Blackmailed by the Bully

Chapter One

Avery Finch had never been more frightened than she was on that Friday night, as she read the note left by her father. He had been hospitalized the previous week with severe injuries, including broken legs, fingers, and bruises. Despite his condition, he reassured her not to worry. She had only discovered his whereabouts the day after, realizing the extent of his injuries. It was a grim situation.

As she counted the week's earnings, fear gripped her. Her father had confessed to her that he owed money to Gino Mazza. The mention of Gino's name alone was enough to terrify anyone. She had deliberately avoided the presence of the mafia men in town, but with Gino owning every single business, it was impossible not to know who he was and what he did. She had hoped to have the expected twenty thousand dollars that night but only had five thousand. This was not something a person her age should be concerned about at this point in her life. She hadn't realized how badly her father's business was doing until now. In ten minutes, Gino or one of his associates would arrive to collect the debt, or potentially resort to other means.

She cherished her mobility and relied on her legs for work. During the week, she assisted at a childcare center, helping the many parents who had to work long hours. It wasn't an easy job, but she yearned to be there rather than fretting about the impending situation.

She closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her chest.

Regardless of the circumstances, she had to take action.

The shop's doorbell rang, and despite her trembling, she approached it. Her father ran a small fruit and vegetable store, which he had operated for nearly two decades. The sight of the visitor, a large and muscular man, confirmed that it was Gino Mazza.

"I'm looking for Mr. Finch," he stated, his voice cool and composed.

She, on the other hand, was anything but composed. "He's still in the hospital."

"You must be his daughter."

Any hope of him leaving dissipated. She nodded, stepping back to allow him entry.

With her heart racing, she returned to the counter and positioned herself behind it, creating some distance. Gino entered the shop accompanied by four burly men. Though they were not as imposing as Gino, she wondered why he needed them. He held the power. She had no intention of resisting or running away. She held her head high, ready to confront whatever was to come.

"My dad informed me about his debt to you." She detested how her hand shook as she offered him the bag. "I'm afraid I can't... there's not enough revenue from the week."

Gino did not take the bag. Instead, he removed one of his gloves and grabbed an apple. "So your father couldn't be bothered to come and see me himself?"

"I told you, he's in the hospital." She did not even want to think about the mounting medical bill.

"I don't care. I've seen men with broken legs pay me their debts."

"I was not available to bring him. I'm sorry, but I cannot provide you with the money."

"This is not one of your debts to pay, Avery."

She hesitated. How did he know her name?

Gino smiled.

However, it was not a friendly smile. It dripped with mockery. "You think I am unaware of the family members of those who owe me money. I find that loved ones can be powerful motivators."

"Do you wish to harm me?" Avery asked. "It won't help you. Hurting me will not get you the money."

"No, but I can bring more harm to your father. A human body has many bones to break."

Gino snapped his fingers, and she saw one of his guards start to leave.

"No!"

She quickly darted around the counter, an impulsive mistake.

Before she could seek refuge elsewhere, Gino had his fingers wrapped around her neck. She understood the damage he could inflict upon her. She was completely at his mercy. She gulped, hoping to suppress the tears.

She refused to appear weak. Begging always left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Please, spare him," she pleaded.

The man left the shop, and she screamed.

"How could you do this? He's an elderly man. He can't function with more broken bones. Leave him alone."

He applied no pressure to her neck, and she glared at him, waiting for him to hurt her. Her screams would go unheard. She was utterly alone.

Mazza and his cronies could do whatever they pleased with her. Her body would eventually be discovered... or perhaps not.

"Leave us," Gino instructed.

She clung to his arm, her nails digging into the fabric of his jacket. The material was too thick for her to cause any lasting harm.

The door closed behind the men, but they did not walk away from the shop. With her heart pounding, she shifted her attention back to the man who possessed all the power.

"You're an intriguing woman," he remarked.

"What?"

He tightened his grip around her neck, not enough to cut off her breath but sufficiently alarming her for a few moments.

She waited, bracing herself for the worst. Yet, he released his hold.