#197 “May it Bring You and Evelyn a Lifetime of Happiness.”
As they made their way to the mob boss’s house, Kyle took a moment to offer Alexander some last-minute advice.
“Alright, listen up,” Kyle began, his tone serious. “First of all, when you’re talking to Elviro, be direct. Don’t beat around the bush or try to deceive him. He respects honesty, so always speak the truth if you can.”
Alexander nodded, taking in Kyle’s words. “Got it,” he replied, his voice determined.
“And remember, his name is Elviro,” Kyle continued. “Show him respect by using his name when you address him.”
“Elviro,” Alexander repeated, committing the name to memory.
“Lastly, don’t show any fear,” Kyle warned. “These guys can smell fear from a mile away. Stay confident, and you’ll be fine.”
Alexander squared his shoulders, steeling himself for the encounter ahead. “Thanks for the advice, Kyle. I’ll keep it all in mind.”
As the tension of the impending meeting loomed over them, Kyle attempted to lighten the mood with some casual conversation.
“So, didn’t Sophia try to persuade you not to come?” Kyle asked a hint of amusement in his voice.
Alexander chuckled at the memory. ” Oh, she was not thrilled, to say the least,” he admitted. “But she eventually came around. She’s a tough one to convince, but she knows when to pick her battles.”
Kyle laughed, nodding in understanding. “Sounds like Sophia, alright. Always looking out for everyone.”
As Alexander and Kyle stepped into the mob boss’s house, the air was heavy with tension and the faint aroma of cigar smoke. The elder, Elviro, greeted them with a nod, his eyes lingering on Alexander for a moment before recognition dawned on his face.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Andrew Stone’s grandson,” Elviro remarked, his voice gravelly with age. “You were the last person I expected, but maybe I should have guessed.”
Alexander and Kyle were caught off guard.
“After all, Sophia is Christopher’s granddaughter, and your grandfather and her grandfather were inseparable,” Elviro added.
“I didn’t know you knew my grandfather, Elviro,” Alexander admitted.
“Andrew Stone was a good man,” Elviro began, his voice tinged with reverence. “We had our share of ventures together.”
“Do you work together?” intrigued Alexander continued to ask.
Elviro nodded, his gaze fixed on Alexander. “Oh, yes. We worked together on a few projects,” he replied, a hint of fondness in his tone. “You remind me a lot of him, you know.”
Alexander felt a surge of pride at the comparison to his beloved grandfather. “Thank you,” he said, a smile playing on his lips.
But Alexander’s mind quickly shifted to more pressing matters. “About the stolen documents,” he interjected, his tone becoming more serious. “Did you have any involvement in that?”
Elviro’s expression turned solemn as he shook his head. “No, no. I had no reason to seek out those documents,” he confessed. “They held no value to me anymore, especially since the relevant parties are no longer with us. The police wouldn’t be able to use them to prosecute the mafia, even if they had them.”
Satisfied with the elder’s response, Alexander decided to broach another topic. “How did you know Sophia?” he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Elviro’s eyes clouded with memories as he spoke. “Where I come from, your grandfather and Sophia’s grandfather, Christopher Johnson, were familiar names,” he explained. “The last time I saw Christopher was when I helped a woman and her son escape to London.
She was allegedly involved with Christopher’s son.”
Alexander’s surprise was evident, but he knew better than to pry further. He didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to Sophia and her family’s past. With a nod of understanding, he decided to leave the matter there, confident that they had gathered enough information for now.
“Kyle, my boy, now I want to know why you came?” Elviro inquired, his voice rich with warmth.
Kyle took a deep breath, gathering his courage. “Elviro, I need your help,” he began, his tone earnest. “I’m planning to propose to Evelyn, and I’m looking for my mother’s ring.”
Elviro’s expression softened at Kyle’s words, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. “Ah, a proposal,” he mused, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “A joyous occasion indeed.”
Kyle continued, explaining the significance of the ring and the sentiment behind his quest. Elviro listened attentively, nodding thoughtfully as Kyle spoke.
After a moment of reflection, Elviro rose from his seat, his eyes alight with determination. “Well then, let’s not waste any time,” he declared, gesturing for them to follow.
They made their way through the labyrinthine corridors of the house, Elviro leading the way with confident strides. Eventually, they reached a secluded room tucked away in a forgotten corner, where Elviro paused before a dusty chest.
With a sense of reverence, Elviro opened the chest, revealing a trove of treasures within. Kyle’s heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of the ring, its brilliance undimmed by the passage of time.
With a gentle hand, Elviro retrieved the ring, cradling it in his palm as if it were the most precious thing in the world. ” Here it is, Kyle,” he said softly, his voice tinged with emotion. “May it bring you and Evelyn a lifetime of happiness.”
As Kyle accepted the ring, a sense of gratitude washed over him. He thanked Elviro profusely, his heart overflowing with appreciation for the elder’s kindness.
As Kyle and Alexander made their way to the car, laughter, and reminiscence still lingering in their conversation, they suddenly froze in their tracks at the sight of a familiar figure standing by the entrance. Alberto was waiting for them.
