The bell above the door chimed but Levi barely lifted his head. “Levi Sheldon!” a deep voice called, calm and assuringly. Levi looked up. A tall slim man in a black wool coat that looked as if it was handed down by a well wisher, stood by the entrance. His face was feral like a hound who picked a scent. He looked familiar, but Levi couldn't recognize his face. He simply smiled. “Hello. Welcome to Grit n’ Gold Jewelries. How can I…” “You don’t remember me?” the man asked. Levi paused, he couldn't recognize that face. It was the sickness. “I’m sorry. I’ve… had some issues with my memory. I don’t always…” “I know,” the man said with a small nod. “That’s why I’ll introduce myself again.” He extended his gloved hand. “Benjamin Freeman. I was your second during the mafia invasion in 2020. You pulled me from a burning tank.” Mafia Invasion... a flash of red sky and the sound of screaming metal. He remembered the smoke and the groaning of a man’s voice calling his name. “…You we

The next morning, Levi’s flight landed in Italy and he reported immediately to the Eastern Front Command Headquarters in Germany. At the lounge sat a man poring over maps and charts. “You’re late. And you look like you just rolled out of a charity bin.” Levi said nothing at first. The voice was familiar, but the face was a blur. His mind scrambled for recognition. The man finally looked up with icy blue eyes, hawk nose and medals weighing down both shoulders. It was General Griggs, his father-in-law. Or rather, former father-in-law. The General narrowed his eyes. “Levi?” “Ah,” Levi muttered softly, voice deadpan. “Took me a second. My bad.” General Griggs gave a dry laughter. “This got to be the joke of the century. Tell me, what are you doing here? Couldn’t keep your desk job? Or is the jewelry shop closed today?” Levi stood still and calm, he had expected this. “I’m here on recommendation, sir.” Griggs laughed and turned to his desk. “What a joke. They’re recommending beg

When Levi arrived, the gala had already began in full swing. He was dressed in a closed necked camoflauge shirt. And as he made his way through the crowd of dancers; a hand, soft and cold, gently gripped and pulled him aside. “Levi, there you are!” said a soft feminine voice. He turned to face her; and oh GOD! She was beautiful, the kind of beauty that would make Angels wish they were humans. “I insisted on meeting you,” she said, breathing a little excitedly. “My name is Emilia Yugoslav, daughter of General Yugoslav. My father spoke highly of you today.” Levi cracked a smile. He didn't know the General had a daughter. Her auburn hair was decently pinned back and her gown, elegantly floral, such that it swirled with pride whenever she turned. “Did you really suggest that strategy which my Dad and other Generals speak so much about?” “Well…” Levi caressed the back of his neck. Emilia laughed, warm and cascading. “My father called it the most tactical move he had seen so far.

“Enlighten us, Hector Moreau, why sneak into Kritiano alone? No guard, no backup, nothing?” “What? Were you expecting me to ring a siren or sound a gong everywhere to announce my presence?” “As a mafialord and right hand man to Bonanno and Gambino, we didn't expect an errand boy to capture you so easily.” “Well,” Hector Moreau swirled confidently on the chair he sat on. “I came alone because my love interest said she’d only believe my feelings for her if I came to her... alone. No guards, no drama. Just me and my bravery.” General Griggs sneered. “Well asi it stands, it seems your bravery had been dragged through the mud and you've landed in our den.” Hector smiled, like a criminal who knew he had a badass judge as a brother. “So the infamous mafialord threw himself into the lions den just to prove himself to a woman?” Hector turned his head lazily. “I see, you've never been in love. I understand.” That question got a deep smirk from General Griggs who walked slowly around th

“You must be Levi” The young lady said without dropping the pistol. She pulled back her veil to reveal a blond hair which had been clipped to perfection. “My husband, Hogano sent you.” She continued. “And… you're Hogano's wife?” “Yes. Call me Deborita.” “Hello Deborita,” Levi nudged. “Would you mind pointing the nozzle of the gun elsewhere.” “You're not welcome here,” she played with the trigger. “Go back to my husband and tell him Deborita is not coming back.” Levi's jaw dropped, what typa’ game is this? “You were kidnapped …” “I ran away with Bonanno, not kidnapped.” Levi leaned back. Deborita must be high on something. “Come lady, there's no time for this bullshit. Let's move.” Deborita fired a warning shot and it ricocheted on the ground before him. “Why did you run away from Hogano?” “I was married to my husband on contract; and along the line I got pregnant. So when the contract marriage ended, he still wanted us to be together.” “But you declined?” “Yes,” Her f