Chapter 32: Unexpected Encounter at the bar (II)
Alejandro’s complete focus shifted away from his ongoing conversation with Livia and Alexandro, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on the unfolding scene across the dimly lit bar. His intense curiosity got the best of him as he observed Dave and the enigmatic woman in the striking red dress engaged in a hushed conversation that seemed to be shrouded in secrecy. His eyes narrowed with suspicion when he noticed Dave discreetly handing the woman a photograph of Marisa.
A whirlwind of questions and conjectures swirled through Alejandro’s mind. “Why in the world is that scoundrel clutching Marisa’s photograph? And what devilish business is he conducting with that woman?” Alejandro’s inner monologue was punctuated by a sense of unease as he continued to scrutinize Dave and the woman ensnared in their covert exchange.
“Alejandro, are you even listening to what Livia is saying?” Alexandro’s voice jolted Alejandro out of his thoughts, pulling Alejandro back from the brink of his thoughts. Startled, Alejandro averted his gaze to face Alexandro and Livia, his sudden distraction palpable.
“Yeah. I’m listening,” Alejandro replied, though his mind was still firmly entrenched in the cryptic scenario unfolding across the bar. Alexandro stared at him quizzically before resuming his attention to Livia’s words.
Livia, adjusting herself in her seat, continued her exposition. “Salvador Morello has connections that span the entire globe. And when I say connections, I mean formidable ties, much like the formidable web woven by your own Gambino family. In essence, the Morello clan is every bit as formidable and perilous as the Gambinos.”
While Livia elucidated on the dangerous alliances of the Morello family, Alejandro found himself increasingly preoccupied with the strange dealings of Dave and the mysterious woman. His curiosity reached a fever pitch, his mind abuzz with a pile of questions. What was the significance of Marisa’s photograph in Dave’s hands? What were their intentions? Could they be conspiring against Marisa herself?
As the minutes ticked away, Alejandro’s mind remained fixated on the unfolding drama across the bar. His furrowed brows attested to his growing curiosity. And then, his intrigue peaked when he witnessed Dave produce a photograph of a young boy, unmistakably Marisa’s son, Jeffrey. Alejandro couldn’t contain his bewilderment as he watched Dave handing over Jeffrey’s photograph to the woman in red.
At this juncture, Alejandro’s insatiable curiosity overwhelmed him. He signaled to Bruno, who promptly approached, and the two engaged in a hushed exchange. Alejandro whispered his intentions, and Bruno, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded before taking going to a seat near Dave and the mysterious woman.
A sly smirk graced Alejandro’s lips as he watched Bruno blend into the shadows, strategically positioned to eavesdrop on the secretive conversation.
However, Alexandro’s voice, laced with anger and impatience, broke through Alejandro’s focus once more. “Why are you diverting your attention when we’re discussing our long-standing mission to eliminate that old scoundrel named Salvador?” Alexandro’s fierce words would have unsettled anyone else, but Alejandro’s demeanor remained unshaken.
Resuming his feigned interest in the conversation at hand, Alejandro responded, “So, what were you saying, Livia?” His tone, though composed, masked the tumultuous whirlwind of thoughts that continued to captivate him.
Alexandro, appearing exasperated, inquired, “Livia just provided crucial information about Salvador. Weren’t you listening?” Alejandro simply scoffed as he lifted a glass of wine from the table, taking a nonchalant sip, his thoughts still ensnared by the enigmatic duo at the corner of the bar.
Livia, her role fulfilled, seized the opportunity to leave, gathering the suitcase filled with cash. Rising from her seat, she bid her farewell, “I must take my leave now. Good luck in your pursuit of Salvador Morello.” With that, she departed, disappearing into the dimly lit corridors of the bar.
Alexandro, now with an accusatory tone, remarked, “I knew you weren’t paying attention to Livia. Your focus was solely on those two,” gesturing subtly toward Dave and the woman.
Alejandro remained silent, his attention still held captive by the unfolding narrative across the room. He couldn’t help but wonder why he had sent Bruno to infiltrate their clandestine meeting.
Alexandro, his patience waning, inquired, “Do you have any business with those two?” His gaze bore into Alejandro, who was still fixated on the secretive exchange transpiring between Dave and the enigmatic woman in red.
The bar’s atmosphere remained shrouded in dim lighting, concealing the ongoing clandestine exchange between Dave and the enigmatic woman in red, which Alejandro observed with unwavering focus. Each passing minute seemed to stretch endlessly, laden with the weight of the unknown.
As Dave and the woman leaned in, their conversation remained veiled in hushed whispers, preventing even the most astute eavesdropper from catching more than a few fragmented words. Their faces bore expressions of seriousness, and their subtle gestures conveyed a sense of urgency. Alejandro strained his senses in an attempt to grasp any fragment of information, but the shroud of mystery remained impenetrable.
Then, as if on cue, Dave carefully retrieved a discreet envelope from his inner coat pocket and gently slid it across the table to the woman. She accepted it with equal care, her fingers barely touching the envelope’s surface. Whatever secrets the envelope held remained hidden from prying eyes.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
Their exchange concluded with an unspoken understanding, and they both stood from their seats with deliberate and unhurried movements. As they prepared to leave, the woman secured the envelope within her purse, and Dave cast a final, vigilant glance around the bar, ensuring that no traces of their covert meeting remained.
Alejandro observed this concluding act with unbroken attention, his curiosity burning brightly. He pondered the information contained within that mysterious envelope.
Dave and the woman in red navigated the maze of tables and patrons with an air of grace that masked the gravity of their discussion. Alejandro couldn’t help but contemplate the deeper implications of their actions.
As Dave and the woman approached the exit, Alejandro exchanged a knowing look with Bruno, who had been vigilantly observing the entire exchange. Bruno’s discreet signal conveyed that he had gathered as much information as possible from the covert conversation.
With Dave and the woman now outside the bar, the heavy wooden door closed behind them, muffling the sounds of the bustling city beyond. The bar returned to its usual, subdued ambiance, its patrons immersed in their own conversations.
As the hushed atmosphere enveloped the bar, Bruno approached Alejandro with a clear sense of purpose. In a manner that was almost secretive, he discreetly handed his boss a compact voice recorder, designed to capture audio without attracting undue attention.
With the voice recorder now in his possession, Alejandro stood up, silently acknowledging Bruno, who continued to keep a vigilant eye on the bar’s activities.
“I’ll be right back.” Alejandro said to Alexandro, then he left their table and embarked on his journey toward the restroom.