Mafia: A Survival Game

Waking up early, at seven in the morning, I decided to take a hot shower. Heating was tight in England. Especially in winter. It started to get cold back in September. The houses were old and cold, without central heating, especially in central London, and electricity for heaters was very expensive. Therefore, a hot shower was a good alternative to get warm quickly. After finishing with the water treatments, I decided to go to the store. I put on black jeans and a thin sweater of the same color, put on my shoes and went to the mirror. It was cool outside, after all, the middle of September, and even after the rain. I stopped in front of the mirror and sighed heavily. I am of medium height and slim build. One could say that she looks fragile. But, it was a big misconception. I could easily take down any opponent who was heavier and bigger than me. Since I joined the Kravts family, I have been trained in various martial arts. Self-defense training was one of the main skills that everyone who got into the criminal world had to possess. Therefore, I was quite able to stand up for myself. I was also taught how to handle different types of weapons and drive a car. Having gathered my rather long, brown hair into a high ponytail, I decided to apply makeup. I have pale skin, maybe it's because of the lack of sun in England, so I've always highlighted my gray eyes. I liked to focus on them, so it seemed to me that I looked even more intimidating. A little mascara, lip gloss and you're done. Smiling at my reflection, I took my phone, keys and wallet. Outside, I went to the nearest grocery store. It took me about half an hour to buy groceries, and I was heading home happy. When I entered the house, I immediately felt that something was wrong. I trusted my gut more than anyone. Slowly climbing to the second floor, I looked around. I stopped at my door and took a deep breath. I think I have company. There was a heavy smell of men's cologne in the air. But who? Was Alexander right and they came for me? Slowly opening the doors, I entered the hallway. Quickly putting the bag on the floor, I took the gun out of a secret drawer in the nightstand in the hallway and pulled the safety off. I took a few more steps into the room and froze. Carl Green was standing by the couch. One of Mark Rayner's best friends. Which I was also very familiar with. – Christina, – Green said. – And we came to talk to you. – Why did you come to me personally, Carl? – I grinned, pointing the gun at the mobster standing a few steps away from me. There were five other men in the room. Who, unlike Green, were well armed and had machine guns. – Hush, dear. You can't get anywhere anyway, – the man smiled, sitting down in an armchair. – You know you won't be able to escape in time. The forces are not equal. If I were you, I'd just sit down and talk quietly. – And what did you want to talk about? – I said calmly, scrolling through the escape plan in my head. – I don't have much time. – Really? And, what's the emergency? – Green said irritably. – I'll cook breakfast, – I grinned, knowing how much Carl hates bickering. Yes, I like to piss people off with my behavior. But I also understand that everything has its limits. After all, no one guarantees me that someone won't shoot me in the head or something out of anger. Especially in the mafia world. – Cheeky girl, – Carl hissed, tilting his head slightly to the right. – Hiddleston really wants to see you. You got into his business again, stole what belongs to him. And you have to pay for it. – Is that all you wanted to tell me? – I said pointedly, indifferently. – No, – grinned Green. – Where's the money from the sale of the brooch? – I know you sold it to Hamilton. My guys saw you visiting his "clinic". And he's mad at Hiddleston. He is the only one who contradicts Tom and all his people. What I don't understand is why the boss hasn't killed him yet?! – You're very stupid if you think I'm going to give you the money, – I smiled, as the perfect escape plan came to mind. – Really? – Of course, – I said calmly, taking a step back. The two bandits who were closest to me abruptly pulled out their pistols and pointed them at me. In response to this, I just smiled sweetly. If they think they can grab me in my apartment, then they are very much mistaken. It's stupid to come to play your game on someone else's territory, especially when your enemy is the owner of that very territory. – You can't escape. If you don't voluntarily tell me where the money is, then I will have to forcibly get this information. You don't want your pretty face to be disfigured, do you? – Carl's face twisted into a predatory grin. – Are you strong enough? – I said calmly, noticing a kitchen knife on the table out of the corner of my eye. You guys shouldn't have come to visit me, you really shouldn't. – Do you doubt it? – Green persisted. – Yes! Making a sharp lunge to the side, I grabbed a knife from the table and threw it at one of the guards. After shooting at the second bandit standing not far from me, I hid behind the kitchen table. There was a burst of automatic fire and the sound of breaking dishes. These are freaks. I just finished the kitchen renovation recently! – You can't leave! – Carl shouted and laughed hoarsely. – Finish her off, guys! And again the automatic burst. Opening the bottom drawer of the bedside table, I took out a smoke bomb. Someone keeps lids from pots and pans there, and someone keeps smoke bombs. Oh, what you will not meet in your life. Pulling on the ring, I threw it into the hall. Taking out a few more checkers, I also activated them. The room quickly began to fill with acrid and thick smoke. The automatic fire stopped. Taking advantage of the hitch, I ran out of my hiding place and fired at where one of the shooters was presumably standing. One of the bandits screamed loudly, alerting me that I had hit right on target. I knew my apartment very well, I could walk around it with my eyes closed and get what I needed. After firing a few shots above head level, I came across the right bedside table. Taking out a pre-prepared briefcase just for such cases, I headed for the exit. – Christina! – Carl growled. – I'm going to kill you! Stopping at the front door, I fired a few more shots into the fog and left the apartment. I dialed the police number and put the phone to my ear. – Hello! The police! Help! Come soon! There are six men here. They are armed and shooting! Please help me! – I said, theatrically panting in hysterics. – B**** Street. Second floor, apartment twenty-one. Please, hurry up! I went downstairs and left the house. Pulling the SIM card out of my phone and throwing it in the trash, I put my backpack on my shoulder. The sound of police cars could be heard in the distance. Great. Catching the first taxi I saw, I quickly got into the car and gave the right address, went to a quiet place, away from home. I wasn't worried about the police searching my apartment and finding something there. I'm not stupid enough to hide something valuable like papers or equipment in my apartment. I opened my briefcase and took out my spare phone. – Hello? – Alexander, I have a problem. Can we meet? – I said, closing my eyes for a few seconds. – I warned you, Kristina, – the friend said with displeasure, – In half an hour at the "West-Hill" cafe. – Agreed. Leaning back in my seat, I checked the time. It's almost nine, and I haven't had breakfast yet!

****

Half an hour later, I was already sitting at the table by the window in the cafe, and waiting for my brother. Of course, I wasn't thrilled that I had angered Hiddleston. But I had no other choice. I needed the money. And very big ones. I wanted to go to Paris and start a new life. I wanted to go to university and get a job as a designer. Get an interesting job and start a family. I wanted to end all this theft and mafia. – Alex, – I smiled, looking at Kravets, who was sitting down at the table. – Tell me what happened, – my brother said seriously. – In the morning, I woke up and decided to go to the grocery store. When I returned, I felt that something was wrong. My sixth sense has never failed me before, you know. And so. When I entered the apartment, I saw Carl Green and five of his people. – What did he want? – He said Hiddleston wanted to meet me. And also, he also wanted to know where the money Hamilton paid me from the sale of the brooch was… – They found out about it quickly, too quickly. Something is not clean here. Although, this was to be expected. I warned you, Kristina. – Yes, I know. But, I needed that money. I want to start a new life. Leave London for Paris. I'm tired of everything, Alexander. I don't want to live like this anymore. To kill and steal. This is all wrong. I can't do this anymore. I've had enough of it. Suddenly Kravets' phone rang. – I'm sorry, – my brother whispered, answering the phone. – Nothing, – I smiled. – Yes. What? Okay, thanks for the information, – Alex's face immediately darkened. – What happened? – You're being hunted. Hiddleston promises five million for your head, ten million for your life, – Kravts said, looking me straight in the eye. – You made him very angry, Kristina. – Yeah, that's what I was afraid of, – I whispered, looking at my brother. – I need to lay low. Or better yet, leave England as soon as possible. I don't want you to get hurt, Alexander and your family. – I know, – the Jew smiled. – But I won't let them hurt you, Kristina Page. I think you should stay at the hotel for a while. In the meantime, I'll prepare everything to get you out of here safely and quietly. A week and everything will settle down. You'll have to sit and not go out. Is that clear? I know a safe place, I have my own people there. Let's go there right now. – Yes, I think that would be the right decision, – I agreed.

****

An hour later, I was already at the appointed place. I thought Kravts would take me to an inconspicuous hotel on the edge of town, but no. I was taken to a luxury hotel in central London. Having settled on the tenth floor in a suite. Collapsing onto a large double bed, I spread my arms out to the sides and smiled blissfully, closing my eyes. How soft! – You can order food and clothes online if necessary. I'll be calling you. You're not supposed to leave your room all week. Agreed? – Alexander said seriously, looking into my eyes. – It's a deal, – I agreed. – Then rest, I'll call you again tonight. Approaching the bed, the man bent down and kissed me on the forehead and left. Without opening my eyes, I turned on my side and fell asleep unnoticed.

****

The Hiddleston estate was located on the outskirts of London. A majestic, old, ancestral estate, the territory of which was carefully guarded by dozens of guards. There was one main room in one of the many rooms of the estate. This is the office of the head of the mafia world of England, Tom Hiddleston. The man was his father's only son and heir to his bloody empire. A short man with fiery red hair slowly stopped at the right door, straightened his tie, and knocked on the door. The mafia boss was already waiting for him. – Come in, – Hiddleston said, putting the documents aside. – Tom, – the man smiled as he entered the office. – It's been a long time! – Yes, Donal. Make yourself comfortable, – the mafia man smiled slightly, watching the man sit down in the chair opposite the table. – I know it's important, since you called me, – Donal grinned, squinting slightly. – Yes, Gleason. I need you to find Christine Page. I'm tired of her constantly ruining my plans. I've been wanting to settle accounts with this girl for a long time. She's been really messing with my nerves lately, – Tom grinned, handing the folder of documents to the killer and leaning back in the leather chair. Donal Gleeson was the same age as Hiddleston. Once he saved his life and that's how their friendship began. Donal has repeatedly proved his loyalty and devotion to Tom. For which the mafia appreciated him as a friend and as an assistant. Gleason was particularly cruel and cold-blooded. He was a killer, doing his job perfectly. He was the best at what he did, for which Hiddleston respected him. And it cost a lot. – Do you want me to kill her or torture her? – Gleeson bit his lower lip. – I want you to bring her to me safely. I want to deal with her myself. One on one, – Hiddleston grinned. – Tom, – Donal said, squinting. – Did the girl really hit you so hard? You rarely deal with victims personally. – Maybe, – the mafioso replied calmly, looking into his friend's eyes. Opening the folder, Gleason quickly began to study its contents. – Oh, and she's pretty cool, so. Your type, – the killer grinned. – Nice face. Now I understand why you need her safe and sound. Hiddleston… – She killed two groups of my guys in two days. Mark Rayner is one of them, – Tom said matter–of–factly. – She's a lot more dangerous than she might seem at first glance. – Really?! – the man's red eyebrows shot up. – Then I can't wait to meet her." I'm interested in you, Thomas. – I'm not limiting your time, but the sooner you get her to me, the better. – You can rely on me, – closing the folder, Gleason got up from his chair. – And one more thing, – Hiddleston grinned. – I've been hunting her. The killer grinned bloodthirstily. Hunting meant only one thing. That he won't be bored. And Gleason liked it when work didn't come easy to him. The more difficult the task and the game, the sweeter the taste of victory. – Competition. So that you don't get bored, – Tom said calmly. Clutching the folder to his chest, Donal smiled broadly at Hiddleston. The game has started. Turning around, he quickly left the office, leaving the mafia boss alone. His imagination was already drawing pictures of how they might meet. It would be very interesting to talk to this Paige. Is she really that special? It was necessary to quickly connect his people to the search. – I'll see you soon, Kristina. It's only a matter of time, – Hiddleston grinned, taking a sip from his glass.