped ? " she nodded before leaving the room. I sighed before getting off the floor and leaving the room, not wanting to be near anything that reminds me of him. I jogged down the stairs, the same time Luke and Mason entered through the front door.

" Tell me something I want to hear ." I walked into the living room, joining the rest of the team. I leaned against the wall and waited on them to tell me what they've found.

" We... Uhmm actually... We don't... Boss--" I rolled my eyes at the stuttering Luke.

" You sound like a bitch, Mason ?! " I turned and looked at Mason and he only shrugged making me chuckle .

" Okay so let me get this straight, I asked you to locate that barstard DeCarlo and you told me that you didn't have enough resources to do so, so I went out and got you your fucking machines and you still can't get me to my son ?! What is this ? What are you even fucking doing here ? I'm pretty sure I don't pay you fuckers to be dumb or rather stupid . " I spat with anger while looking at my workers that were scattered all over my living room.

" LEONARDO ! " my mother yelled, filling the whole room with silence after . I chuckled , slightly shaking my head.

" What mother ? I'm talking to my workers so please do me a favor and stay out of it. " I said as calmly as I can

"Leonardo don't spea--" Luciano started but I cut him off.

" and I say that with all due respect , now find my fucking son ! Oh and you better pray we find him on time because I won't hesitate to kill all of you." I turned my back on them and left the room going into my office.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

After freshening up, I left our bedroom and went to check on Mariano and Nikita before going back to Junior's nursery. I entered and closed the door behind me, the house was filled with all kinds of Leonardo's people and yes I know they're here to help but I couldn't help but feel irritated and a bit on edge having them here, around my children.

I walked around Junior's room, reminiscing the moments I'd walk into his room and I'd find his hands and feet dangling in the air while he layed on his crib. Leonardo was the least problematic out of the trio and he was sweet, calm and so ador--

Ring Ring !

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked around the room, my phone broke on the day of the incident so I know for a fact that the phone wasn't mine. The phone rang again and I followed the sound and I found it on top of the crib. I rolled my eyes and stomped towards it, I specifically told Leonardo not to let anyone into our babies bedrooms except for family. I picked up the phone and answered.

" Please hold on, let me get this to the owner. " I said while walking towards the door.

"No need sweetheart, you're the person I actually wanted to talk to ."

My heart dropped to my stomach at the sound of his voice. I stopped in my tracks and slowly looked around the room.

" W-Where are you ?" I said barely above a whisper, my voice threatening to break.

" I'm sorry I couldn't stay sweetheart, I had a few errands to run and besides I didn't want to be a nuisance. "

" Wher--How's my son ? " I asked tears clouding my eyes.

" Well that depends on you sweetheart ."

" W-What do you m-mean ? "

" See I'm hosting a party tonight, nothing big honestly just my family and the gang. I'd like it if you came and so would your son. "

" Are you fuckin-- " DeCarlo cut me off with one of his wicked, disgusting chuckles.

" I'd watch what I say if I were you , I do have your son after all . "

He said and I can already see the smirk on his face.

" See you tonight sweetheart and wear something sexy for me. Oh ! And no plus ones or else I'll kill this little boy. "

" No, no, no, no, please don't kill my son. " I pleaded .

" Then do as I say bitch ! "

" What you're asking me to do is impossible , the house is guarded 24 / 7. There's no way I could sneak without being caught or without Leonardo noticing . " he laughed and it wasn't a humorless laugh either, he was genuinely laughing.

" Don't make your problems my problem sweetheart . I already sent the address, be there by 8 Pm tonight and remember our deal, no plus one's or else... "

" DeCarlo please don--" he hung up before I could even finish. I slid down the wall, dropping to the floor . I curled into a ball and just let the tears fall. There's no way I could pull this off by myself and I can't ask anyone for help either because I'd be jeopardizing my son's life .

" Thixo ncela undiphe amandla ."

(God please give the strength.)

A/N

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL 🎈 !

I love you and I'm so honored to have you guys in my circle of loved ones. You guys definitely made my 2020 memorable and I can not wait to create more memories with you this year and many more years to come. I wish you guys nothing but happiness, love and success this year and hopefully it's a better year than last year.

I love you. ❤️