Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 43

November 30th, 2019

*Cato*

I paced back and forth in the living room, angry, frustrated, and severely sleep-deprived. My brothers were strewn across the couches, quiet and solemn, each angry in their own way. Javi was asleep beside Eli - he'd refused to let go of him the entire day. 

We hadn't a clue where the Serpents were holding Mia hostage, but we hadn't taken the case to the police yet. This was so far purely gang-related - something the police wouldn't take too kindly to.

We all jumped at the sound of my cell phone echoing throughout our silent house as Felix Mendosa's name popped up on my screen. I balled my fists, clenching them several times before answering and putting it on speaker.

"Surprise Kitty Boy," Felix laughed gleefully into the phone.

"Where is she?" I demanded.

"Where's who?" he teased. I growled. "Yeah yeah, I've got your girl. The boys are taking care of her,"

"I swear to God if you hurt her I will kill all of you," I threatened, seething. He just chuckled.

"You're funny, Kitty Boy. Hey, say hello to your big brother," He called to someone in the background.

"He's not my brother," I heard Amelia's murmur, her voice sounding strained.

"Tsk tsk, looks like someone's not too keen for your help," Felix teased. I gritted my teeth.

"She's sick, Blondie, just tell me what I have to do,"

"Getting antsy, are we?" he taunted. "Good. I want your territory. You relinquish your title, we get all the juice. And to make it hurt a little more, throw in a hundred grand and we'll return your little brat unharmed," I clenched my jaw.

"No way," Felix chuckled.

"You might want to reconsider," He whistled loudly. I heard whimpering before Amelia's shrill screams tore through the phone. My brothers and I cringed at the sound. "I'd think very carefully, Kitty Boy. Or your girl might not come back in one piece," I hung my head, defeated. I glanced around at the heartbroken faces of my brothers and sighed. But Amelia burst out in a stream of panicked Italian, and I heard Alan's name through the phone.

"Shut up, bitch!" Someone barked at her. She started screaming again and I could hear her coughing in the background as her screams turned to wheezing sobs.

"Why are you doing this, Felix?" I asked, my heart aching.

"You hurt us, Cato," he said sourly. "That can never be forgiven. And your friend, Ben, here has been very helpful in meeting our quotas," Felix paused. "So do we have a deal or what?" I was quiet for a minute, debating with myself.

"Deal,"