The Twisted Obsession
Chapter 46: Debt collection

Chapter 46: Debt collection

Remo’s throat tightened at the concern in his brother’s voice, a sharp reminder of the burden he bore, not only for himself but for those he held dear. "I’m here, Matteo," he replied, his voice tinged with a mixture of weariness and resolve. "I’m sorry for not answering sooner. I have been enjoying married life."

Matteo’s silence spoke volumes, the unspoken questions hanging heavy in the air between them. Remo could almost feel the weight of his brother’s concern, a palpable presence even through the phone line.

"I know you’re worried, Matteo," Remo continued, his voice softening. "And I appreciate it, I do. But I need you to trust me when I say that I’m handling things the best way I know how and I’m happy. Everything is fine."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, the silence stretching between them like an invisible thread connecting their hearts. Remo could sense Matteo’s reluctance, his desire to intervene conflicting with his need to respect his brother’s autonomy.

"I just want you to be happy, Remo," Matteo finally replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "After what happened... after what you did... I can’t help but worry."

Remo closed his eyes, the memory of his own violence haunting him like a ghost from the past. The darkness within him, the rage that simmered just beneath the surface, was a constant reminder of the fragility of his own humanity.

"I know," Remo whispered, his voice barely audible over the static of the phone line. "But I promise you, Matteo, I won’t let things spiral out of control. I’ll be careful, I’ll... I’ll do what needs to be done. I’m happy again."

"Alright. Tony said you’re traveling with your wife. Be careful and we are all expecting to meet her next month at the family dinner."Matteo said changing the topic.

"Alright. Greet Stella for me. I’m expecting to be an uncle once I’m back."

Matteo chuckled, "Of course. She will be due in no time. I’m so nervous."

Remo laughed, "You will be a great father Matteo. Don’t worry you raised Beatrix and Ares after mom’s death."

"Y-eah and you too. Spoiled brat. You gave me massive headaches."

Remo rolled his eyes, "I didn’t but whatever. Goodbye." He hung up the call before Matteo could reply.

"Okay, time to collect debts," Remo muttered to himself, his voice a low growl. He needed to settle scores before he left the city, keeping everyone on their toes. His phone buzzed with messages and notifications, each one a reminder of the web of debts and obligations he held over various individuals. He left his office and made his way to his casino.

Remo started with a call to Marco, a businessman who owed a substantial amount of money. "Marco, my friend, it’s time we settle our little score. You know what happens to those who don’t pay their debts."

There was a nervous stutter in Marco’s voice as he stammered out assurances. Remo, unmoved, simply stated, "You have 48 hours. Don’t test my patience."

The next call was to Salvatore, a notorious gambler who had been avoiding Remo for weeks. "Salvatore, you’re running out of time. I suggest you find the money or prepare for the consequences."

Remo stepped into his dimly lit casino, the familiar scent of cigar smoke and hushed murmurs enveloping him. As he navigated through the labyrinth of tables and slot machines, a sense of authority emanated from him, every gaze and whisper falling silent in his wake.

Approaching the back room, he found a group of individuals huddled around a table, their expressions shifting from amusement to trepidation as Remo entered. These were not just gamblers; they were debtors, individuals entangled in the complex web of owed favors and unpaid dues.

A man named Luca, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, stood at the center of the group. Remo’s eyes narrowed, the predatory gleam within intensifying. "Luca, my friend, you’ve been playing fast and loose with my money. Do you think I wouldn’t notice?"

Luca stammered, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "Alfonso, I-I swear, I’ll get you the money. Just give me a bit more time."

Remo leaned in, his voice low and dangerous. "Luca", time is something you’ve run out of. You see, I’m leaving the city for a while, and I can’t have loose ends trailing behind me. You have a choice – pay up now, or face the consequences."

The tension in the room tightened, the air heavy with anticipation. Remo’s reputation as a man who didn’t tolerate debts was well-known, and the threat of consequences hung palpably in the air.

Another man, Carlo, nervously stepped forward, a look of desperation in his eyes. "Alfonso, please. I’m in a tight spot. Just a little more time, and I swear I’ll settle everything."

Remo regarded him coldly, his patience wearing thin. "Carlo, you’ve had enough time. You all have. It’s time to face the music."

Remo withdrew the gun and pointed at Luca.

"Please Alfonso, don’t do this, I have a family. My wife is pregnant." Luca explained in a shaky voice.

Remo’s grip on the gun tightened, but his gaze softened for a fleeting moment, betraying a hint of empathy buried beneath layers of hardened resolve.

He tilted his head, "And you’re gambling and wasting the day away?"

Luca shook his head, "I only gambled because I thought I would win big to take care of my wife and baby."

Remo smirked, he was planning on sparing him but damn he hated liars. The only reason why he was gambling was to spend on those young girls and alcohol. He didn’t care about his wife.

He pulled the trigger without a delay. A sharp sound echoed in the basement giving way to a grim silence.

Thick blood splotched on the floor and resonated with a thud. The bullet had pierced his legs.

A frown sat over Remo’s brows as he walked closer to the body, staring hard at the bullet hole that he had carved on his leg.

"Oops I guess I missed. Sorry."

Luca shook his head grunting in pain. They knew Remo never misses a shot.

"Alfonso please—just give me more time—my wife—"

A moment later, he raised the gun, trained it on Carlo who was sweating profusely and trying not to make noise afraid he would anger Remo and shot another fire. This one pierced right through his arms.

A smirk played over his lips.Carlo let out a stifled cry as the bullet tore through his flesh, the pain searing through his body like wildfire. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, mingling with the fear that gripped him tightly.

Remo’s expression remained cold and impassive as he observed the scene unfolding before him. His eyes bore into Carlo’s, devoid of any mercy or remorse.

Just as Remo was about to deliver a final warning, the distant chiming of a phone interrupted the tense atmosphere. Pulling out his cell, he answered with a curt, "Speak."

Tony, on the other end of the line, relayed updates about Abby and the impending departure. Remo’s eyes narrowed, the gravity of the situation shifting his focus. "Handle it, Tony. I’ll be there shortly."

As he hung up, he turned back to the anxious faces in the room. "Consider yourselves lucky. I have more pressing matters to attend to. But remember this – when I return, I expect everything to be settled. No excuses, no delays. Clear?"

The room echoed with a collective nod of compliance, and Remo, his parting glance lingering with a silent warning, made his exit.