Fast Thinking

Eleni's Pov

My hand froze in mid air. What did I just hear? I pressed my ear to the door.

“I’ve been told he is with the Romano family in New York and is here to spy on us. I want you to question him, then get rid of him.” Alexios told his men.

I almost gasped at the word question. I knew it was a code for brutal torture.

“The Romano’s are very powerful boss, won’t they raise hell if we knock off one of their own?” The goon asked. I could hear the worry in his voice.

“They don’t know he is here. According to my source he is solo, hoping to get into his bosses good books by getting info on us. Don’t worry knocking the bastard off won’t raise any questions.”

“Okay boss, do you want us to take him now?”

“No. It will cause a scene and Christos won’t like that. We will take him outside. I want a few men inside watching him, then some posted outside the front and back door, he can’t leave any other way. Once he steps out, grab him and take him to the warehouse. Question him there.”

I had heard the whole plan and I was going to do something to ruin it. First, I had to warn Handsome. I tried to control my trembling as I knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Alexios barked.

“Good evening Mr. Makris. Here is your drink.” I said putting it on his table. Two goons and his bodyguard stood in a corner, looking at me hungrily.

“Leni.” Alexios leered at me, showing his yellow teeth. “Where were you hiding? I didn’t see you when I came in.”

“I was probably with a customer.” I lied and turned to go.

“Wait up. I want to you to stay for a while.” He said.

“I can’t. I’m working.” I said quickly.

“Let someone else take over. Sit down.” He commanded.

No! How can I warn Handsome? I thought.

“Give me a minute please. I have Sweets table, he will raise hell if someone else starts serving him.” I said thinking on my feet.

It worked. He sighed in annoyance and nodded.

I left and hurried to the bar. My heart was racing with anxiety. I had to warn Handsome and help him escape, although I knew if I was caught I would be in big trouble. I had no idea why I was willing to risk my safety to help a total stranger, but I was going to do it.

As I entered the bar I saw Handsome with his phone to his ear, and a deep frown on his face. Then he made to stand up. I hurried over to him.

“More wine?” I said forcing a smile incase the goons were watching.

“No. Thanks. It's time I went home.”

“Your life is in danger.” I said between my teeth. “There are men outside waiting to grab you the minute you step out to here.”

He frowned at me as if I was crazy.

“They know you are a Romano.” I continued quickly, "and that your family don't know you are here. They are going to kill you.”

At the mention of ‘your family dosen't know you are here" his eyes widened in surprise.

“How do you know all this?” He whispered.

“Never mind. I have to come up with a plan to help you escape. Until I do, just sit here and keep calm. They don’t want a scene so they won’t touch you here.” I assured him.

“Who is they?” He asked confused.

“Alexios Makris and his goons. Hold on.” I left him and went to the bar to get him another bottle of wine.

“Use this as an excuse to stay longer, until I think of something.” I said.

He nodded slightly. I could tell he was bursting with questions, but was smart enough to know now wasn’t the time to ask them.

I went back to my job, while thinking of an escape plan. I had to act fast. Handsome couldn’t stay here all night.

Finally, I had a plan. But for it to work I had to do a couple of things. First I made sure the door to the wine store was unlocked, then I raided the locker of one of the waiters who I knew never locked it. I felt guilty as a stole his jacket and face cap, but eased my conscience by telling myself it was for the best.

When everything was ready I walked over to Handsome with another bottle of wine. The second bottle I’d given him was nearly empty.

“I have a plan." I whispered quickly. “Listen carefully. Get up and pretend you are going to the bathroom. Two doors down you will see a door leading to the wine store. It’s unlocked. One of the windows in the store has a broken lock. Leave through it. It leads to the side of the building and directly into the street, so the goons won’t see you. I’ve left a jacket and face cap in the store, ditch your clothes and change into them first.”

He nodded slightly. “Thank you-“ He glanced at my name tag, “Eleni. I have a lot of questions but now isn’t the time. Only tell me this, why are you helping me?”

I forced myself to meet his steady gaze. “I like you.” I said before I could stop myself.

He looked a little startled, then looked away and stood up. I saw some of the goons hanging around, tense.

“I'm going to the bathroom. Have the snacks I asked for on the table when I get back.” He said aloud.

I held my breath as he went to speak to the bartender, then walked towards the bathroom.

I went back to work, still holding my breath. I couldn’t relax till I was sure he had gotten away.

Then after nearly thirty minutes the goons began to notice he hadn’tcome back. I saw them whisper to each other then rush to the direction of the bathroom. Then an hour later they came back to the bar, looking scared, humiliated, and angry. I exhaled deeply. The escape had been a success.

But before I could congratulate myself, a goon walked up to me, eyes blazing

“The boss wants to see you now Eleni!” He fumed