Ciao Amores,

I've been working on an update erratically for the past two months, if you didn't catch my broadcast. I changed offices and I've been busy like a bee.

My only down time is lunch time and by the time I'm finished eating, it's back to work. When I get home now, I'm so tired, I just want to relax and rest up.

Chronic writer's block is a real pain in the butt.

I really hope you enjoy after the long wait.

Here's the Fortieth Installation of Italian Coffee House.

Please

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ENJOY XD.

XO,

Ang

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Niccolò's Chocolate House

Chapter 40

*Nico*

By the time our connection to the call had been severed, my blood was already seething with an unquenchable rage. The tone of her voice played explicitly on my mind. She sounded so withdrawn, almost as though she was ready to accept her fate, and that scared me nearly half-to-death. As if I would allow that.

Ada had to know me well enough by now. To conceive that my wife would consider - even the slightest possibility of me having no qualms - about giving in to such a bizarre request without a second thought, caught me off-guard and troubled me to no end. Especially, when the consequences for non-action could very well result in her untimely demise. Moreover, the inadvertent end of my little ones.

Hadn't she learnt anything from our shared time together? Before Ada, there had been virtually no possibility of me caring for another. Well, maybe not as much as I cared for Krysta, but some how Ada had changed that. All things considered, she had changed everything. Now she was all I thought about!

What on earth did she even hope to accomplish, by demanding that I abandoned all prospects of striking up with those Neanderthals? Sure I was being strong-armed into it, but I would do anything to get her back. If her goal all along, was to provoke them to wrath, I was fairly certain that she has done an exceptional job. Therein, making the chances of her living to see another day, damn near microscopic.

If I thought that making a deal would keep her alive, Ada shouldn't doubt that I would've done that right then and there. Did she have that little faith in me? Had I not proven myself?

Though, after briefly meeting that alley cat Corina, I realized that it was not in our best interest. Not by a long-shot. That vile woman wreaked of desperation. It preceded her when our paths had crossed, that first time, at the wine tasting.

As the scriptures quoted, he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. That verse had been thrown around a lot in my lesser years. Basically, it means that anyone can learn a lot about a person by the company he keeps. Which lead me to believe that her associates likely didn't possess an ounce of honor among them.

Also, by no means was I ready or willing to risk Ada's life. Not on the half-chance that she might be returned to me unharmed. Precisely, why it was necessary to enlist the aide of Demetrius Salvatore a.k.a The Gardener.

Having done a little homework years prior, I accurately deduced that he would be the right person for the task.

Despite having reservations about him, anyone could see that he had the skill-set, as well as an arsenal of resources, to the cater to my particular quandary. Far more than I could hope to achieve in a matter of hours as an amateur.

Not only that. Mr. Salvatore owned a grand estate, which was fortified to the point, that it could just as easily have paralleled the Oval Office. There seemed to be no end to his influence, which also made him the perfect candidate. It was just my luck that his wife had somehow persuaded him to help me, even if only for a time.

Remarkable, that I couldn't count the numerous occasions when the opportunity had presented itself to discard of his contact information. Perhaps, its purpose had finally been realized. Either way, it appeared preordained for me to hold on to it for a bit longer.

For all those who probably thought me a bastard, my issue wasn't so much making a deal, as it was the insecurity that those scheming bastards wouldn't uphold their end of it. Though several years of dedication and hardwork had yielded my small fortune and a luxurious lifestyle, I was more than willing to part with it, if only to get my wife back.

Make no mistake, I would give it all up for Ada and my babies. My health depended on getting them back in one piece. Anything else, and it was likely that recovery was out of the question. Nothing could replace my Ada and our babies. Nothing.

My head hung low in despair as I wrestled to keep my wits and a strangle-hold on my emotions. Try as I may, all my efforts proved futile. My heart clamored erratically, my chest tightening at the nerve-wrecking thought, as the nightmare set in.

The others, those in the room, continued on with their task of triangulating a location from the hasty exchange between my wife and I. All I was good for was waiting around and do nothing. Absently, my fist had connected with the cool surface of the wall behind me producing a loud noise. The result, from the sheer force of impact, was a crater in the wall.

At the eruption, the room fell silent. The atmosphere was layered so thick with tension. I didn't stick around long enough to care. I felt their eyes follow me closely until the door shut behind me and I was out in the empty hall. My fingers raked their way through my hair, the action stirring a sensation deep within me. Ada mostly did that.

The hallway stretched long and narrow, as a labyrinth. This strange world was still new to me. As a result, I lingered in that spot longer than intended. It was not so shocking that I had no idea where I was. I bet the staff probably got lost around here from time to time. The place was that huge.

My instinct was to get some fresh air. Blindly, I made my way through the halls until finally, double doors came into view. I pulled against the handles only to be met with the sight a lush garden.

My feet moved on its own accord, regardless of the fact that there was no destination in mind. After browsing what seemed like forever, the sound of unrestrained comical laughter caught my attention. So out of place was it, in contrast to the disheartening troubles currently plaguing me, that I was drawn to it.

Absentmindedly, my feet traced the path to the laughter until it was almost tangible. Suddenly, there were two girls no older than five running around. One leading, the other pursuing. The girls were identical sporting the same green eyes, freckles cheeks and coily black hair that grew passed their respective shoulders. They quite obviously shared an enriched African heritage and easily dissolved into laughter, evidence that they were having a great time .

"Poppy," The leader called over her shoulder, giggling whilst running as fast as her little legs could carry her. "You know that I'm faster than you are."

"And you know that I will not give up, Jaz." The follower hollered back, grinning like a Cheshire cat in determination.

The sisters heaved for breathe, unable to contain their amusement. Their laughter caused the already thriving atmosphere to blossom to life. It was quite impressive to witness, that even though Jaz was already approaching the end of the garden, Poppy refused to cave in the face of defeat. Besides, she seemed to be having way too much fun to call it quits.

"Mammina (Mommy)!" Jaz called in a panic, in her eyes wide with fear and little body focused in my direction.

"What is it Jazmin?" A familiar heavily accented Italian voice called, before an African woman approached the little girl, gently cupping her chin with an exttended hand in worry.

All at once, four men dress in charcoal grey tailored suits appeared, barring me from advancing any further. They were all menacing in their own right.

"It's ok guys. You can let him through." The woman gave the order as Poppy came to join her sister, holding her hand. "Darlings, this is Mr. Casimiro, our guest. It's alright, you say hello."

"Hello Mr. Casimiro," The sisters greeted in unison, momentarily bringing a smile to my face.

"Hello little ladies, it is an honor to make your acquaintance." I shook their tiny outstretched hands, causing both girls to giggle. It was almost impossible not to smile right then. They remained at their mother's side, Jazmin held unto the skirt of her mother's dress while Poppy took her sister's hand in hers.

"You can get back to your game. Don't go too far now and stay within my line of sight at all times." The mother instructed to which the sisters simultaneously nodded in acknowledgement.

"Si Mammia (Yes Mommy). The girls answered before they ran off, continuing with their fun.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to intrude." She watched me closely before smiling thoughtfully, enough that I caught a glimpse of the cicatrice. It marred the edge of her cheekbone on the left side, starting very near her eye and ending at her jawline. Almost invisible to the naked eye and blended well against her dark skin, though not taking from her beauty.

"Not to worry, I have been meaning to talk to you. Please walk with me." The request was simple enough, though I couldn't fathom what she wanted to talk to me about. I needed a distraction anyway while the others traced Ada's whereabouts. We walked a few paces in silence before pausing at the manicured garden, then she extended her arm to shake my hand. "Ortensia."

"Niccolò." I pronounced, accepted her outstretched hand, shaking it firmly before my hands relaxed into the pockets of my trousers. "Your girls are so well-manner."

"Thank you," Ortensia chuckled, showing of her shiny white molars. She turned to look at her daughters with admiration lingering in her deep brown eyes. We stood a few yards off, but I was still able to hear their boisterous laughter. "Words every mother longs to hear. Their father has them rowdy with excitement almost every day. Someone has to instill some core values in them or bear the consequences."

"Well you seem to be doing fair job, cleaning up after him." With my hands in my pockets, I looked on in nostalgia. I could see easily see myself being the slacker, it was fairly certain Ada was going to be the disciplinarian. If Krysta was enough evidence to go by, I didn't have the heart to say no to adorable innocents.

"Your wife Ada is with-child?" My neck snapped in her different. Not once since I'd arrived on the estate had I mentioned Ada's pregnancy. She chuckled as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. The woman seemed harmless enough, however she was more perceptive than she let on. "You look like Demitri did when he found out. The pure look of admiration hidden carefully behind his hard eyes. Almost the same insufferable look in your eyes right now."

"Am I that readable?" Apparent, my emotions weren't as concealed as I'd initially thought.

"Only to the trained eye," She admitted, smiling briefly before her expression took on a more serious nature. "My story is often difficult to admit, but my hope is that in telling you you might be able to have some understanding of what your wife may be going through. I'm no clairvoyant but I do have experience on my side. By now, I'm certain you've notice my scar."

"I apologize if I've offended you." She shook her head subtly.

"No apology needed. It's not your fault. You're not the one who did this to me." Ortensia composed herself before what would come next. "Three years ago, I was taken by some men who had a problem with my husband. I was battered, imprisoned and deprived on a good meal. Several men were involved in my capture, none of whom had a sway of conscience. One, even tried to dishonor me. I was tried to yell for help when he had pressed a knife to my face, but I would not quit. Hence, the scar."

"I'm sorry that you had to experience that." If my wife was going through anything nearly as horrifying as what Ortensia had endured there's no telling what I would do.

"Thank you." She smiled briefly, it obviously wasn't easy for her to share her story. "When Demitri found me, it was in one of the lowest states I'd ever been in. When we got home, I tried to prove to everyone that everything was ok. That there was nothing out of place. I especially didn't want Poppy and Jazmin to feel a disconnect.

I still go to counselling though I didn't want to. It was sometime before I could admit my biggest fear. That Demitri would no longer want a life with me. Seems silly right, but who would want soiled goods? I tell you this to say, your wife will need you now more than ever when you get her back Niccolò.

This kind of trauma can leave a person questioning themselves for the rest of their life. You need to reaffirm you affections. I can say how she might cope with this but I almost closed myself off from everyone. If it wasn't for Demitri we might not be having this conversation."

"There you are," A familiar voice called, giving me a start. My brain was still trying to process what information Mrs. Salvatore had just offered me. "Both of you. What were you talking about."

"You, Demitri." Ortensia's face lit up like a child at Christmas, after turning to see her other half. Upon joining us, his snaked arm around her waist, pulled her closer to him before he placed a kiss on her forehead. "If it wasn't for your love I'd be lost."

"I could say the same for you." Mr. Salvatore replied to his wife prompting her to place a kiss on his cheek. "We got a hit on your wife's location."

***

The hum of the propeller engine crept into my subconscious, forcing me back to consciousness. A sudden jolt of the craft prompted my eyes open. Flashes of light pierced the chopper, through the glass windows at the front. The lightning above illuminating the stark clouds. Other than the rumble of thunder, everything seemed so calm.

Memories seeped in assaulting my thoughts. Memories of a stormy night my wife and I had shared. If nothing else, I would be returning home, with my wife in tow. There was no two ways about it.

Aboard the craft were six others. Men Mr. Salvatore had entrusted the task of salvaging Ada to. A tactical team. Elmo, the unit's leader was a hulking man in his late twenties to early thirties. His head was adorned with dark shoulder length hair, which was tied in a ponytail.

He possessed a striking pair of pale olive eyes. Almost deathly pale, like he could see into the soul. His gaze lingered on me. So drastically different from the intense shade of brown, that gazed back at me through Ada's eyes. She mostly smile. His face was void of humor. I was beginning to think that he didn't smile often. If this was his life I could understand why.

"For what it's worth, I will do my utmost best to get your wife back to you safe and sound." The look in his eye helped to affirm the authenticity of his words. "There are four part to this rescue reconnaissance, deployment, extraction and withdrawal, in that order. When we land Fredo, you will recon. Gino, Danilo cover the points of entry and possible exits. Fons stand guard while Betto keep the chopper on stand-by. Vanni, Niccolò and I will take care of extraction. Does everyone understand their role. The boss has instruct that we use none lethal force."

"Non-lethal, the bastards have my wife-" I was taken aback by their orders.

"-Only to figure out who's the mastermind of their sick ploy." Elmo countered.

Every man gave his assent. Just as I was about to reply, the aircraft jolted again from the turbulence. My hands shot up, instantly gripping the straps that fastened me to this seat. The journey was a far cry from pleasant. Maybe, because of the weather. Maybe, just my nerves.

It was another ten minutes before our terminus finally came into view. At least, that was my assumption because there was no visible landmarks for a few miles. It seemed old and abandoned, but I couldn't be certain from this far out. The helicopter tipped forward as Betto took us closer to our access point. He was able to land the aircraft on a plot of land some distance away, so that it was less likely that anyone saw us coming.

Thick clouds blanketed the sky, the crackle of thunder obscuring the loud reverberant pulsating of the propellers. These men seemed calm and collected as though this was just another mission. However with each passing minute, I was that much closer to falling apart. My entire life hung in the balance.

The tall shrubs which encompassed the craft repelled in a whirl. The landing skids had barely touched the ground yet Fredo was already on the ground scouting the terrain. Good, they took there missions seriously.

The facility appeared old and dilapidated. An abandoned factory, perhaps. I unfastened the belt that bound me to the passenger seat while the others filled out unto the uneven land. Elmo held out two bulletproof vests to me, prompting me to put on one and secure the other.

The notion weighed heavily on my mind and I prayed. My eyes opened again to see Elmo regarding me with a solemn expression. I thought he was about to laugh at me but what he did next completely shocked me.

The crackle of thunder reverberated through the atmosphere, as a cool wind whipped by. A chill ran through my body trembled at the initial contact. Everything was counting on this moment. I disembarked leaving Fons and Betto to their own devices.

Fredo returned with news and we all gathered to learn what he'd seen. Once the information was in circulation, and a few minor adjustments were made, only then did the group dispatch to carry out our specific tasks.

After a sweep of the perimeter, Vanni, Elmo and I infiltrated the building. It was dark inside. The thick walls helped to mask the sound of the thunder raging outside. The atmosphere seemed still somehow. Elmo moved a few paces before me covering the front while Vanni kept an eye on the area behind.

We descended the chilly hallway, pausing at corners and blindspots maneuvering with stealthily. My heart raced every time we met a corner, for fear of what I might find on the other side. After searching for the better part of twenty minutes, we stumbled upon a series of doors. Vanni picked the lock while Elmo and I waited. He opened the first recognising a woman immediately in what appeared to be old rags.

"Anika!" He whispered-yelled, the woman appeared stunned.

"Oh Van, I hope you haven't come to blow my cover again." The lady, Anika, sassed. What on earth was going on? How exactly did these two knew each other?

"Are you coming or not?" Vanni called over his shoulder while he cleared the room.

"Aamir and Xavi are not going to like this. After all our hard work we'll have to improvise. I won't mind that one bit." She whispered from her spot behind me and in front of Vanni. "I'm guessing the person three are here for used to be three doors down-"

"-What do you mean used to be?" Before I could stop myself, my hand had pinned Anika to the wall by her throat.