Broken Hearts On Boulevard Unirii novel Chapter 46

Angelo jumped up and said, "Let's call the police right away so that they can take him in for questioning."

"Angelo, calm down and sit. You just don't understand, "Elena said.

He raised his voice, "What do I not understand now?"

"The police are in cahoots with the thieves. Everything is pre-arranged," she answered.

"Do you mean to tell me that the police stole the car?" he asked in a surprised voice.

"No. Let me explain," Elena said. "An innocent-looking tow-truck comes and tows the car away. It doesn't arouse any suspicion among the passers-by, because it looks like it is being towed because it broke down. The police turn a blind eye because they are bribed to look away."

She then added, "What you must do is talk to them and try to make some sort of arrangement that is worthwhile for them and for you."

Elena, Angelo, Elia and I went downstairs. Beyond the door of the hotel, we saw a huge fat man, with a bright Hawaiian shirt flapping in the wind and a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, pacing back and forth. Tucked in the back of his pants, we saw what looked like the butt of a pistol poking through. Although his shirt covered it, we were certain it was a weapon.

He approached us with an outstretched hand. "Buongiorno my friends," he said in a most ridiculous sounding English mixed with Italian.

We stood there confused and unable to get out a word.

After a brief interlude, he continued. "I was sent to you by two Russians whom I don't know. They asked me to act as their negotiator and to convey the following message. "Your vehicle is in their possession. They are demanding ten thousand dollars for its return or the vehicle goes to the chop-shop, never to be seen again." He then added, "I only want fifty percent as my brokerage fee." The smile that crossed his face sent shivers through our bodies.

"How long do I have before I give you an answer?" Angelo managed to ask.

"You have until tomorrow night. That is when we will meet at a seafood restaurant, to discuss the matter. I'll come and pick you up at eight." After as short pause he added, "We will then talk about a final price. I may be able to lower it a bit."

We went back to the room stunned. Those who remained behind waited for us to say something, but when they saw our faces they didn't dare ask.

"Do you think Elena is involved?" Oana suddenly asked me.

"Why do you say that?" I asked Oana.

"Do you think it's all a coincidence? How did the guy who came, know where we are? How did he know that you are Italian, that he greeted you in Italian?" she asked.

"It is indeed very strange but I find it hard to believe that Elena would set a trap for Angelo. After all she lives with him and will be returning with him to Romania. We have got entangled with a very dangerous mafia. I don't think she would go that far, even though they kill people for less here in Bulgaria," I said.

That was when I suddenly saw Oana's face turn pale and she began to tremble."I want to go home. I don't want to stay any longer," she said.

"Oana, my dear," I began."Whatever happened already happened. They don't want anything more from us. They have the car. The choice is clear, either money or they keep the car. Tonight we will find out how much money they are willing to accept for the return of the car. There is nothing else to worry about, so just calm down."