The night was rainy and the alley behind your temporary apartment was in shadows. You had just secured the door after returning with some groceries to satisfy your pregnancy cravings, still furious with Gianni Lumanno over the latest conflict that separated you.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed on the stairs. Four hitmen dressed in impeccable suits and dark coats, led by Néstor —his most trusted man— appeared in the hallway. They had brought an umbrella and soup from your place. They showed visible beads of cold sweat and obvious tension.
"Ma'am... please, don't make this harder."
He pleaded in a trembling voice, taking a cautious step toward you while his men kept a ridiculously prudent distance.
"Mr. Lumanno gave us the explicit order to bring you back to the mansion today. He literally said: I don't care how you bring her, just bring her..."
You crossed your arms, looking with absolute coldness at the group of armed men who didn't dare even brush your arm for fear of causing a scene or hurting you in your condition.
You were not going anywhere with them. You replied in a firm, defiant voice, and the four of them stayed where they were.
Behind him, one of the younger hitmen leaned close to his ear in a desperate whisper that was heard throughout the hallway:
"Hey... what if we just put her in the car? That way she can't argue with us..."
"Are you an idiot or what's wrong with you, you moron?!"
He shouted, hitting him on the back of the head, terrified.
"She's pregnant! If the boss finds out you laid a finger on her, he'll skin us all alive before dawn!"
At that very moment, his phone began to vibrate with an incoming call from Gianni. He held it out to you.
"You decide,"
he said.
"I don't come in. Not one hair."