Axl

by Sonja B

  I give him the same glare back before answering. “Yes, Mr. Romano.”

  “Now get the fuck out of my office.” He hisses, turning to Rocco and whispers something to him.

  I let Lorenzo lead me back to my room. The entire way there, different scenarios played in my head as to how I was going to put Romano and Rocco six feet deep. Everyone had a weakness, and they knew my family was mine, but I will find out theirs and destroy them with it.

  Romano’s stylist and barber were waiting for us when we got back to the room. I was first measured for my clothing and shoe sizes, then it was the barber's turn. I kept quiet during the measurements, but I straight up told that barber, if he cut my hair above my shoulder, I was going to take the hair he cut off and choke the life out of him with it. When he was done, my hair hung about an inch below my shoulders. My wild facial hair was now a neatly trimmed beard and mustache, making my face felt lighter.

  The oral surgeon and his assistant came in shortly after. His assistant was a blond with big tits, who kept staring at me seductively. I gave her a small smile that had her grinning from ear to ear. I thought it was weird as fuck that he was going to work on my mouth here in my room, but I overheard one of the guards saying that Romano didn’t want to take any chances of me trying to escape if he sent me to his office. He was right; I probably would have tried to escape.

  After setting up his equipment on the table, the surgeon had me take a seat in the chair. He examined my mouth and determined that I would need four implants put in. Over the course of three hours and his assistant continuously brushing her tits and thighs on me, he had all the implants set. My mouth was numb as shit. I felt like I was drooling on myself. The surgeon told me when the numbness wears off, I will be in some pain. He was leaving pain meds with Romano for me to take. I guess he didn’t want to leave them with me. He probably thought I would OD on them. They packed up his shit and left out the room.

  Lorenzo looked at me and nodded his head before saying, “You should really see yourself, Axl. You look like a totally different man. You look like…” His last sentence lingered, as I nodded back at him, as he left out of the room, locking the door.

  He caught me by surprise because that was the most Lorenzo has ever said to me, and it shocked the shit out of me. He usually just says Romano wants me or its time to go to training.

  Turning from the locked door, I take my shirt off, as I make my way to the bathroom. I’m anxious and nervous to see what I look like now. Once inside, I slowly approach the mirror. Holy shit! Lorenzo was right; I did look like a different man. Although my face was slightly swollen, I could barely recognize myself. I run my fingers over my neatly trimmed beard and mustache. Smiling wide, I had to admit the surgeon did one hell of a job on my teeth. No one would have guessed a little over four hours ago. I looked like a meth head with teeth missing. My wild dark brown hair laid tamed on my head, falling over my shoulders. Damn, I looked good, but as I leaned in closer to the mirror, the reflection staring back at me was not just my own. I shake my head, clearing my thoughts. My only displeasure was when I looked down at the scars that now covered my body, scars that were the result of Rocco’s bitch ass, the caning, and those fucking dogs. I trace over them, feeling the raised skin. Monica pops into my head, my sweet Monica. Even if she hasn’t moved on, there’d be no way she would want me looking like this. I am not the same boy she fell in love with. The person I am now is full of darkness and rage.

  Two days after getting cleaned up, Lorenzo came into the room, carrying a garment bag and a shoebox in one arm and a small travel bag in the other. He sat them on the bed.

  “Here are your clothes for tonight. Mr. Romano wants you ready in an hour. I’ll be back to get you before then.” He states, before leaving back out.

  I grab the garment bag and unzip it. Inside is a designer black suit with a black dress shirt and matching tie. I take them out, laying them across the bed. Opening the smaller bag, there was new undershirts, boxers, hair products, and cologne. I took them out also and laid them next to the suit. Inside the shoebox was a pair of black dress shoes. I stared at the items on the bed. Romano was dressing me up like the rest of the men who worked for him. I shook my head, as I headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

  Lorenzo held a look of surprise on his face when he came back into the room and saw me standing in front of the window dressed down in the suite and shoes. I had brushed my hair back into a sleek ponytail. I probably looked like some kind of mafia hitman.

  “The boss is ready for you now.” He states, walking over to me with three guards behind him. I’m so used to this routine that I automatically present my wrists out to him. He locks the restraints around them. Quietly he says, “I hope you do well tonight, Axl. I think if you do, the boss will give you some leeway.”

  I lock eyes with him and nod. He returns the gesture. The other guards move to the side for us to leave. We got to Romano’s office and, like before, he was sitting behind his desk with Rocco standing to the left.

  “Damn, Axl, you clean up pretty good. You look like a completely different person. You almost look as good as me. Lorenzo said you did, but I didn’t believe him. Now you look like you’re a part of my crew.” Romano states, grinning from ear to ear, as Rocco lets out a grunt. “Okay, let’s get down to business.” He pushes a large envelope across the desk. “Inside, there is an address of your target as well as a driver’s license for you. You do know how to drive, right?”

  I haven’t driven since I was taken, but I’m sure it hasn’t left me, so I reply, “Yes, Mr. Romano.”

  “Good, good. There’s a car outside that you will use tonight.” He squints his eyes at me. “Don’t get any ideas of trying to flee, Axl. It wouldn’t be good for your mother and brothers if you do. The car has a tracking device on it, so I’d find you regardless. Plus, I have eyes everywhere. Now the address to the target’s location has already been programmed in the car. You have twenty-four hours to take him out. If you go over that time frame by one second, you will have failed, and I will have your family erased and then you. Am I clear?”

  Rage begins to course through my body. I was so fucking tired of him threatening my family’s lives. Fuck, if it would save them, just put the bullet in my head. But I know he won’t do that; he’ll forever hold my family over my head.

  “Yes, Mr. Romano.” I rasp.

  “Glad you understand. Lorenzo, take him to the car.” Romano says.

  As I reach for the envelope, Rocco pulls his gun on me. I look at him, smirking. Yeah, mother fucker, you better always be on your toes around me, I think to myself, as I turn to leave.

  “Twenty-four hours, Axl,” Romano yells.

  I don’t even respond, as I follow Lorenzo out the door. Waiting for me outside was a black Camaro with limo tinted windows when Lorenzo got me to the front of the mansion.

  “Everything you need is in the trunk of the car. When you’re done, hit the GPS button and it will direct you back here. Don’t fuck this up, Axl. I’ve seen you train, and I know you can do this. Do your job and get back here as fast as you can. He didn’t say it, but the clock started ticking when you walked out of the office.” Lorenzo says, taking off the restraints. “The keys are in the car.”

  I nod at him. Lorenzo was an alright guy, too bad he worked for the enemy. Flexing my wrists, I opened the car door. The keys were sitting in the middle console. I looked at the steering wheel but did not see a key ignition.

  “It’s a push start,” Lorenzo said behind me. I look at him, confused. “Get in the car.” I do as he says. “Now press the brake pedal then push the button on a panel behind the steering wheel.”

  Pressing the break, I push the start button, the car roars to a start. I smile, this car was a badass.

  “See that icon that says GPS?” Lorenzo asks. Looking at the screen, I find it and nod. “Tap that, it will give you directions on where you need to go. When you’re done, tap it again before you leave, and it will direct you back h
ere. Good luck, Axl.” Lorenzo states, backing away from the car.

  I close the door and tap the GPS button. A voice comes over the speakers with directions. I place the car in gear and slowly leave out of the driveway, not knowing that this would be the night the Snatcher of Souls was born.

  Chapter 4

  Axl

  When I left Romano’s mansion that night eight years ago to do my first hit, I surprised him and Rocco when I returned five hours later with my suit covered with the target's blood. All the anger and rage I had inside of me, I took out on him with the tools that were in the trunk of the car. His screams and begging only urged me on. It was like I grew stronger from them, and blood lust took over. Just before I finished him, I told him, ‘May your soul rest in peace’. I stood back and looked at his mangled body. He looked like something from a horror picture. There was no way his family would have an open-casket funeral.

  Romano was happy that I was able to complete the hit while Rocco looked pissed that I was able to finish the task. I guess he was hoping I would fail, so Romano would have him kill me.

  After that, Romano had more hits for me to do. Each became easier and easier. I was a natural. Romano was pleased that I was carrying out his orders without any complaints. Finally, he let me call my family. I called my brothers first. I was so fucking happy to hear their voices. They sounded so grown up. At the time, Felix was fourteen, and Adam was twelve. I hated that so much time has passed since the last time I saw them. They fired off so many questions at one time, and I didn’t know how to answer them. I couldn’t tell them where I was, but I told them I would try to keep in touch as much as possible. Then Adam asked me when I was coming to get them because their foster father was some mean prick who was hitting them. That shit broke my heart. I prayed they wouldn’t have to go through that shit since our father passed away, but they still were. I promised him whenever I was let go, I was coming to get them. I told them I loved them, and I was coming to get them soon before hanging up.

  Next, I asked Romano for my mother’s phone number at the psych facility. He got real quiet before speaking.

  “About your mother, she actually did commit suicide. I thought it would have been best to tell you only your father died that night. If I would have told you your mother killed herself too, you probably wouldn’t have made it.” He sits back in his chair.

  My mother was dead, and this mother fucker thought it was best not to tell me?! I lost it. Before I knew it, I was across his desk, punching him in his face. Rocco tries to pull me off him, but I elbow him in the face, instantly breaking his nose. He falls back, giving me space to continue my assault on Romano. His face is bloody, and he’s trying to fight back. He’s no match for me. Suddenly, I’m struck to the back of the head, causing an explosion of pain. I fall to the side, clutching my head. Rocco starts to kick me repeatedly.

  “You a dead mother fucker now! Oh, how I dreamed of the day, I’d kill your ass.” Rocco growls, as he kicks me in the side. I ball up in the fetal position, trying to block the blows.

  “That’s enough, Rocco,” Romano says, getting up wiping blood from his face. Rocco doesn’t listen to him, as he keeps kicking me. “I said that’s enough, Rocco!” Romano yells with authority ceasing Rocco’s movements. “Take him to the dungeon! Get him the fuck out of here!”

  Hands grab me, pulling me up. I’m in so much pain I can’t stand. They drag me out of the office to the stairs that lead to the basement. The door is opened, and I’m thrown to the ground. I hear a set of footsteps retreating to the stairs.

  “Damn it, Axl. Why did you do that? Now you got your ass back down here, shit.” Lorenzo rasps out. “You better hope Mr. Romano doesn’t kill you after this.”

  He shuts the door, locking it. I roll over to my side, and for the first time since the night I was taken, I let the tears fall. I cried for my mother, wishing I had one more chance to tell her I loved her. I hated that my last memory of her was her crying out to me when I was dragged from our home. I should have been there. If I did, then she would still be here, and my brothers wouldn’t be in the system. This was all my father’s fault. He sentenced us to a life of hell when he decided to dance with the devil. Now we are paying for his actions.

  I woke up the next morning with the doctor examining me. I knew then if I was going to ever get out of this and back to my brothers, I was going to have to play the role of the obedient hitman. I was gonna have to eat shit and rinse it down with a shot of rage.

  For my punishment for attacking Romano and Rocco, I was kept in the dungeon for a month. It was just like before, once I healed, I continued to work out. I was going to be ready whenever Romano summoned me.

  That day finally came when Lorenzo was sent to retrieve me and took me back up to my room. A new black suit was laid out on the bed with the usual accessories. It was the telltale sign that I was needed for a hit.

  “Look, Axl, I hate that you have to go through this but try to keep a cool head, you were doing good. Don’t let them get to you. Do what you gotta do to get back to your brothers.” Lorenzo states, as he takes off the restraints.

  “That’s the plan,” I tell him, then go to the bathroom to take a shower. Lorenzo and I had become acquaintances. He was the only guard who talked to me. I found out he was Romano’s cousin on his mother’s side, with a wife and two kids. He kept me up to date on what was going on outside of the mansion. Lorenzo personally couldn’t stand his cousin, but he needed the money to take care of his family. He was alright, I guess.

  By the time Lorenzo came back to get me, I was ready. He took me straight to Romano’s office, not saying a word. Just like before, I was given an envelope containing the information on my target. Rocco stood to the left of him, mean-mugging me with a crooked nose now. I chuckled inwardly.

  I took out the target in record time, and every time Romano gave me a new hit, I was on it. I was going to gain my freedom one way or another.

  That day came a few years later when Romano got married. He didn’t like the way his much younger wife would stare at me when I was around. Romano knew I was too much of an asset for him to have me killed out of jealously, so he let me move out of the mansion and into my own place with stipulations. When he called, day or night, I had one hour to get back to the mansion. In return, I was put on his payroll to cover my expenses. He said he knew I was going to get my brothers, and just because they would be with me did not mean they were safe from him if I fucked up in any way. I wanted to wrap my hands around his throat and choke the life from him for threatening my brothers again, but I remained calm. He also stated I was to take the Camaro because it had the tracker in it. Then he gave his usual threat of he had eyes everywhere.

  I agreed to his terms, anxious to get the hell out of there. On the way back to my room, Lorenzo told me about a three-bedroom two and a half bath house that up for rent close to his family’s home. I didn’t even care what it looked like, I told him to get it for me.

  Four days later, I left the mansion and moved into the house. Before I left, Romano gave me an envelope full of money, stating it was for the work I’ve already put in. Personally, I thought it should have been more, but I kept that to myself because I was ready to get as far away from him as I could. Before I left, I made sure I got the address to the foster home where my brothers were staying at.

  I followed Lorenzo to the house that was in a residential subdivision. It was a red brick frame house with a nice size front and backyard. On the inside, there was a large living room and dining room with an attached kitchen. The bedrooms were huge. This place had enough room for me and both my brothers.

  The next day, I went to the furniture store and bought every piece of furniture I needed to furnish the house. I got fifty-inch flatscreens for the bedrooms and a sixty-five inch for the living room. It didn’t matter to me if we had them or not since I hadn’t watch tv in years. I made sure Felix and Adam’s rooms had everything they would need and then some. My brothers had been through s
o much, and I wanted them to know they were home now. I paid extra to the furniture store to deliver and set it up that same day. Next, I went to Walmart and bought plates, silverware, cups, glasses, pots, and pans. I got shit for the bathrooms too. Luckily, the house had blinds up already, so I didn’t have to worry about covering the windows. I purchased bedding for all three rooms. By the time I got in the car to leave, my trunk was packed tight, as well as my back seat.

  The furniture people were there waiting on me when I pulled up to the house. I was grateful that Lorenzo and his wife, Marisol, and their kids, Maci and Ryker, came over to help me get everything set up. With their help, the house actually looked like a home when we finished. Marisol and Maci did an excellent job arranging the kitchen the kitchen for me. Now all I needed to do was get some food in there.

  The next day, I put the address of the foster home in my GPS. Felix and Adam were staying an hour away from me in our hometown. The address led me to a trailer park. Navigating through the park, I finally stopped in front of a raggedy-ass trailer. I know damn well this is not where my brothers are staying. I checked the address again to make sure I read it correctly, and I did.

  I sigh, as I shut off the engine then get out. There was shit all over the yard. Cigarette butts, paper, and various auto parts were scattered on the dead lawn and walkway. Bypassing the shit, I walked up the stairs and knocked on the door. A male’s voice yells something I can’t decipher before he swings the door open.

  “Yeah, what do you want?” The guy asks with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. His hair was greasy as hell, like he hadn’t washed it in days. The t-shirt he had on might have been white at one time. And the boxers he was wearing had definitely seen better days.

  “Yes, does Felix and Adam Salvant stay here?” I ask.