chapter 9

Beatrice's eyes widened in disbelief. "Did you just say the Ironclad Mafia?" She said as she stared at Ricardo, her shock evident on her face, which caused Ricardo to nod at her question

"Yes, Beatrix. The Ironclad Mafia is responsible for my sister's death. Her boyfriend was in the wrong place at the wrong time and saw something he shouldn't have, so they had to get rid of them."

"Please tell me you're joking," Beatrix asked as a fear laced her voice.

Ricardo's face contorted with pain as he replied, "I wish I was, but I'm not. They're the reason my sister and her boyfriend are dead. Those guys didn't even lose any sleep after killing two kids. "

"Ricardo," Beatrix began, her voice gentle but firm, "you have to understand how dangerous it is to go up against the Ironclad Mafia. They've controlled this city for decades, and they won't hesitate to eliminate threats, which you are."

"I know the risks, Bea, but I can't let them get away with it. They've destroyed my life, and I can't just stand by." Ricardo said, and you could actually hear the pain in his tone

Beatrix reached for his hand, her fingers trembling as she held onto his "I admire your determination and your love for your sister that you're willing to do anything to get revenge, but we have to be realistic. They have power, money, and connections beyond our wildest imagination. Confronting them head-on is like walking into a lion's den with a toy gun."

Ricardo withdrew his hand, his frustration evident on his face. "So, what do you suggest, Bea? Should I just let them go free after what they've done to us? Should I ignore the pain they've caused for months?"

Tears welled up in Beatrice's eyes as she moved closer to him. "No, never that. But there must be another way, a safer way. You can't face them without a plan. We need evidence or a legal approach. Rushing into this will only put you in grave danger."

"I have a plan, so don't worry," Ricardo said

"But -" Beatrix tried to say, but Ricardo interrupted her.

"Please Beatrix if you are going to talk me out of getting revenge it's best you leave now" Ricardo begged as he tried to move away from her but Beatrix held him in place as their gazes met

"I'm not trying to talk you out of it, it's just that I wanted to know if you've thought this through and are very sure you want to do it, I will not stand in your way because God knows they deserve it" Beatrix commented.

"Yes, I've thought about it, and nothing is going to change my mind," Ricardo said

"Then it's settled. We're going to take down one of the biggest Mafia this country has ever known."

"We?" Ricardo asked

"Yes. Duh! Did you think I was going to let you do this alone? " Beatrix said as a huge grin formed on her face

"Beatrix, we are not doing anything. You, on the other hand, are going to go back home and behave like this conversation didn't happen," Ricardo said as he stared at her with a worried expression

"You don't tell me what to do," Beatrix scoffed as she stood to her feet, walking to the other side of the room

"Beatrix we are not talking about this, you're not helping me with this, because if you get hurt then won't be able to forgive myself, I even took a risk telling you the truth, I blame the alcohol" Ricardo explained as he also got on his feet

"I'm helping you with this, and it's settled," Beatrix argued.

"No, you're not. You're going to return home and forget everything you heard today," Ricardo asserted.

"Not going to happen," replied Beatrix firmly.

"Beatrice, stop being stubborn. You're not assisting me," Ricardo implored.

"We can keep arguing about this until daybreak, and you still won't change my mind," Beatrix added resolutely.

"Why are you so determined to help me?" Ricardo inquired.

"Because you're my friend, and friends support each other," Beatrix responded.

"First, we're not friends, and second, friends usually don't help each other take down an evil organization," Ricardo commented.

"You don't know that because you don't have friends," Beatrix countered.

"Go away, you're not helping me," Ricardo insisted.

"I'm going to stay here until you agree," Beatrix declared with unwavering determination.

Ricardo sighed, realizing that Beatrix wasn't going to give up easily. He paced back and forth, deep in thought, while Beatrix stood her ground, determined to make him see reason and accept her help so they could bring down the ironclad mafia together

After a few moments of silence, Ricardo finally spoke, his tone softer, "Beatrix, you don't understand the dangers involved in this. It's not just my life at risk; it's yours too."

Beatrix crossed her arms, unfazed. "I know the risks, Ricardo. But I also know that we can make a difference if we do it together."

Ricardo gazed at Beatrice, his expression conflicted. "You're unbelievably stubborn, you know."

Beatrix responded with a warm smile. "That's what friends are for."

"I'll consider it, but for now, you really should head back home. It's getting late."

"I don't want to," Beatrix protested.

"Come on, Bea, don't act like a child," Ricardo urged.

"Are you seriously going to let me go home at this hour?" Beatrix questioned, concern evident in her tone. "It's so late. What if something happens?"

"You won't get attacked," Ricardo reassured her as he felt his irritation growing.

"How can you be so certain?" Beatrix pressed.

"You won't get attacked but I will walk you to the bus if you're feeling uneasy about going alone," Ricardo offered, but Beatrix remained resolute.

"I'm not leaving," she declared.

"What did I do to deserve this?" Ricardo muttered to himself as his gaze landed on Beatrix. "Fine, you can stay, but you'll have to leave first thing tomorrow morning."

Beatrix nodded. "Okay, I've got no problem with that," she replied with a sly smile.

As the day came to an end, little did they know that their fates were about to take an unexpected turn.