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- Herausgeber: WS
- Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
- Sprache: Englisch
Ramello, an adopted boy, shares a home with his three uncaring brothers. He yearns for attention and to be freed from the cruel abuse he endures. But then he loses what little he has when dragged into the perilous world of mobsters.
Ramello's existence takes a dangerous turn when he encounters dark figures who ask questions he cannot reply to, leaving him feeling helpless and afraid.
He is soon captured and held captive by a vicious mobster who needs information that he does not possess.
He learns that his brothers have deserted him and joined forces with a specific terrible crook.
Firmly determined to restore his lifestyle to how it used to be, Ramello tries to fight the odds and break out of the gangster underworld.
Will his life ever return to how it used to be, or will he forever stay within the murky gangster underworld, where there may be no escape?
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Seitenzahl: 168
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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The Gangster underworld
Undercover Gangster
Part one
Blood Ties in the Shadows
Joseph Jethro
Text copyright © Joseph Jethro
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the author’s prior written permission. Such written permission must also be obtained before any part of this publication is stored in a retrieval system.
All characters of this publication are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
First published in Great Britain in 2024
ISBN: 978-1-917452-10-6
Contents
Chapter 1
The Unseen Path
Chapter 2
The Evil Mobster
Chapter 3
Shadows Of The Dark Alley
Chapter 4
Echoes Of An Intruder
Chapter 5
The Beckoning Abyss
Chapter 6
Escape From The Red Devil
Chapter 7
The Unknown Phone Call
Chapter 8
Treacherous Nurse
Chapter 9
Park Standoff
Chapter 10
The Old Repeat
Chapter 11
A Bloodied Fight
Chapter 12
The VIP’s Arrival
Chapter 13
The Unveiled Secret
Chapter 14
Secrets Of The Undercover Mansion
The moral of this story:
Acknowledgement
Chapter 1
The Unseen Path
Ramello sat on his bed; his curtains closed, and the only light was the plasma’s soft blue hue. He watched a video of himself when he was speeding on Channelside Drive last week. The wind had whipped through his hair, the thrill of speeding making him go even faster, but fate had a way of catching up, and it did in the form of flashing lights and a stern-faced officer. He got a hefty fine of five hundred dollars. He winced at the memory, but there was a satisfaction in watching it unfold on screen. He enjoyed watching about himself; it was better than a movie. As the video played on, he couldn’t move his eyes away. The reckless joy of speeding and the fear of getting caught was such a lovely thrill for him. Ramello leaned back, lost in the drama of his own making, ‘Better than any movie,’ he whispered to the empty room.
‘Ramello!’ one of his adoptive parent’s sons shouted from downstairs, ‘Get down here right away.’
Ramello sighed, switched his plasma off and headed down the stairs, his footsteps echoing with every step. He found his brothers in the living room. He didn’t have an actual brother and was known for being abandoned as a baby. Then, someone did adopt him, but unfortunately, he died a few years ago, leaving behind his three sons and his adopted son, Ramello. Ramello’s brothers were older than him and were always horrible to him.
‘What is it, Frederik?’ Ramello asked his brother, who had called him downstairs.
‘I just wanted to ask how far you got in paying your fine off?’ Frederik asked in frustration.
‘I paid it off last night,’ Ramello replied swiftly, ‘Why are you so interested in my business anyway?’
‘Cause I don’t want any more of your rubbish letters cluttering the doorstep,’ Frederik responded with a smirk, leaning against the door frame, ‘And make sure you don’t get any more fines. We don’t want any more rubbish.’
Ramello sighed and walked over to the drawer where he had placed his car key. He picked it up and was about to walk out when Phillip, sitting across the room, asked, ‘Are you planning to go car racing again and get more fines coming through the door?’
‘Yeah, I am,’ Ramello replied, rolling his hazel eyes as he left the room.
He stormed out of the front door towards his black sports car, a slick ride, and jumped in. He started the engine and sped out of the driveway. The vehicle accelerated, and the world blurred around him. The fines and the letters all faded into oblivion.
He sped along the road; the mild breeze tousled his brown hair as he rolled the window down.
He parked his car on a narrow, desolate street. The cracked asphalt crunched under his trainers as he stepped out, the weight of his stressful and miserable life pressing down on his shoulders. He longed for a way to improve his circumstances, and he definitely wanted to find a way of getting along with his brothers. The warm wind, tinged with dust, tousled his hair, and the bright sun forced him to squint.
As he walked past a sleek silver sedan, its door abruptly swung open, striking his leg and sending him stumbling to the ground. His eyes narrowed in anger and pain as he looked up. To his alarm, five black-clad men emerged from the vehicle. Ramello’s pulse quickened, instincts warning him of imminent danger.
‘You get here, boy,’ one of the men growled, his fingers digging into Ramello’s shoulders as he pulled him to his feet and slammed him against a brick wall, ‘Where’s your dad?’
Ramello looked at the man blankly, trying to get out of his grasp and shouted, ‘I don’t have a dad. Get off me!’
The other men started to laugh mockingly; the man who had Ramello gripped gave him dirty, terrifying looks and then continued, ‘Listen, young man, it’s obvious that you have a dad. Tell me right now, where is he?’ he yelled impatiently.
‘I’m not lying. I was abandoned when I was a baby, and my adoptive father died a few years back,’ Ramello replied, his voice firm. He didn’t understand what the man was talking about, ‘I think you’ve got the wrong person,’ he yelled.
The man’s hand slipped under his bomber jacket, pulling out a gleaming black, polished handgun. He pointed the weapon at Ramello’s head, ‘Listen boy, tell me right now before I shoot you.’
Ramello shivered, ‘Look, man, I don’t know what you’re banging on about, serious man, I don’t know!’
The man clenched his teeth, his eyes narrowing into slits, ‘I don’t want any nonsense to slip out of your mouth; I’m only interested in your dad, and let me make it clear, your actual dad,’ he hissed, his voice filled with impatience and frustration.
Ramello shook his head, raising his voice, ‘Look man, I don’t know if my dad is dead or alive; I only know his name, nothing else; it’s the only information I’ve got.’
The man’s finger itched to press the trigger of the gun. ‘I only wanna know where he is,’ he snapped, yanking his phone from his pocket. He hesitated for a moment and then dialled a number. Someone instantly answered.
‘What is it, Richmond?’ echoed a voice from the other side of the line, ‘I told ya not to call me until the bloody job is done, so have ya cracked it?’
Richmond’s grip tightened on the phone, the weight of the gun pressing against Ramello’s temple, ‘I’ve got the lad with me. The idiot is not telling me the whereabouts of his dad. He’s saying that he doesn’t know, he’s gotta be lying, maybe I should put a bullet in his head?’
There was a moment of silence. Suddenly, the man on the other line spoke. ‘Bring the boy over to ma place,’ he lazily instructed, a sense of hatred in his tone. ‘I’ll talk to him myself.’
Richmond ended the call, his eyes locked onto Ramello who stood angrily confused. Suddenly, he clutched Ramello’s arm with a firm, tight grip. He dragged Ramello towards a waiting silver Mercedes-Benz, the car’s sleek lines glinting in the sun’s light, a stark contrast to the desolate surroundings. Richmond flung open the back door and forcefully shoved Ramello into the vehicle.
Ramello looked around, his thoughts going insane. What in the world was going on, and who were these weird men?
Richmond jumped into the driver’s seat, glancing at the man who was quietly sitting in the passenger seat. He stared at the road ahead with an unwavering gaze and cracked his knuckles.
Richmond looked back at Ramello with a smirk. ‘Be prepared for a long journey, boy,’ he declared, and in his voice was a stern warning.
Chapter 2
The Evil Mobster
Ramello slumped back, his back leaning against the leather interior. They had been travelling for ages, and the journey didn’t seem to be coming to an end. Everyone in the car was silent.
Suddenly, the man in the front passenger seat broke the silence, ‘Did you ask the boy’s name, Richie?’ he inquired, ‘What if you’ve got the wrong kid?’
‘I’m not bloody stupid, Jaylon,’ Richmond snapped, his hands tightening on the steering wheel, ‘I know the boy’s face inside out.’
Jaylon leaned back, his eyes glinting with mischief, ‘Have you ever tried to turn the boy’s face inside out?’ he quipped, sarcasm dripping off every syllable.
Richmond ignored him and sped around a roundabout, earning angry horns from other drivers. Ramello clung to the seat, his knuckles turning white with tension. Richmond then sped through a narrow street and suddenly applied the brake as they entered a grand street with huge mansions.
‘We’re finally here,’ Richmond grumbled under his breath.
He parked in front of the biggest mansion and jumped out, followed by Jaylon. He opened the back door and glared at Ramello, ‘Get out of the car!’ he ordered, his voice sharp like a blade.
Ramello silently followed the two men into the mansion’s garden, a vast expanse of greenery. The driveway was wide, and a metallic black Audi was parked near a garage with clear glass doors. The car’s glossy surface reflected the sunlight, hinting at the power concealed within. Inside the garage, a glimmering Lamborghini Aventador could be seen, its body a blend of power and grace. The sleek car seemed to pulse with restrained energy, waiting for the open road. Parked near it was a red SUV, a colossal beast. Its crimson paint seemed defiant, daring anyone to challenge its authority. They walked along a cobblestone pathway, the beds of vibrant blooms stretching in every direction, filling the air with the sweet perfume of jasmine, lavender, and honeysuckle. There was an outdoor dining area, complete with a marble table, a perfect spot for a leisurely meal.
Finally, they arrived at the front door and knocked. The grand door opened swiftly, and there stood a tall man. His jet-black hair cascaded in silky waves, meticulously styled with a daring side fringe that framed his chiselled features. Each strand seemed to hold secrets—dark and mysterious, just like the man himself. His slim-fit black jeans hugged his legs, emphasising his athletic physique, and his jumper clung to his torso. His eyes, oh those eyes, were a mesmerising shade of crimson. Not the ordinary hue of blood but a deeper, more intense red. They held a magnetic allure, drawing people in like moths to a flame. His lips, full and inviting, curved into a half-smile that left hearts fluttering in his wake. And when he spoke, his voice carried a velvety timbre, a blend of danger and seduction that sent shivers down spines. ‘Aah! Ya brought ma present. About time!’ he said, his voice a velvet whisper.
‘Yeah, Red Devil,’ Richmond said.
Ramello considered the word ‘Devil’ as something terrible, yet the figure standing by the grand door remained unperturbed.
‘Come in, my guests,’ RD beckoned, with an evil grin.
Jaylon pushed Ramello into the mansion, making him stumble. They entered the living room, RD following behind, his footsteps silent.
‘Sit on this chair, Ramello,’ RD instructed, his smile a blend of charm and menace.
Ramello’s mind raced; how did RD know his name? He had arrived at the mansion with nothing but curiosity. Yet, RD had greeted him as if he knew him.
As he lowered himself onto the chair, Ramello’s eyes flickered to RD’s wrist. There, snug against tanned skin, rested a silver bracelet, a single braided strand that seemed to hold memories of distant lands and whispered promises. Its clasp bore an intricate design, a labyrinth of twists and turns that mirrored the complexities of their situation. But it was the signet ring that captured Ramello’s attention most. RD’s fingers toyed with it absentmindedly—a polished silver band.
The silver chain around RD’s neck was unassuming yet elegant. Its links were delicate, catching the light in a subtle dance. It whispered of memories, whispered promises, and the quiet strength of a man who navigated shadows with grace.
RD circled him, his footsteps tapping silently, ‘I seek answers,’ he murmured, leaning over Ramello’s shoulder, so close he could feel the heat of his breath on his neck, ‘I am willing to sacrifice anything and everything to get answers,’ he continued.
Ramello, sweating profusely, became extremely worried as he listened to the words coming from RD’s mouth. What was the meaning behind these unusual remarks? He wondered stressfully.
Suddenly, Ramello’s phone started to ring. RD looked at him, his crimson eyes narrowing with suspicion, ‘Who’s calling you?’ he demanded in a low growl.
Ramello hesitantly took his phone out of his pocket, his hand shaking with fear, ‘It’s my brother, Edmond,’ he stammered.
RD moved closer, his deep breathing sending cold shivers down Ramello’s spine. ‘Edmond,’ he mused, ‘Family ties can be both a blessing and a curse.’ He swiftly snatched the phone from Ramello’s sweaty hands and walked over to a crystalline window, staring at the beautiful horizon; he then answered the call, tilting his head to one side. ‘Hello.’
For a moment, there was silence on the other side of the phone, but RD was not a person who tolerated silence, ‘Have you got a voice or not? You stupid boy!’ he thundered, his voice echoing off the walls.
‘Is…is it you, Ramello?’ Edmond stammered from the other end of the phone in a worried tone.
‘Do I sound like Ramello, boy?’ RD asked.
Edmond didn’t answer; there was only silence.
‘You wanna know who’s behind the curtain?’ said RD, his voice hissing like a snake, ‘Red Devil.’
‘Ramello! Can you stop playing games?’ shouted Edmond.
RD gave an eerie laugh, ‘Ain’t nobody messing around with you, and yeah, for your knowledge, I’ve got your brother trapped in my house, and he ain’t coming back alive,’ he declared.
‘Where’s Ramello?’ Edmond shouted, ‘Whoever you are, you better let him go before I come and gun you down.’
RD laughed hysterically, ‘Yo, you’re gonna gun me down when ya ain’t even got ma coordinates. Meanwhile, I’ve got your whole crew of brothers scooped out. If you step out of line, I’ll slide through and light up you and your two brothers,’ he declared in his slangy tone.
Edmond slammed the phone down, leaving RD laughing with satisfaction.
RD turned back to Ramello and threw the phone at him, ‘Take that,’ he said with a thoughtful face.
Ramello slid it back into his pocket, ‘What do you even want from me?’ he shouted, the words echoing through the room.
RD brushed his slick, jet-black locks away from his face and smirked, ‘And of course, ya don’t have an idea why I brought ya here,’ he drawled, his voice sharpening quickly, ‘Well, let’s get to the point then, I want ya to give the game away on where your old man’s at.’
‘Old man?’ Ramello shouted, clenching his teeth, ‘What does that mean?’
‘It’s slang for ‘dad’, fam,’ Jaylon laughed, ‘I think you’ve never been to school before. I guess you’ve been hiding under a rock all your life.’
‘Tell me, where is he?’ RD questioned, staring at Ramello and tapping his foot impatiently on the waxed marble.
Ramello’s irritation flared, ‘What do you want me to say to you? I DON’T KNOW!’ he shouted.
RD did not like to be messed around with; he pulled his pistol from his belt holster, the metal cool against his palm. With precision, he cocked it and pointed it at Ramello, ‘Step up, young blood,’ he taunted, his crimson eyes locking into Ramello’s, ‘You best tell me if ya wanna vibe with a tranquil, zen life.’
‘I told your joey as well,’ Ramello’s voice wavered, ‘I don’t have any answers for you.’
RD sighed and put his gun on the desk, ‘I guess you really don’t know much about your miserable dad then,’ he said, his eyes assessing Ramello, ‘But that ain’t gonna stop me from hunting him down,’ he added, a smirk playing on his lips, ‘I’m going to get that lowlife, he’s a bloody dog, man!’
RD clicked his fingers, and his men seized Ramello’s arms and dragged him through the hallway; they opened the front door and, with a forceful motion, flung Ramello out, causing him to fall to his knees.
RD stood sternly overlooking Ramello, who was on the ground, ‘You can stroll back to your crib. Ain’t no shame in that game,’ he laughed mockingly, slamming the door in his face.
Ramello stood up and brushed the dust off his clothes; he didn’t understand how he was going to get back home; he was so far away.
He stepped out of the garden and walked down the road, the gravel crunching beneath his shoes.
Fifteen minutes had passed since he had been kicked out of RD’s house. He was on the main road when a SUV parked near him. He started scrutinising the car and saw a man sitting in it with another man sitting in the passenger’s seat.
The driver rolled down his tinted window, ‘Do you need help, lad, you look lost?’ he asked with a genuine smile.
Ramello didn’t know what to say, ‘Yeah, I’m kinda lost,’ he finally admitted. ‘Don’t actually know where I am.’
‘Jump in, and I’ll take you wherever you want,’ said the man, smiling.
Ramello weighed his options. The road ahead was uncertain, but this man didn’t look evil like RD. So, he got into the car, RD seemed like a distant nightmare now, and the man’s smile held a promise of escape. ‘So, where do you want to go?’ the man asked.
‘I need to get to Tampa Bay,’ Ramello replied, his voice urgent.
‘Tampa Bay!’ the man exclaimed, ‘We are so far from there.’
‘I know, but I just need to get out of this place as fast as I can,’ Ramello said, urgently.
As the countryside blurred past, Ramello’s gaze shifted from the winding road to the man behind the wheel. His unease grew when he noticed the man’s bulletproof jacket. Scrutinising him, Ramello’s eyes fell on a badge tucked into the man’s cargo trouser pocket, slightly poking out. The badge bore the words ‘Secret Agent,’ along with a identification number, and other symbols signifying the officer’s authority and responsibilities.
Ramello felt his heart racing; he wondered what he had just gotten into. The officer’s frequent glances at the rearview mirror only added to his apprehension, as if he were checking for pursuers.
They drove in silence, when, like a sudden storm, the driver’s phone rang. The cop answered, ‘What is it, Officer Benjamin?’ he asked, his voice steady.
‘We need backup immediately, Salvatore,’ Officer Benjamin answered in an urgent voice.
Salvatore sighed, his grip on the steering wheel tightening, ‘Why does it always have to be me?’ he muttered, frustration lacing his words, ‘I’m trying to take…’ his voice trailed off, then he corrected himself, ‘I’m trying to take this lad home, he was lost.’
‘Well, there is no time for escorting lost children home; we need to take immediate action,’ Officer Benjamin snapped.
Salvatore clenched his jaws and glanced back at Ramello, who was caught between curiosity and fear, ‘I’ll be at the office in ten minutes,’ Salvatore declared, abruptly ending the call. ‘Hold on, boy,’ he said, the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders, ‘We’re in for a big mission.’
Ramello nodded uncomfortably.
Salvatore floored the gas pedal. The car shot forward, tyres screeching along the road. The world outside blurred into streaks of colour as he hurtled down the road, the wind howling through the open windows.
