#Chapter 19: The Mafia’s Girl

Four Black cars surround Alston and I, as we drive, trying to escape the city. The vans up at the end of the road block up in and the Fear grips me as the black cars close in. Alston reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Stay calm,” he murmurs. “We’ll get through this.” Men in dark suits exit the vehicles, their expressions cold and menacing. One of them approaches our car and taps on the window. Alston rolls it down slightly. “Mr. Clayton,” the man says, his voice dripping with false politeness. “You and Miss Elise need to come with us.” Alston’s grip tightens on the steering wheel. “We’re not going anywhere with you,” he replies, his voice steady. The man’s smile fades, replaced by a hard, threatening look. “That wasn’t a request.” Alston takes a deep breath, glancing at me. “Elise, whatever happens, stay close to me.” I nod, my heart pounding. Alston opens his door, stepping out slowly, his eyes never leaving the man in front of him. I follow suit, my legs trembling.