Is this destiny?

Few minutes later…

Julius ended his call with Michael and delivered bad news to the Ronin twins.

"What do you mean, we need to leave?", Sean protested.

Julius shook his head helplessly. "This was a mission to observe. You attacked the target and there is a chance that he saw you. You are exposed, and we can't trail him anymore without him figuring it out. The four of us have an order to retreat. Ron and Zula will take over."

"We can't leave until they arrive.", Ryan said grumpily while desperately trying to stay on this mission longer. Who will protect Emma better than he and Sean?

"The drone will keep an eye on Bruno and any movements.", Allen responded. "Let's take care of the bill and leave."

On their way out, Sean dashed to the table where Bruno was sitting and took the folder with Emma's information. He will not allow that creep to look at his sister's photos and her habits. Creep.

"You know that this is just a copy and he can make more?", Julius asked Sean who was clutching the folder with Emma's files.

"At least I've got this copy.", Sean said dejectedly.

The four of them were almost at the door when a commotion was heard from the direction of the men's restroom, indicating that someone found Bruno.

"Keep moving…", Allen removed the Ronin twins.

…

Bruno woke up when an unpleasant medicinal scent attacked his senses. He tried moving, but only groaned due to the pain.

It took him few seconds to open his eyes and to realize that he is looking at the paramedic.

Images of the restroom and two identical boys kicking him viciously came to his mind.

Bruno thought how this day is not lucky. First, Charlie shows up and interrupts his first interaction with Emma and then he got attacked in the restroom. What's up with that? Their faces are familiar…

"Sir, how are you feeling?", paramedic's voice pulled Bruno out of his hazy thoughts.

"Bene…", he said weakly. His whole body is aching, but he reminded himself that he is here as a tourist without Angelo's knowledge and if he ends up in a hospital, there is a chance that Angelo will find out.

The confused expression of the man in front of him, reminded Bruno that he responded in Italian.

"Good.", Bruno repeated in English.

The paramedic was not convinced. He got an injection and when Bruno inched away, he explained: "This will help with the pain without making you drowsy."

Bruno relaxed and allowed the man to give him a shot.

"Can you tell me where it hurts? I see that you have a cut above your left eyebrow, anywhere else? Do you have any other injuries?", paramedic asked while giving him the injection.

Since Bruno didn't respond, paramedic continued: "Do you understand English? Do you need an interpreter? Even if you don't respond to my questions, you will need to talk to the police."

"The police?", Bruno repeated. His mind cleared up in an instant. He does not want to end up in the hospital, and even less to talk to the police.

The paramedic nodded. "They are on their way…" His words were cut short when Bruno pushed him on the side and stood up.

It took Bruno a second to realize that he is in the men's restroom of the restaurant.

Bruno walked out, ignoring the paramedic, and went to his table in the dining area of the restaurant.

Bruno frowned when he realized that the folder with Emma's information is missing. His plate with unfinished food is still there, why is the folder missing? But he didn't have much time to think about it, because the police is on their way.

Bruno sauntered out of the restaurant, happy that the painkiller started working so quickly, allowing him to move freely.

…

~ Los Angeles, Hilton Hotel ~

Bruno got out of the shower and frowned at the sight of his bruised body in the mirror. Luckily, there is only one bruise and a cut on his face, and the rest can be hidden with clothes.

Those two attackers were vicious. And they didn't even ask him any questions or take his money. Even his gold ring and designer's wristwatch are untouched. What's up with these American bandits?

Bruno shook his head when he remembered that earlier that day he told Emma how there is much less guns and robbers than what he saw in the movies. Well, he saw something else: thugs who would attack a person randomly without any reason. Americans are violent and unpredictable.

Since nothing makes sense, the only conclusion Bruno came up with is that those two attackers have mistaken him for someone they have grudge against.

Bruno's eyebrows shoot up at the sight of his phone… it's a number which is not in his contacts, but it's familiar somehow. It's a local number.

"Yes?", he asked cautiously.

"Hi, Bruno… Emma here. I'm not sure if you remember me: Emma who ruined your shirt this morning…", Emma's sweet voice sounded through the phone.

Bruno was sure that he is dreaming. Is this Emma calling him? Angelo's daughter, Emma-Emma?

"Yes, I remember.", he responded swiftly. "How can I help you?"

"Uhm… I am sorry for spilling your coffee and ruining your shirt. I've got you a replacement shirt, and your original one is still with the cleaners, but I have a feeling that is not enough. Since this morning I was thinking about the incident… are you free to get a coffee?"

Bruno was not sure if he understood this correctly. "You want to meet with me for a coffee?"

"Yes. I have one hour free this afternoon and I thought that if you are free as well, I can…"

Bruno's mind exploded: Emma wants to see him again! Ha! He knew it! His charms never failed.

"Yes, yes.", Bruno interrupted her. "I am free. Tell me when and where and I will be there..."

…

In the safehouse owned by the White family…

Emma ended the call with Bruno and looked at Charlie who is obviously anxious. Jeff, JoAnna and Tiffany are there as well.

"Done.", Emma did her best to smile despite her nervousness.

"Good." Jeff gave her a thumbs-up before turning to the map of Los Angeles and repeating the plan.

"This area is under control of my men. Charlie, you can add yours wherever you want but make sure they are low-key. We want to ensure that Bruno is by himself, and if anyone is with him, we will cut him off."

"That is the area where Mike and I are living.", Tiffany observed.

Jeff didn't respond. He does not know where their apartment is, but he will assume that Tiffany is correct. One way or the other, it's not important for the mission.

"Does Emma need to be there?", Charlie asked with a frown.

"I want to do this.", Emma responded. "We need to catch him off guard, and if he sees me there, he will not suspect that it's a trap…"

Emma feels guilty for starting this mess. If she was more vigilant and less consumed with her meeting in the rehabilitation center (which went great by the way), she would see through Bruno and not allow his charade to go to the point of Charlie coming to her rescue. She sees this as an opportunity to redeem herself.

"Emma will be safe.", JoAnna assured Charlie. "It's a coffee shop. She will order something, chat him up and give us about half an hour to confirm that no one is with him, or if someone is with him, we will take them out. Then we will bring him here for questioning."

Jeff put his hand on Charlie's shoulder. "I know that you are eager to crush him, but this is Nero armi. Let's not provoke them unnecessarily without a reason."

Charlie snorted. "Emma is my reason to provoke Gods if needed." His expression softened when he felt Emma's arms around him.

"We are not saying that you should give up on giving him what he deserves. We are only asking for a little bit of patience so that we find out what his motives are.", JoAnna told Charlie. "You know that I will not allow for Emma to get hurt."

Charlie nodded in confirmation. "I believe that your plan is solid, and your men are capable. I will add few from my ranks for my piece of mind because no matter how good all this is, I will not be at ease until it's over."

---

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