Whispers Of The Underworld

The streets of New Orleans were cloaked in darkness as the moon's pale glow barely cast a flicker of light. Rain cascaded from the heavens, painting the asphalt with shimmering reflections. Amongst the sea of faces that hurried home with an umbrella over their heads was Vincent, who sought shelter from the overhang of a roadside shop, hoping that the rain would take a break soon for him to return home and spend the rest hours of the night with his daughter.

It'd been a long day at work, even longer for someone who had just managed a win in the courtroom against the famous De Luca family. It didn't matter to him the risk he'd to take just to birth the reality of tonight, what mattered most was that he'd set a new record as the only lawyer in New Orleans who'd managed a win against the De Luca family. Although, he'd emerged a winner in several occasions against the top guns of the city, however this was his biggest win so far.

Apparently, this win didn't sit well with the De Luca's considering the manner in which they left the courtroom. However, drowned in his ocean of happiness, Vincent was too late to notice the scorn on their faces as they exited the courtroom.

Within his grip was a pack of chicken and fries, which he protected from the reach of the rain. He'd gotten it earlier to celebrate this massive win with his wife, Linda, and his only daughter, Lisa. Even though his girl was all grown up now, he still treated her as though she was a day old.

Before long, his phone rang. His guess? It was his loving daughter. He quickly shoved his hands into his side pocket and reached for his phone. As soon as he confirmed that she was the one, a smile pulled his lips to the side.

“Hello, my little warrior.” he praised, pressing the phone to his ear.

“Dad, where are you? It's late already, are you close by?” – on the other end of the line, Lisa asked, her voice laced with concern.

“I am close by, dear. I'll be home soon.” he assured, looking up to the sky and stretching an arm beyond the shade to feel the intensity of the rain. “Just give me some minutes and Dad will be home.”

He hung up and returned his phone to his pockets. Waiting any longer would just be a waste of time, since the rain has refused to take a break. Besides, the last thing he wanted was to keep his daughter waiting and worried over little or nothing. With that in mind, he braced up, got into the rain and began his journey home. Lost in the comfort of his daughter's voice, Vincent strode forward, humming his favorite song, his footsteps echoing against the quiet backdrop.

Oblivious to his surroundings, he failed to notice a speeding car hurtling towards him. Its headlight piercing the shadows with an unwavering intensity. Also, the driver paid no attention to the red light glaring at him, a clear signal to stop. The skid of tires met his ears a mere millisecond before the impact, leaving Vincent with no time to react. Pain exploded throughout his body as the car crashed into him, launching him into the air like a rag doll.

His phone slipped from his pockets, landing on the cold pavement with a resounding clatter. Time seemed to stand still as he tumbled to the ground, the sound of Lisa's voice still echoing faintly in his ears as the world around him spun in a disorienting gaze. As he lay on the cold concrete, gasping for breath, the realization of what had just occurred began to sink in. Lisa's voice that once filled his heart and ears had faded into a distant memory, replaced by the deafening silence of the night.

The man who rode the car glanced at Vincent through the rearview mirror, and then a smile creased his face as he fired the engine of the car and sped off into the dark of the night.

Barely able to form words through the pain, Vincent managed to reach for his phone, desperation etched in his face. With trembling fingers, he dialed his wife. The phone began to ring, each ring amplifying the pounding of his heart. Fear clutched his chest as he imagined the worst, envisioning Lisa alone, frightened and unaware of the tragedy that had just befallen him.

On the other end, Linda picked up the phone, her voice filled with a mixture of concern and confusion. “Hello, Vincent, is that you?”

Struggling to keep his voice steady, Vincent responded, “Sweetheart, it's me. Something's happened… I was in an accident. I need you to make sure Lisa is safe.”

Although, not sure yet who was behind this evil that had befallen him, however all fingers were pointed in the direction of the De Luca's. He'd been warned several times not to go against that family, not to even take up any case that would mean going up against the De Luca's but, he was blinded by the prestige and fame that came along with winning over the De Luca's. To make matters worse, he went behind Linda's back to take up the case, even after she'd warned him not to do so.

Linda's gasp pierced the heavy air, her hand instinctively reaching for her heart. “Oh my God! Vincent, are you alright? Should we call an ambulance?”

“No time for that now,” Vincent managed to breathe out, his voice strained but filled with determination. “Just keep Lisa safe, sweetheart. Tell her that I love her and that I'll see her soon.”

Linda's voice wavered with worry. “Vincent, please, don't leave me hanging. I'll make sure Lisa is safe but, you have to promise me that you'll hold on. Help is on the way.”

Tears filled Vincent's eyes as pain pulsed through his battered body. He summoned every ounce of strength he'd left, mustering a weak smile. “I promise Linda. I'll fight for Lisa and for us. Just do well to keep her safe.”

Linda gripping the phone tightly whispered words of consolation and encouragement. “We are here for you, Vince. Never forget that. Lisa needs her father and I need you. So stay strong, my love.”

As the distant sound of sirens grew louder, Vincent closed his eyes and focused on the love for his daughter. Through the haze of pain, he imagined Lisa's bright eyes and infectious laughter. The sound of approaching footsteps and voices filled his ears as the paramedics arrived, their skilled hands tending to his injuries.

Vincent then whispered a final message to Linda through the phone. “Stay strong, my love, and tell my little warrior that I love her more than anything in the world.”

And with that, the connection ended.