All Chapters of The Mafia's Innocent Prey: Chapter 11 - Chapter 14

The iron steps were rusted, groaning underfoot with every descent. Michael went down first, his hand clamped tightly around his pistol, alert and ready despite having no clear idea of what was waiting for them below.Sapphire followed directly behind his heels. Efrosina brought up the rear, with a handful of operatives flanking her."Master, there might be a trap. Let me clear it first," Sapphire offered.Michael swept his tactical flashlight across every corner. Empty. Not a soul in sight.The basement was far larger than it appeared from above, choking with a damp, stifling humidity. The only contents were a few rusted metal shelves—most of them collapsed—and a solitary wooden desk in the far corner. Atop it sat a padlocked black iron box.

Just like his mother, little Michael despised thunderstorms.On nights like this, he would usually sneak into Liana’s room, tuck himself beneath her heavy blankets, and beg her to tell him nonsensical fairy tales until they both drifted off to sleep.The seven-year-old boy slid off his mattress.He caught a fleeting glimpse of his mother walking down the hall, but his voice was swallowed by the roaring rain. Michael trailed after her, quiet as a shadow, until he came to a halt at the top of the stairs."How could you..."The words echoed with terrifying clarity. He watched, unable to fully comprehend what was unfolding before his eyes.He saw his mother turn to run,