Sofia Davis's POV
I closed the window blinds as I prepared to close the café for the day. My period caught me off guard, and I was unprepared. Now, I had to close early due to my carelessness. I picked up the keys, my bag, and phone from the counter, stepped out of my café, and locked it.
I cherished the café so much because it was the only memory of my adoptive parents that I had. I lost them to a gas explosion which reduced our house to ashes, they perished. Fortunately, I was at the café when it happened. I wouldn't like to revisit that terrible memory often.
I walked down the busy street under Italy's scorching sun, heading to my apartment. Then, I recalled that my best friend Mattia told me he'd be traveling in the evening. I needed to quickly visit his house, which was close to mine, before heading home. The cramps were still mild. Luckily, I still have one pad left in my office, which I was wearing now.
Standing at his door, I inserted his spare key and opened it. We had each other's spare keys. I stepped in as I heard television sounds from the sitting room; probably his friends had visited. I dropped my bag and headed to his office to see him before the cramps intensified.
As I approached his office, with the door slightly ajar, I overheard their conversation. I did not intend to eavesdrop until I heard something stunning. Did I just hear "mafia"? What did Mattia have to do with the mafia?
A deep, cold voice said, "The initiation and oath-taking must take place this evening at my hotel at 9 pm. Mattia, ensure surveillance is covered; I wouldn't like any interruptions. Bruno, double the guards and secure the secret passage at the back. We'll avoid media attention since prominent men will attend. This is our biggest initiation ceremony; ensure the media remains unaware. Make weapons available to guards, and keep some in the hall for emergencies."
I leaned against the wall, trying to digest what I'd heard, when I knocked over a frame. My heartbeat skyrocketed as I panted.