Page 38 of Tristian (The Doherty Mafia)
“So what do you want us to do about it, man?” Killian continued.
I couldn’t believe this was happening. I knew we were all busy. I knew everyone in the room had been personally affected by this war with Aldo and we all wanted to see it come to an end, but did they seriously not care? That Elsie could be seriously harmed?
I didn’t want to stand around and argue with them. Time was precious to me right now. Every minute she was out there—possibly being held by Aldo Baron, it was an extra minute she could’ve been safe here with me.
I needed to see her again.
I whipped away from them and headed to the door.
“Where are you going, son? Sit down and let’s discuss this!” Dad shouted after me.
I didn’t bother replying.
But Nolan followed me out.
“Come on, let’s go find her,” he said as he matched my steps. He nodded at me when I glanced at him.
It was pretty evident to me now that I had underestimated my little brother all our lives.
Twenty-One
Elsie
I knew this room well. It was the same place they’d kept me imprisoned the last time Aldo had me here. It was the same room they’d brought little Davey to, but there were some differences in my experience now.
Firstly, I was completely in isolation this time. Aldo made it clear I wouldn’t have any other human interaction for the foreseeable future. This was the form of torture he decided to employ.
And secondly, I wouldn’t be free to roam around. He had my feet and wrists bound and tied to a chair. He even had my mouth gagged so they wouldn’t have to hear me scream and hurl abuses at them.
They’d taken away every last ounce of freedom from me, and this time I knew there wouldn’t be an escape. Aldo wasn’t taking any chances with me.
His men had dragged me in here and tied me up. I was cold, alone, hungry and angry. But the one thing I had transitioned out of by now was that I felt no fear anymore.
I knew this was the worst thing that could’ve happened. I had seen it all. My own parents dying in front of my eyes. One of my friends shot and killed in her own apartment because I’d led these murderers to her.
What was left for me to lose?
I knew I wasn’t escaping. I’d die in this room. Aldo would make sure of it. I’d pay the price for rescuing Davey.
So I had nothing to be afraid of anymore. I knew my end was near.
After what felt like hours, Aldo finally walked into the room smoking a thick cigar held between his fingers.
There were a lot of things I wanted to say to him but I couldn’t because of the gag in my mouth.
I had no choice but to wait for him to speak.
I fantasized about what it’d be like if Tristian was here right now. He would’ve killed Aldo. I was certain. Whether Tristian wanted me in his life or not—I knew he wanted Aldo dead.
As much as I hated the man, I didn’t look away. I wanted him to see it in my eyes—I had nothing to lose anymore.
Aldo didn’t take my gag off, even though it looked like he had a lot to say to me. Clearly, he didn’t want this to be a two-way conversation. He’d talk and I had no choice but to listen.
He stood in front of me, staring in silence for several minutes.
“You know, your poor daddy spoke very proudly of you. When he was alive,” he began, with a smile on his face that made me sick.
I didn’t want him talking about my father, but I knew he did it because he knew how it’d affect me. He wanted to hurt me, just like I’d hurt his business by freeing Davey.
“Every time we had lunch together, he’d tell me about his dear Elsie. How beautiful she is. How smart and intelligent. Big achiever. I used to laugh at him behind his back, you know? He sounded like a fat old grandma.”
I fought back the tears. I wasn’t going to let him make me cry.
I knew how much my father loved me. How proud he’d always been. He kept secrets from me and led a double life that cost him his own life and my mother’s—but that didn’t mean our relationship was false. He would’ve protected me with his life if he could. And in a way, he probably had.
At least he’d bought me time.
Aldo was still smiling, apparently enjoying reminiscing about my father.
“And then when I met you, I thought to myself…you know what? Jerry Harlow was on to something. He was right about his daughter all along. You’re beautiful. You’re smart and intelligent. You could have been a big achiever.”
