Threats

'I need to talk to you, and it's not negotiable.'

'I'm really busy-'

'Didn't you hear me the first time?'

'...Fine.'

'Where is Roxxi?'

'I don't know. Has she gone somewhere?'

'Don't play dumb with me. You know full well she's left me and taken the kids. And you also know where she is, and you are going to tell me.'

'Really? L-Look, all I know is that she was unhappy, but she never said anything about leaving... Honestly, I don't know anything about it.'

'You're her best friend. She would have spoken to you. I don't appreciate you feeding me bullshit, Nyla. I need my children back home.'

'I'm sorry... I can't help you.'

'More like won't. You're a parent too, aren't you? Imagine if someone suddenly took your daughter away from you without telling you where they were going. How would you feel?'

'I'd be devastated...'

'Exactly. So show some compassion and help me in getting them back.'

'I-I really can't... Roxxi didn't tell me anything. I've no idea where she is. I know you must be upset, but there's nothing I can do...'

'Are you fucking stupid? Do you really think I'd believe that? You're a fucking appalling liar. Just because you don't seem to believe in the importance of a child having a father doesn't mean we're all quite so loose-moralled as you. Fine, let me put it to you in a way that even you can understand.'

'No! Please, d-don't!'

'Tell me my wife's location or I'll blow your fucking brains out.'

'I can't! Why won't you believe me?! I don't know where she is! Please! Don't shoot me!'

'Five seconds. Five, four, three...'

'What are you doing?!'

'Not in front of Feli! Tate, I'm begging you!'

'...God damn it.'

'Oh my God, you can't hurt my mum! I-I won't let you, mister!'

'...Fine.'

'Oh, thank God...'

'You've got away with it today. But I will be back at the same time tomorrow. Twenty-four hours to change your mind. If you still don't tell me, your daughter will grow up without a mother. Don't think about calling the police because it will make no difference. If you're conveniently out, I will track you down. I trust you'll make the smart choice. I'll see myself out.'

'Mum! Are you okay?!'

'No...'

'What're we gonna do?'

'I'll call Stan...'


Later...

*knock knock*

'I'll get it!'

'No! Feli, wait!'

'But it's probably Stanley!'

'Yeah, it is!'

'Oh... sorry.'

'Can I come in?'

'Yeah...'

'Baby? What's the matter?'

'T-Tate came over and threatened me!'

'Tate? What did he do?'

'He had a gun! He, he wanted me to tell him where Roxxi is, and if I don't, he's going to kill me-!'

'What the fuck?!'

'He was gonna shoot me 'til Feli walked in! That's the only reason he didn't do it!'

'Fuckin' hell...'

'He was pointing it at Mum! I told him I wouldn't let him shoot her!'

'Wow, you're a fuckin' brave kid, you know that?'

'Thanks...'

'I don't know what to do! He's gonna k-kill me! Oh Stan, I'm so scared...'

'Oh, fuck no. The hell is he gettin' away with this. Hey, listen to me. Don't you worry 'bout a thing. I'm gonna get us some help.'

'What're you gonna do?'

'I'm gonna call my family. My uncle and my cousins from the... uh, Italian side. If anyone can put a stop to this, it's them. You can trust 'em with your life, and they'd do anythin' for family.'

'I'm not family though...'

'Hey, you're datin' me. That makes you family. Feli too. Trust me, okay?'

'O-Okay... will they make it over in time?'

'Damn right they will. As soon as I call 'em, they'll be gettin' on a plane to come over. Believe me, Tate won't know what's fuckin' hit him.'