Capricorn | Mafia Romance

Lorenzo Moretti

I tapped the steering wheel, impatiently. The long line of luxury cars in front of me curls ahead like a snake and disappears around the bend about half a mile in front. At least, that’s what it looks like to me. The sky is moonless and pitch black. Only headlights from the cars on the road provided a sense of where the road lies.

I have never been here but was told that the compound was surrounded by dense forest and the only road in was this dark road lacking a single street light. How can a billionaire not install street lights on the road leading into his house? Ridiculous. But also effective, in a sense, I suppose. If you value your privacy, the last thing you’d want is to advertise the road to your house.

It had only been ten minutes but I’m not one used to waiting for anything. My destination, a party held by a super-rich tycoon in his super-secret lavish mansion is only a meeting point. I have no interest in attending the party. I’m here for one reason and one reason only. A meeting with Capricorn, the elusive master hacker.

*

Two days ago

It had started out like any regular morning. Well, regular for me at least.

It was a nice sun shining day. The sky is blue with a hint of ultramarine. Birds flying in the distance. And I am in a hotel room with a man tied up to a chair.

His hands and feet are bound by scraps of the hotel bed sheet. Blood running down from his temple. His mouth filled with more blood. His clothes sticking to his body from the profuse sweat despite the cool air coming from the open window.

I circled him like a hyena examining his prey. I’m glad I had taken off my black jacket earlier as my once white dress shirt is now splattered with his red body fluid. I rolled both my sleeves up then proceed to deliver a series of punches to his face. I paused to admire my handiwork. My lips curled upwards, satisfied with the result.

I pull out a knife. My eyes gleaming with excitement at what I’m planning to do with it. The poor guy only managed to let out a small whimper. He’s been stealing from the family and this is what we do to thieves.

My phone rings. It was Tony, my cousin. Tony is back for his summer break from college and had been helping out with the business. He is probably, no, definitely my favourite among the other family members.

I stab the guy in his thigh, left the knife there then went ahead and to answer my call.

“Good morning Tony-” my cheerful spirit clearly expressed through my voice. I listened as he cuts off my greeting. With each word spoken on the phone, my cheery mood starts to dissipate.

The door suddenly opens and in walks a woman. Early thirties, dressed in a smart but plain black business suit.

“What the-. Who the hell are you?” I ask. At the same time, I wondered what happened to my men that were supposed to watch the door. I pull out my gun and pointed at her head but she merely scanned the room, frowned, then proceed to reposition a chair so she could sit facing me.

“Signore Moretti? My name is Lauren Potter. And you’ve just lost 10 million euros” Her voice calmed. Like the news was nothing major. As if she’s telling me that I’ve lost a nickel instead of 10 million.

“Who the hell-”

“I represent Capricorn. Are you familiar with his work?”

I felt my throat tighten. Are we under attack from Capricorn? If so, why? I’ve heard of Capricorn. A master hacker. No one knows who he is or where he’s from. But Capricorn is a hired gun. He doesn’t instigate war. Always working for a client, and never for himself. Despite his skills, he has never taken sides and always avoided clients that could lead to unwanted confrontation.

“Who hired you?”

“No one. We simply want a meeting”

I scoff. “Then why stole from us?”

“To show that we are genuine. We have a.. Business opportunity to discuss”

She reached inside her handbag and pull out an envelope with ornate gold trimmings. Inside is an invitation for a party.

“The meeting will take place at this event. Capricorn will be waiting for you. 9 pm. The library. Codeword Salmon. We will return your money after the meeting. Regardless of the outcome. You have my word on that.” She stood up signaling the end of our meeting.

“Oh, and Signore Moretti. Please keep this meeting between you and the Don only. We don’t need word to spread that Capricorn is making a live appearance. I hope you understand”

And with that, she nodded and immediately walked out of the room. I rushed out and found my two men slumped over, unconscious but alive.

*

I glanced at the clock on the dashboard and saw that I’m early. It’s only been a little after eight thirty. Plenty of time to go through security. I run my fingers through my jet black hair. A nervous habit that I couldn’t shake off.

I tap the steering wheel again. This time with a faster rhythm. My black tux feels stifling. I wished I had brought Tony along for company. This waiting game is beginning to get on my nerves. I know Tony probably won’t be able to get a foot inside the door. But at least he’ll be good company in present situation.

I recalled the talk I had with my father, Don Giovanni Moretti after the mysterious visit by Ms Potter. He was apprehensive about the meeting. Especially since we wouldn’t be able to have extra men around. The compound was already heavily guarded but not by my own men whom I trust.

The thought did occur to me that this is all a ruse by Capricorn. A declaration of war perhaps. But we failed to see the reason why. And a face to face meeting. I doubt anyone has ever had that honour. Capricorn never shows his face. He always does his business through someone like Ms Potter.

I had even tried to trace back the hack but our security team was no match for Capricorn. It’s as if he was sniggering at our futile effort to try one up him before the meeting.

The host of this party is a well known businessman. I had met him a few times and realized instantly the many cookie jars he’s got his hands in. Knowing that, I was sure his guest would probably be of the same crowd as well.

Fifteen more minutes and I finally got to the front of the line. I hand over my keys to the valet and head inside.

Several men in black littered around the main door and the foyer. I went through a metal detector, thankful that I decided to come without any firearm. I do not need further delays tonight.

As soon as I got through all the rigmarole. I immediately grab a waiter and inquire about the location of the library.

My stride long and fast. Purposeful. I glanced at my watch and saw that I was two minutes early from my appointed time.

I took a deep breath to compose myself then twist open the doorknob. The heavy wooden door swings effortlessly to reveal a room filled with shelves upon shelves made of wood brimming with books. From floor to ceiling, on all four sides of the wall. A few leather sofas littered in the middle. An ornate writing desk on one end. A large chandelier hangs in the middle.

And then I saw her. Sitting, perch up on one of those ladders built into the bookshelves. An angel rolled up in a ball of chiffon.

Her features delicate and refine like a china doll. Yet there seems to be an air of regality. She gives out an aura of confidence with a hint of authority. Like she was born to be above everyone else. Wavy golden blonde hair framed her small oval face. I silently studied her for a few moments. Is she Capricorn? No, I doubt it. I can’t imagine her tiny baby fingers tap tapping on some black keyboard. An associate perhaps. Someone similar like Ms Potter. Another one of Capricorn’s people. Or... perhaps just an innocent bystander.

“You know, some people might think you’re being rude”

I look at her in confusion. She didn’t even bother to look at me. Her eyes fixed on the book that she found so interesting.

“You’re staring” she said matter of factly. Her voice was louder than what I had imagined.

I cleared my throat. “Interesting read?”

She sighs. “Only if you like long dead philosopher” She starts to step down the ladder. Her dainty heels slipped and she tumbles backward. I quickly step up and catch her in all her chiffon glory. I look down and see a pair of deep emerald eyes looking back at me. And for half a second her pretty face looks bewildered at the unplanned blunder.

She quickly pushed herself back on her feet and straightened her dress. Getting back her composure. Now that we are at the same level, I noticed how petite she really is. She must find others like giants whenever she is in a room of people. The top of her head barely passed over my shoulder.

Suddenly, I can hear a loud commotion from outside the room. A crash and perhaps also several bangs. I couldn’t make out if it was just a waiter who dropped his tray or if something more is going on outside.

Before I could wonder a bit more, the door swings open with force. Two men with machine guns enter. They immediately drag us out to join the rest of the guest in the main hall.

What the hell is going on? I wondered. This was suppose to be a safe place. There were literally more guards than guest on the compound. Are these armed men here for me? Or are they here for Capricorn? But looking at the guest list, they could have been here for pretty much any of the guests present.

A hand tugged at my sleeves. It was my chiffon angel. Fear is evident in her eyes. I instantly felt a great uncontrollable urge to want to comfort and hold her close. To protect her from these bad men with guns that have decided to ruin our first meeting. With a voice that’s barely an octave above hearing level, she whispered one word.

“Salmon”

I looked at her trying to decipher her intentions. So she is Capricorn. Is she? I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the idea that this little frail thing could be the illusive hacker. Maybe she’s not. Maybe she’s just one of his minions. Perhaps a scout sent to give the all clear before he made his grand entrance.

“We need to leave. Be ready” this time her voice sounds steadier.

She fishes out her phone from a pocket somewhere hidden in the many folds of her chiffon skirt. Her fingers tap taps on the screen, moving faster than my eyes can comprehend.

I glanced at the armed men, standing some ten feet away from us. One of them was looking at his phone while going through each guest. They are looking for someone. But who? We need to make a move soon before-

The room suddenly went dark. One by one the lights went out until everything went pitch black. Then came the sprinklers. Droplets of water splashing out from somewhere up above. The guest started screaming. Bodies pushed together in desperation. Total chaos. I couldn’t make out who was guest, and who was the transgressor.

I felt a hand firm on my arm leading me through the confusion. I focus my eyes and sees the outline of my chiffon angel, pulling at my arm to follow her. “We need to get to the rooftop” she shouted, trying to make herself heard above the screams of the panicking masses.

We ran up the stairs. She seems to be familiar with the layout of the mansion. Leading us without hesitation until we arrive at a narrow flight of stairs that looks like it could lead to the final door that’ll lead us to our freedom.

She motioned for me to go first. Perhaps she herself wasn’t sure of what lies behind that door. I carefully opened it a crack and saw a helipad. Two helicopters. One of them, occupied with several militia men. The propeller still spinning at full power.

There were too many of them. And without my gun, there’s no way we could slip past them and escape to the other helicopter.

“I can’t take them all,” I said to her. She bit her bottom lips. Thinking. “Is there another exit route?”

From under her skirt, she produce a gun and hand it to me.

“Aim for the tail” she said and pointed at the spinning aircraft.

I’m a very good marksman but the strong wind from the propeller isn’t going to make it easy for me to hit the target. I have no clue what her plan is, but considering she’s the only one who’s got one, I see no reason to argue.

It took three shots before I succeeded. I turned to her wanting to ask what’s next and sees her engrossed with her phone. Her fingers busy tap tapping on the screen. I couldn’t tell what she’s up to. It all looks gibberish to me.

She must have noticed that I’m not shooting anymore because then she turns to see the situation outside. There was smoke coming out from the tail and the men outside was in combat mode. All trying to find the source of the shot.

“Almost done” she muttered to herself.

Then a loud confusion can be heard outside. The men started to shout alarmingly with anger and panic. I couldn’t tell what was going on at first but then I realized what she had done with her clever little phone.

My chiffon angel had just hijacked the other helicopter and attempted to swing the machine to fly sideways and spilling out these men and dropping them all four stories down. I have no idea how she managed to take control of that machine but I know for certain now that I am in the presence of Capricorn.

Capricorn willed the helicopter to swing and sweep at the bad men. Some fell from the roof, some got splice from the propeller. She maintained control until there were less than half the original number of bad men.

“You can still fly that thing, right?” she asked.

“Yes, why’d you ask?” I can definitely fly that thing. In fact, I can fly pretty much anything. I’ve had a pilot license for the last five years.

“Give me the gun. We need to make a run for it. Ready?” I gave back the gun and nod.

I don’t know if this was always her emergency escape plan. But after seeing what just happened, I have a good feeling it was.

Capricorn landed the helicopter as close as possible to our location and then we ran. Once I got in, I strap myself up and immediately pull up, trying to get us off the ground as fast as I could.

She started shooting, trying to give us some kind of cover while I put as much distance as possible from the mansion. The men shoot back, yelling profanities at us but it wasn’t long before their shouts become only a distant and forgotten sound.

It was a few seconds after when I realized I have no idea where I’m headed. All I can see is dark trees. I looked at her. She had pulled out an aerial map of where we are on her phone.

“Mi amore, where are we going?”