24

Shadows tossed and turned, trying valiantly to fall asleep as Izzy’s eyes tormented his dreams. He should have been happy that they had exchanged such beautiful words and a meaningful kiss before Izzy had departed but ever since she had left, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something bad would happen. Every time he closed his eyes, Izzy’s usually bright grey eyes were filled with terror and there was nothing he could do to help her. Perhaps it was all the stress that he had recently taken on or maybe it was the notion that the majority of his enemies were hell bent on hurting Izzy in some way. Matt Tuck, the leader of Bullet for my Valentine had called three days in a row. Shadows had not returned any of his calls even though his gut said he should. Finally, sleep found Shadows and he settled himself under the deep crimson comforter as he closed his eyes….

In his dream, Shadows was lounging in the living room with Izzy by his side. The two of them were watching movies while eating popcorn, laughing at all the funny parts of the film. Shadows looked down at Izzy who was caught up in the movie, unaware of his stares. Suddenly, everything changed and Izzy was being wrenched away from him. Her terrified screams filled his ears as masked men dragged her further away from him. Shadows ran after her, but his legs felt as if they were made of steel. He watched the masked men drag Izzy out into the backyard, throwing her roughly to the ground. Shadows barely made it to the doorway that would take him outside when the sickening sound of a gunshot rang out in his ears, deafening and absolutely final. A roar of panic and rage tore through Shadows’ lips as Corey Taylor smirked at him while Izzy’s now lifeless body slumped to the ground before his eyes, her blood crimson against the emerald green grass. Shadows charged at Taylor who at that moment, morphed into Vengeance. Blinded by rage and fury, Shadows tackled Vengeance, seeing red the entire time. Another gunshot rang out and Shadows looked down at Vengeance as the life slowly slipped away from him. Hands bloody, Shadows cried out, his rage, sadness and confusion blurring together.

Panic coursed through Shadows as he woke from his dream with a start, his chest heaving and his brow sweaty. He looked at the digital clock on his bedside table, 4:57 am. Knowing that because of the time difference Gates would be awake, Shadows dialed his number without hesitation. On the second ring, Gates answered, his voice groggy.

“Whatsa matter Shadz?” asked Gates sleepily.

“You’re still in bed?” asked Shadows incredulously, knowing that it was well after lunch in Italy.

“So? Technically I’m on vacation.” answered Gates blearily. After a moment of silence, Gates seemed to have shaken away the sleep, his voice was now rigid and alert. “What’s happened Shadz?”

“I think we should arrange shooting lessons for Izzy.” said Shadows as he leaned back against his pillows.

“Shooting practice? As in with a gun?” asked Gates. It was his turn to sound incredulous. “Why?”

“I think that she should be able to defend herself if the situation presents itself.” stated Shadows solemnly. His dream had really shaken him up.

“I really don’t think that shooting practice is going to be much use to her. Really Shadz. Think about it. She’d be much better off learning self-defense.” said Gates in response, his tone matter of fact.

Shadows considered Gates’ suggestion and sighed heavily, knowing that Gates was right. After a few moments Shadows conceded and Gates assured him that he would talk to Signor Camachio as soon as they hung up.

“Is Isabel around?” asked Shadows tentatively.

“She’s downstairs with Jimmy. Hold on.” answered Gates, clearly pulling himself out of bed.

The two men spoke briefly about trivial matters until Gates reached the pool where Jimmy, Dana and Izzy were lounging beneath a lavish cabana.

“Izzy, Shadows wants to talk to you.” Shadows heard Gates say. There was some movement over the line and Shadows held his breath in anticipation of hearing Izzy’s voice.

“Shadows?” came Izzy’s soft voice through the line. Shadows let out a deep sigh and a smile crept onto his face as soon as he heard Izzy’s voice.

“Isabel. How are you?” asked Shadows, his voice smooth as he forced any tension away.

“I’m fine. Jimmy and I just played Chicken in the pool which made no sense at all.” giggled Izzy. Shadows could picture her smiling and it warmed his heart.

“Are you enjoying your time in Italy so far?” questioned Shadows closing his eyes.

“Pretty much. Signor Camachio’s home is beautiful and he is really like a sweet old grandfather. I’ve become rather fond of him.” replied Izzy happily. Shadows smiled to himself knowing that Izzy was alright. “I miss you.” Said Izzy suddenly, her voice soft.

Shadows’ eyes snapped open. Momentarily lost for words, Shadows raked one of his hands through his hair, which had grown out again. “I miss you too Isabel.” He replied tenderly.

There was commotion on the line again, and Izzy’s protests filled Shadows’ ears.

“Hello Shadz.” grinned Jimmy sounding ecstatic. “Why are you up at this hour?”

“Bad dream.” answered Shadows truthfully. “About Isabel.”

“You know you have nothing to worry about right?” said Jimmy firmly, his tone reassuring.

“I know Jim, I can’t help but worry that something is going to happen.” Sighed Shadows.

“Nothing is going to happen. She’s got more protection that the president himself.” reasoned Jimmy sensing the distress in his friend’s voice. “She has everything she needs here. Try to relax.”

Shadows chuckled darkly, knowing that he was never one who had mastered the art of relaxation. He envied Gates and Jimmy at the moment. Even if he was in Italy with Izzy, Shadows was sure that he would be as high strung as he was now.

“Go back to sleep Shadz. You know I would never let anything happen to Izzy.” Said Jimmy lightly even though Shadows knew his friend was deadly serious. The line went dead and Shadows placed his cellphone back onto the bedside table. He closed his eyes and this time, sleep found him easily as images of Izzy’s smiling face led him into blissful slumber.

*****

“Stop laughing you douche!” snapped Izzy as she pulled herself awkwardly off of the floor after being knocked onto her rear for the fourth time by her self-defense trainer.

“Sorry.” chuckled Gates as he stifled his laughter from the side of the blue mats that had been laid out in the recreation room of Signor Camachio’s house.

“Signora Blackburn. You are not trying hard enough.” drawled the burly trainer, Sebastian, in a heavy Italian accent as he approached Izzy. “Again Signora.”

Izzy grumbled under her breath and put up her arms, shielding her face as Sebastian advanced on her. They had spent the last two hours going over both offensive and defensive techniques. Now they were putting the moves to use. Izzy thought she had mastered each technique but Sebastian was quickly proving her otherwise.

“Concentrate. Your opponent is not going to hesitate the way you are. Hit me if you have to. I can take it.” urged Sebastian before he lunged at Izzy. She sidestepped him and put a few feet between them. “Good!” commented Sebastian as he lunged at Izzy again. Izzy hit him in the throat, sending Sebastian to his knees spluttering. “Excellent.” gasped Sebastian.

“Knee him in the balls Iz!” goaded Gates from the sidelines as Sebastian got to his feet.

After another hour of practice, Izzy’s muscles were aching but her cheeks were rosy and her smile was one that reeked of victory. She proudly walked towards Gates who gave her an encouraging high-five.

“Well after the first few times of falling on your ass, you seem to have really gotten the hang of this.” declared Gates as he handed Izzy a towel which she gratefully accepted.

As Izzy was thanking Sebastian for all his help, Signor Camachio bounced into the room wearing a genial smile. Sebastian greeted Signor Camachio then bade farewell to Izzy and Gates before leaving the room. Signor Camachio gave Izzy an appreciative smile as he approached her.

“I trust that you have learned all that you possibly can bella?” asked Signor Camachio happily. Izzy nodded in response and Signor Camachio’s smile widened. “Excellent. Now, I must apologize for being so scarce since you have arrived, but, I wanted to tell you in person that I am hosting a party tomorrow night here at the house, and that you and your friends are expected to attend.”

Izzy squealed in delight and hugged Signor Camachio affectionately. He laughed exuberantly as he placed his arms around Izzy, enveloping her in his arms.

“Please make sure you and your friend get beautiful dresses bella.” Beamed Signor Camachio as he released Izzy who smiled warmly at him.

“Of course we will.” She said happily, placing a kiss on the elderly man’s cheek.

“Excellent. Now, get ready, the car will be here in an hour to take you into town.” ordered Signor Camachio, shooing Izzy and Gates out of the room with a flick of his wrists.

*****

Gates downed his second beer and groaned inwardly. Jimmy shifted in his seat and cast a look for the seventh time at the doorway of the quaint bar they had found themselves in while waiting for Dana and Izzy. Gates sighed again and motioned for the bartender to give him another beer. As the bartender slid the beer across the highly polished wooden surface, the hairs on the back of Gates’ neck began to prickle uncomfortably, his sixth sense screaming at him to turn around. Casting a look at the doorway, Gates stiffened and Jimmy did exactly the same as Sid Wilson of Slipknot casually sauntered into the bar. He glanced over at Jimmy and Gates and smirked at the two men before closing the distance between himself and them.

“Afternoon gentlemen. Funny seeing you here.” Rumbled Wilson, his eyes glinting wickedly.

“We could say the same thing about you.” Replied Jimmy casually as he sipped his beer.

“What brings you to this beautiful city?” inquired Wilson, his voice even and steady.

“The women.” Answered Gates nonchalantly, silently praying that Izzy and Dana didn’t come strolling into the bar at that moment. Gates took out his cellphone and typed a hasty message to Izzy telling her to go back to the house as soon as they were finished shopping.

“Ah yes, the women here are quite alluring are they not.” drawled Wilson as he motioned for the bartender. “A scotch on the rocks good sir.”

“Where is the mighty M. Shadows pray tell.” Asked Wilson, his voice still even and steady. “Is he here in Italy with you?”

“What did you say brings you to Italy?” questioned Jimmy with feigned interest as he deflected Wilson’s question with ease. The man was notorious for his miniscule attention span.

“The same as you Rev. The women of course.” responded Wilson with a devious smile that made Jimmy’s stomach roil unpleasantly. “But I’m sure you knew that already.”

“You’re unnatural talent of womanizing has been the topic of numerous discussions.” said Gates dryly as he raised his beer to his lips. “But I’m sure you knew that already.” Jimmy snickered softly before masking it with an obvious cough.

“As much as I would love to stay and chit chat, duty calls. Enjoy your vacation gentlemen, and do say hello to Miss Blackburn for me.” Grinned Wilson, his eyes cold and calculating. He bid the two men farewell and exited the bar, his glass of scotch untouched.

“Now that was unexpected.” Grimaced Jimmy as he pulled out his cellphone. “You call Camachio, I’ll deal with Shadz.”

Jimmy raked a hand through his normally disheveled hair as he waited for Shadows to answer the phone. It was late back in Huntington but Jimmy knew that Shadows would be awake.

“Vengeance?” asked Jimmy slightly confused. “Where’s Shadz?”

“Out, he’s been a zombie for the past few days, and the man blew another gasket an hour ago.” Stated Vengeance sounding bored.

“And he didn’t take his cell because….” Prodded Jimmy

“Because the man is a goddamned hot head and wasn’t thinking.” Finished Vengeance, his voice filled with unmasked disdain. “Seriously Jim, the man is a nightmare; more so than usual. Did you know the fucker tried to sucker punch me again?”

“What did you do?” asked Jimmy with a small smile.

“I didn’t do anything this time. The man is losing what little marbles he has left. He went out this morning to deal with some transgression at the strip joint and shot the manager in the chest, twice.” Fretted Vengeance.

Jimmy groaned and gulped his beer. The now dead manager of the gang’s lavish strip club Darkness Falls was the fifth one that Shadows had killed in the space of three months.

“Well, I suggest you stay out of his way. What’s Johnny been doing?” asked Jimmy casually.

“Short shit’s been doing what short shit does best.” Brooded Vengeance sourly.

“Blowing things up?” snorted Jimmy as he pictured Christ with a smug look and two sticks of dynamite.

“Yes blowing things up.” Snapped Vengeance “And not discreetly either. I sent him to fuck with Taylor’s warehouses and the little shit blew it to smithereens!”

“Who the fuck says smithereens anymore V?” laughed Jimmy, trying to lighten Vengeance up.

“I do, thank you very much. Is that all you took from what I just told you?” growled Vengeance, his temper clearly rising.

“The smithereens part kinda overshadowed everything else.” Chuckled Jimmy as he took a sip of his beer. “Why did you send him to fuck with Taylor in the first place?”

“Intel showed that he got a new shipment of cocaine. Street value of over 3.5 million.” Revealed Vengeance, his tone now smug and clearly satisfied. There was no doubt in Jimmy’s mind that Vengeance had probably singlehandedly hacked his way into Slipknot’s security system. The man was a bonafide genius.

“So Johnny blew it all up?” questioned Jimmy.

“Thank God he left behind no traces that it was us, otherwise we’d be in deep shit. The aim was really to begin cutting off Taylor’s major income supplies. I just didn’t think that Johnny would have gone that far.” ranted Vengeance. Jimmy could picture the green eyed man pacing Shadows’ office.

“We all know that it would have gone that far V. Johnny’s a goddamned pyro!” joked Jimmy as Vengeance huffed angrily on the other end of the line.

“Was there a particular reason you call Rev or was it to irritate me?” growled Vengeance irritably.

“Yes, Vengeance, there was a purpose to this delightful conversation.” Retorted Jimmy sarcastically.

“Well spit it out then.” Snapped Vengeance.

“Gates and I were having a lovely beer in one of Italy’s fine drinking establishments….” Began Jimmy only to be cut off by Vengeance.

“This sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. Get to the point Rev!” grumbled Vengeance impatiently.

“Long and short of it, Sid Wilson walked into the bar.” Stated Jimmy flatly.

“Sid Wilson as in Slipknot Sid Wilson?” yelped Vengeance which was followed by a soft ‘thunk’ then a ‘fuck’

“The very same.” Answered Jimmy gulping his beer. Gates had finally taken his seat after presumably getting off the phone with Camachio.

“What’s he doing in Italy? Do you think he knows?” asked Vengeance quickly, his voice thick with pain.

“It appears not, but I don’t put anything past him. He was good natured enough but I don’t want to take any chances. C’mon V, what are the odds of Sid being here the same time we are and walking into the same bar that Gates and I are in without previous knowledge. I don’t think that it’s coincidence.” said Jimmy reasonably.

“This can’t be good.” Replied Vengeance calmly.

“It never is when it comes to Slipknot.” Responded Jimmy warily.

*****

That feeling of regality came back full force as Izzy mingled with Signor Camachio’s many guests. Gates was by her side for many of her interactions and he kept a watchful eye on her anytime he left to replenish their champagne. Izzy had a sinking feeling that something was amiss but had not gotten the opportunity to talk to Gates about it. As soon as she had gotten home with Dana, Signor Camachio had them whisked to their rooms where hair and makeup professionals were ready and waiting for the two girls. They had protested, insisting that they wanted to be in the same room to get ready and finally the grumbling hair and makeup artists convened in Izzy’s room. Dana was giddy with excitement and Izzy felt exactly the same way as the two of them were pampered and primped.

While speaking with Signor Camachio’s daughter, Izzy felt a pair of eyes on her and she instantly turned around. The sight before her eyes caused her to nearly drop her champagne flute. Looking handsome and incredibly well polished was Matt Tuck. Izzy’s blood ran cold as she scanned the crowd for Gates who was chatting animatedly with Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach. Izzy had met him a few times before when he had paid a few vists to the mansion back home but at that moment, Izzy was silently stabbing him in the eye for keeping Gates away from her while Tuck advanced closer and closer.

“Miss Blackburn, how lovely to see you again. I must say, you look absolutely ravishing in that dress.” Articulated Tuck, his accent thick and oddly heartwarming.

“Thank you Mr. Tuck. But if you will excuse me.” Replied Izzy, stepping away from Tuck. He reached out and grasped her free hand with his calloused one, stopping her in her tracks. She glared at him but he simply smiled sadly at her.

“I know that you have no reason to trust me Miss Blackburn, but give me five minutes of your time. You need to hear what I have to say.” Implored Tuck, his blue grey eyes sincere.

Internally, a battle was raging within Izzy and she was at a loss as to what to do. She had never been wrong about her instincts and at that moment, looking at the sincerity in Tuck’s eyes, she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. The tension in her body slowly ebbed away as she allowed Tuck to lead her to the dance floor.

***

Jimmy stiffened at the sight of Tuck holding Izzy’s hand and leading her to the dance floor. He had no idea that Bullet for my Valentine would be attending Signor Camachio’s event and warning bells went off in Jimmy’s mind. His feet couldn’t carry him quick enough to Gates who was talking with the leader of the gang’s longtime ally, Jacoby Shaddix.

“Fucking Bullet is here man.” Whispered Jimmy urgently to both Jacoby and Gates who followed Jimmy’s pointed finger to the dance floor. Jacoby’s olive green eyes widened at the sight of Matt Tuck.

“Camachio knows that they are our rivals. What the fuck is he playing at inviting him?” snapped Gates angrily as he searched the crowd for the elderly gentleman.

“Jacoby, keep an eye on Izzy and Tuck. We’re going to find out what the hell is going on.” Ordered Jimmy softly. Jacoby nodded as Jimmy and Gates swept through the crowd towards Signor Camachio.

Pulling their elderly comrade away from his conversation, Jimmy and Gates stood with their arms crossed over their chests, tension and anger radiating off both of their bodies.

“Care to explain what Matt Tuck is doing here?” asked Gates with a clipped voice.

Signor Camachio looked between Gates and Jimmy with a confused expression on his face. When he read the looks of betrayal and anger, his demeanor shifted as he quickly realized that the two men in front of him were not aware of his relationship with the leader of Bullet for my Valentine.

“Dear Master Gates, Master Reverend. Signor Tuck is my godson.” Stated Signor Camachio carefully.

Gates and Jimmy felt their jaws drop in matching looks of pure astonishment. The two of them looked at Signor Camachio dumbfounded and at a loss for words.

“I sincerely apologize for not telling you sooner and causing you such obvious discomfort. I just assumed that you knew that Signor Tuck was indeed my godson as so many of your counterparts are aware of that fact.” Continued Signor Camachio humbly. “Again, I apologize. But I can assure you that there will be no animosity here tonight. I have made it very clear to my godson that I will not tolerate any of that in my house.”

Jimmy looked towards the dance floor, his eyes searching for Izzy. He finally found her and she did not look in the least bit threatened. Relaxing slightly, Jimmy apologized to Signor Camachio before half dragging Gates towards Jacoby who was still watching Izzy and Tuck like a hawk.

***

Tuck held Izzy as they danced as the sweet sounds of the string and wind orchestra filled the air around them. His eyes held no traces of a threat and Izzy felt herself relaxing in his arms, the air between them rich with mild apprehension. Tuck seemed to be transfixed by Izzy as he twirled her around in time with the music.

“Are you going to enlighten me as to you what you are doing here Matt?” asked Izzy as Tuck held her gently in his arms, his blue grey eyes twinkling in the light of the overhead chandelier.

“I came here tonight to warn you Izzy. Something bad is going to happen.” stated Tuck softly, his words piercing Izzy’s soul.

“And why would you want to warn me? Aren’t you on your own vendetta against A7X?” stammered Izzy, her fear getting the better of her. Tuck increased the pressure on her hand gently, not in an aggressive way but in more of a comforting way.

“I have no intentions of going up against A7X.” confessed Tuck, taking Izzy by surprise. “I have no intentions of hurting you either.”

Izzy gave him a confused look, her grey eyes wide and apprehensive of the man holding her close to him. As far as she knew, Bullet for my Valentine was one of the many rivals that A7X had.

“Corey Taylor shot my second in command after I refused to join with him against A7X.” said Tuck, his voice low. His lips barely brushed Izzy’s ear as he continued to speak. “He did not take kindly to my refusal and sought retribution. I have never wanted to diminish myself to the standards of Slipknot. I do not approve of their lifestyle and methods and therefore I want no part of their dealings.”

“So all of a sudden you want to pull out. You and every other gang brought this upon yourself when you signed some unspoken agreement to come after me.” Said Izzy bravely, finally finding her voice.

“Yes, the idea of seeing the mighty A7X fall was indeed tempting but the losses that I will incur in pursuing their demise are certainly not worth it.” Insisted Tuck as he picked up instantly on Izzy’s growing irritation with him. Her entire posture had become rigid and her eyes darkened as she regarded him coldly.

“I’m so glad you finally saw the light then.”” Snapped Izzy, pulling away from Tuck.

“You don’t understand Izzy, I want to join with A7X.” admitted Tuck desperately as he reached out for Izzy who recoiled from him as if he were some sort of poisonous snake.

“You are a fool for thinking that Shadows would want to take your allegiance. Your words are wasted on me Mr. Tuck. I can always spot a liar in the midst of a crowd.” Spat Izzy as she turned on her heel. Just as she was about to step away from Tuck, she felt his hand wrap around her wrist.

“Izzy, you have to understand, everything I have will be lost because I didn’t accept Slipknot’s offer.” pleaded Tuck. He knew he sounded pathetic even to his own ears, but he needed Izzy to believe him. She was the key to everything he needed.

“Then you would have incurred the wrath of Slipknot on your own. Do not involve me in such matters Mr. Tuck for I do not care for such things.” hissed Izzy as she tried to wrench her hand away from Tuck’s. She saw anger flash briefly in his eyes as she glared at him.

“You are the only one that can convince Shadows to accept my peace offering.” Exclaimed Tuck, his eyes wild as they searched Izzy’s cold grey ones.

“And why would I want to do that?” sneered Izzy.

“Because I’m the only one who knows what really happened the night your father died.” said Tuck softly. He knew he was playing dirty but he was desperate. Shadows would not willingly accept him but Tuck knew that Izzy was Shadows’ weakness. If anyone could persuade Shadows to accept him it was Izzy. The future of Bullet for my Valentine was now in Izzy’s hands. Slipknot never went back on a threat and Tuck was sure that everything he had built for himself would come crashing down around his ears if he didn’t get A7X to accept him.

“Get Shadows to hear me out and I will tell you everything I know.” Lied Tuck smoothly.

Izzy arched one of her perfectly shaped eyebrows and gave Tuck a cold yet calculating look. He may think that she was a fool but she certainly wasn’t. Izzy knew he was lying and though she wanted to call him out right there and then she came up with a better idea.

“Give me a few days, I will contact you and let you know what I decide.” She said, her voice firm. With that she walked away from him, weaving through the crowd in search of Gates with Tuck’s eyes on her back the entire time.