Mr. Lombardi didn’t seem to like the fact that I disobeyed his order to come by myself and bring Misty, Sky and Angel. He probably won’t like it when I tell him we disarmed his escort he sent for me. He had told his men to bring another table over so we could all fit. After we sat down, another young woman, named Tracy, came inside with a small bag and dumped the contents on the table, then left.

“Sorry that we had to disarm your friendly escorts,” I said, “but we don’t like being told to do anything at gunpoint. The clips have been emptied however. If it should happen again, we won’t be so gentle.” I could tell that Lombardi was close to exploding. “Are these your guns?” he asked his men. They unfortunately had to say yes. “Pick them up,” he said coldly.

Then he turned to me. “I will forget this little incident,” he said, “since you obviously don’t understand who runs this territory. I know all about you Maclean, and your organization. You are small, so small I could step on you and squash you like an ant. Apparently you came here on vacation, correct?” “True,” I said, “this is a popular tourist spot with large sandy beaches and right on the Mediterranean Sea.

I thought it would be the perfect place to spend a few quiet days.” Right then our meals were brought. “Mmm, looks and smells delicious,” said Misty. Angel then reached onto her shoulder and soon a cat was in her hands, Storm to be exact. He sniffed her food, then Sky’s, Misty’s and mine last and all was fine, so her quickly returned to Angel and she put him back on her shoulder, where he disappeared again.

“What was that thing?” asked Lombardi, who was quickly losing his patience. “That is Storm, one of our cats,” I said, “he is our official food checker, to make sure their is no poison. We have had that problem before, not that I’m saying you would do such a thing, but perhaps someone in your kitchen staff might think it funny to do so.”

“I have the best kitchen staff in the country,” fumed Lombardi. “Where did the mutt go anyway?” asked one of Lombardi’s men. “He’s sitting on my shoulder,” said Angel, “anyone can see that.” “There is no cat on your shoulder lady,” he said, “so don’t play games with me.” “I can see the cat,” said Lombardi, “why can’t you Warren?” All the other men also said they could see Storm.

“Oh, I can see it now,” he said, “well, I can see it’s head, but not it’s body.” “Have you been into the drugs again Warren?” asked Lombardi. “No, no I haven’t sir,” he said, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Hey, now the guys wife is gone,” said Warren, “explain that one MacLean.” “My wife is sitting beside me,” I said calmly. Everyone else could see her too.

“Vincent, take Warren for a walk in the fresh air for a while,” said Lombardi, “give him his pay first. And Warren, don’t come back.” “Yes, yes sir,” he said nervously. The two left after Vincent got an envelope from a woman who came out of an office close to the door. “Are you interested in gambling?” asked Lombardi. “No, I never gamble,” I told him.

“I disagree,” he replied, “you gambled your life by coming here today.” “I never gamble, I said again, “I don’t do things unless I feel that I can win. You invited me here today, so I knew you would let me leave. And although my group is small, we could still give you quite a headache if something should happen to us while we are here.”

“You know, my patience is wearing thin,” he told me, “I wanted to let you know who’s territory you are in, and let it go at that. But, you are like an insolent little brat who needs to be taught a lesson. The ladies may go, but you will stay until tomorrow.” While this was going on, Aari and 5 of his Wolves came into the restaurant and sat down.

We could see them from where we were sitting. Misty touched my hand and slightly pointed to them. Lombardi saw that easily enough. “Friends of yours?” he asked me. I half chuckled. “Hardly,” I said, “I don’t know them personally, but they are a large organization from Canada. Interesting that they should show up here right now, they seldom leave Canada.”

“Do they have a name?” he asked. I looked at him, thinking if I should help him out or not. “You will be allowed to leave with the ladies,” he said. “The Black Wolves,” I said, “the leader is Aari Jensen, sitting on the left, his girlfriend is beside him. They are a much bigger problem than we could ever be to you.” At that we got up and left.

“Look up those Black Wolves Dimitri,” said Lombardi, “I want to know everything about them and why they are here. Also find out more about that Steve MacLean, I don’t trust him.” “Right boss, on it,” said Dimitri. Meanwhile, back to us, walking our way to the hotel. “Well Sky,” I asked, “did you and Angel discover anything?”

“That’s a big building to check in such a short time,” said Sky, “but we didn’t find Rossana’s family anywhere.” “There is a tunnel under the street to the clothing store across from the restaurant,” said Angel, “most likely they were taken out that way and moved somewhere else right at the beginning.” “That’s great news,” I said, “now we have to find out where they were taken and get them out of harm’s way, in just 5 days.”

“Well, technically it’s 5 1/2 days,” said Misty smiling. “I could send you back home,” I said, looking at her sternly, “Cristy, I want to know if this Lombardi owns any country estates, or whatever they are called here, but only in this general area.” “Okay Steve,” she said, “I will get back to you soon.” This is not starting off good at all…

To Be Continued.

©2025 Steve McLeod.