Alaric saw a manager of the hotel entering the room with 2 security guards. He stood between his boss and the newcomers.

Manager: Sir, what's going on in that room. Our employee mentioned a fight. Are you responsible of the state of the man knock-out outside?!

Alaric: That man and the woman who booked that room attempted to commit a crime in your hotel!

Manager: Mrs Rossi? She is an estimated guest of our hotel.

Alaric: You will be able to explain to Mr Smith how you help that crazy woman to trap him here!

Manager: What... no, Mr Smith as in Salvatore Smith? (He understood.) We... (He looked at the security guards.) Take the man outside to the security room! Sir, what can we do to help you?

Alaric: Mr Smith's sons are coming, and I also called an ambulance. Block the elevator for them and clear the entry of the hotel when we're ready to leave.

Manager: Sure... (He left after taking a look at Suki and Salvatore.)

Alaric passed few more calls before the arrival of the medics. Salvatore was more conscious but had a strong headache and still felt weird sensations.

Salvatore: Suki... don't... don't cry... I'm fine, it's nothing...

Suki: How is it nothing?! (She yelled more than she wanted.)... Sorry...

Salvatore: Your old Dad is... Strong... in few... hours... I'll be... fine...

Alaric: Sir, the ambulance is on its way.

Gabriel: Father! Suki! (He barged in the room with Dante.) How...

Suki had jumped off the bed to throw herself in her eldest brother's arms. In his embrace, she let her fear out through heavy tears. The young man was holding back his anger for her sake. Dante stopped near his father and looked at his eyes, they were red. He also put a hand on his father's chest and felt his fast heartbeat. He nodded to Gabriel, to confirm what they thought.

Alaric: Sir, the medics are here. (Dante gave them some space.)

Gabriel: Dante... (He nodded and broke the hug.) Suki, stay with Dante.

Dante put his hand on the little girl's shoulder, and she looked at him with her beautiful teary eyes. They stepped back so the medics will be able to take care of their father. Dante made Suki to sit on the armchair near the window. He kneeled before her and lifted his hand to delicately touch her cheek. He frowned and anger was visible on his face, even if he tried to keep a neutral expression.

Dante: That bit** hit you?! (She nodded.) I will kill her!

Suki: She... she is mean...

Dante: (He involuntary chuckled.) Mean? I can be meaner! (He erased a tear running on her cheek.) Once again... our little one showed her strength to protect a family member...

Suki: (She looked in direction of the bed.) Father will be fine, right?

Dante: Yes... don't worry.

Gabriel was exchanging with the medics while they were checking on Salvatore's state. Quickly, they were ready to leave the hotel.

Salvatore was put on a wheelchair, at his request and they left the hotel room after clearing the way to the ambulance. Gabriel went inside with his father, Suki stayed with Dante in his car. Alaric was in charge of informing the rest of the boys before heading to the hospital too.

Suki was nervously playing with her hands during the entire ride to the hospital, silently crying from time to time. It was her way to release he stress she had to face during those long minutes. And even now, she was still anxious about her father's health.

Dante: Dad will be on his feet in no time, so stop crying... does your cheek hurt? Are you injured somewhere else?

Suki: No...

Dante: We arrived... (She unlocked her seatbelt.) Hey... it's over... that stupid bit** will never appear in front of you anymore!

Suki: And Father? What if she tries again... to see him...

Dante: She crossed a line that she shouldn't have... so, forget about her!

They got out of the car and Dante was surprised when Suki took his hand. He looked at her and she hesitated a second to let go of her grip, but he kept her hand firmly and just walked toward the entry hospital.

Salvatore had been taken in a private room of the ER to be auscultate and Gabriel was with them. Dante asked Suki to sit at the waiting area while he went to ask the nurse for ointment. When he came back and sat near his little sister, he made her look at him and put the pomade on her cheek.

Dante: Your cheek is a bit swollen; it should be better tomorrow...

Suki: Thank you... (She frowned.)... ahh... it hurts more than earlier...

Dante: You were so stress than you didn't pay attention to the pain, but now that the pression had eased, you're more aware... and it hurts! (He flicked her forehead, and she startled.) And when I order you to do something, do it! What if Alaric had arrived too late and that crazy woman hurt you?! Hum? Tell me!

Suki: Sorry, but I couldn't leave Father alone... he wouldn't have either.

Dante: Are you stupid? You really must be the stupid! (She stood up with a frowning expression and he stood up too, his hands on his hips.)

Suki: You... you're mean!

Dante: It's not new, but I prefer to be mean than stupid!

Gabriel: Dante? (He just came out of the examination room.) What's going on with the two of you? Suki?

Suki: Nothing... how is Father doing? Does he feel better? Can I see him?

Gabriel: Yes, you can see him few minutes and we will let him rest after. (She ran to the room where her Father was.) Dante, what happened with Suki? You were arguing with her? Why?

Dante: Different point of view! So? What did they say?

Gabriel: Father was drugged, as we thought. You can guess what type of drug it was. Valentina couldn't manage to fulfill her devilish plan thanks to our little sister.

Dante: I'm going to kill that bit** with my own hands!

Gabriel: Not if I put my hands on her first!

Alaric: Sir,sorry to interrupt you. I asked our men to track MrsRossi.

Gabriel: Thank you, Alaric.

Alaric: How is Mr Smith doing? And Miss Suki? She was really scared, and she was injured too.

Gabriel: The doctors took care of him, they wanted to keep him in observation for the night, but he refused. We agree to stay here for 2 hours before taking him home. As for Suki... she is a strong child.

Dante: She will be fine. Did you inform Gianni and the kids?

Alaric: Yes, they are coming to the hospital.

Dante: As for that bit** of Valentina, inform me as soon as you located her! Even if I have to kill her entire family, that piece of shit will die!

Alaric:Sure. Our men are ready and waiting for your orders.

The two brothers joined Suki and their Father. The little girl was near the bed, holding her father's hand who was asleep. Gabriel gave her a chair because he understood that she didn't want to let go of his hand. She smiled to him, but it was not her natural smile. The young man knew that she would not feel reassure before she can see her Father, in good health, at home.

10 minutes later, a knock at the door broke the silence of the hospital room. Gianni, the twins and Vito were there. Gabriel went outside to explain to his younger brothers what happened with their Father and little sister, before letting them enter the room. Gianni frowned when he saw the little girl injured cheek. Just like his two older brothers, a huge anger grew in him.

Vito: How long is Dad supposed to sleep?

Gabriel: We don't really know. His body is eliminating the drug. When he will have recovered enough, we will bring him home.

Enzo: Suki... are you okay? (She nodded.) You must be tired; don't you want to rest a bit? (She shook her head.) Dad knows that you are here but I'm sure that he would prefer to see you comfortably sat on that couch instead of that chair.

Suki: (She looked at Gabriel who thought the same as Enzo.) I'm fine here... really... and Father is going to wake up soon... and we will go home together...

Enzo: (He put his jacket on her shoulders.) As you want...

None of the brothers tried to convince Suki. They waited patiently for their father to wake up. Suki was struggling to fight the tiredness and several times, closed her eyes few seconds. Davide elbowed Gabriel, who was on his phone, to notice him that the little girl was falling asleep, her head resting on the bed.

Davide: Your little princess can't take it anymore...

Gabriel: She hates hospital the most and seeing her Father, usually so strong, laying in that bed, is devouring her.

Gianni: When are we going to kill that woman?

Dante: Before the sun rises for sure!

Vito: (He saw Salvatore's eyes opened.) Eh... Dad... are you okay?

Salvatore: Hum... just don't yell, my head is about to explode... Suki, is she alright? Why did you let her sleep like that? (He was talking at a very low tone.)

Dante: That kid is stubborn... (He touched her head.) Eh... wake up.

Suki: Hum... (She rubbed her eyes and looked at him.)

Dante: Snow White woke up... (He nodded toward the bed.)

Suki: (She stood up.) Otô-san... are you feeling better?

Salvatore: Yes, Sweetheart, I'm fine now. (He wanted to sit, so Gianni helped him.) Thank you.

Gabriel: Do you feel good enough to go home? I'm calling the doctor?

Salvatore: Yes, please. (Gabriel left the room.) Enzo, please, wait for us with Suki outside. (Suki stared at his father, still holding his hand.) Sweetheart, I need to talk with your brothers, it will be quick.

Enzo: Suki, let's go. (She followed him, reluctantly.)

Salvatore: Where is she? Where is Valentina?

Dante: Alaric and our men are tracking her.

Salvatore: That bit** drugged me... while my daughter was there... she hit her... and I couldn't do anything...

Davide: You were conscious enough to understand everything?

Salvatore: Yes, it was difficult to keep my eyes opened but I heard most of what happened... and because of me, my daughter had to face a new terrible situation.

Gianni: Youare not responsible of that crazy bit** doings!

Salvatore: I was careless, I should have been more cautious... it was clear that her presence tonight at that concert was not due to hazard... we have to find out who tips her about our participation.

Davide: You think that someone helped her?

Dante: It's obvious! Do you think that that music teacher helped her? After all, she was the one inviting you to that concert!

Salvatore: I don't think so... Mrs Lawrens didn't seem to know Valentina, but just in case, double check all the information that we have about her and her entire family. (Dante nodded.)

Gabriel: (He entered the room.) Father, the doctor is here to control your state. Doctor, please.

The doctor, with the help of the nurse, mostly checked Salvatore's cognitive reactions. The medical staffs tried once again to convince the businessman to stay in observation for the night, but Salvatore reiterated that the best for him was to go home. They agreed to have a check-up the next day. The youngest boys left the room while Gabriel helped his father to dress up.

After leaving the auscultation room with Enzo, Suki sat in silence on the corridor's bench. Her brother knew that it was useless to ask her how she felt or to try to talk with her. For now, she was only worried about their father.

When Gabriel came out to call the doctor, she followed her steps all along and the few minutes of the examination seemed hours for her. Then, the rest of her brothers eventually came out.

Suki: Father is not coming too?

Gianni: Relax kitten, Gabriel is helping him to dress... (He smirked.) you don't want Dad to walk out with his butt exposed to everyone!

Suki looked down; a bit embarrassed. Enzo patted her head with a smile and winked. Gianni was Gianni in every circumstances. Dante told his youngers brothers to leave first. Suki stayed alone with him, and she felt his heavy gaze on her.

Dante: Dad is fine, so stop torturing that little mind of yours!

Suki: He is really not sick? He...

Dante: Stop! You never listen to what I say?! Dad is fine and he will be fine! But if he sees you stressed like that, for sure, he is not going to be fine! Everything is over now!

Suki: It's... not that easy... what if Father leaves me too... (She had a lost gaze while saying those words in a murmur.)

Dante: (He grabbed her chin, as gently as he could, to force her to look at him.) It's not going to happen, you hear me?! You are not alone! You think that Dad will let you becoming an orphan? No! And even if one day, as late as possible, he passes away, you have us! 6 strong brothers! Understood? (She stared at him with teary eyes.) I asked you; do you understand?!

Dante was taken aback by the little girl's reaction who cried her heart out. Hearing Dante's words, one of her toughest brother, broke the barrier that she was usually keeping around her little heart.

Dante: Fu**! Why are you crying again...what do you want me to do?! (Helooked around and instinctively pulled her against him.) Sucha baby

Dante hadn't noticed that Gabriel and his father were there. Salvatore had difficulties to not have tears in his eyes at Suki's emotional confession. He was her Father, her only parent and when he heard her, he wanted to hide her in his strong embrace to show her all his love, but Gabriel stopped him.

The eldest son of the family wanted to give to Dante the opportunity to recomfort their little sister, and by the occasion, be the caring brother that she needed at that specific moment.

When he felt that Suki was feeling better, he notified his siblings of their presence. Dante was embarrassed and let go of the little girl and looked away. Suki, her, didn't hesitate to hugged her father. It was not something that she would have done few weeks ago, but now, she was not shy anymore to express her feelings with her Father, and Salvatore loved that fact. It was not something that unfortunately, he was able to experience with his sons by the past.

Salvatore: My sweet daughter, your Father is sorry to cause you so much worries... (He kissed the top of her head.) Let's go home.

The ride back home was silent and of course, Suki had fallen asleep in the car. She was exhausted by the events, and it was almost 3.00am.

Gabriel carried her to her bedroom when they reached home and if she was not wearing that dress, he would have put her in her bed directly.

Suki: Onii-san, you will stay with Father for the rest of the night?

Gabriel: (He chuckled.) You really think that our Father will allow it? Because I'm pretty sure that he is healthy enough to kick me out of his bedroom without efforts!

Suki: But... we have to keep an eye on him! What if he doesn't feel good while sleeping? Or if he needs something?

Gabriel: Suki... (He couldn't resist her pleading eyes.)... okay, I will make sure that nothing happens to him until you wake up tomorrow morning. Are you reassured? (She nodded.) Great, now, time to think about yourself. Go take a hot shower, it will help you to relax. I'm coming back in few minutes... we need to put pomade on your cheek. Go ahead, little one...

Suki took a quick shower and came back to her bedroom. As expected, the hot water helped her to release the tension of her body, so, when she laid down on her bed, she felt asleep immediately.

When Gabriel came back, he discovered her asleep. He preferred to let her sleep, switched off the lights and went to see his Father in his room on the second floor. He knocked and entered when invited.

Salvatore: Gabriel... (He was drying his hair with a towel.)

Gabriel: (He put painkillers on the night table.) I thought that it could be useful... and also, our cute little one mandated me to watch over you tonight.

Salvatore: Are you fu** kidding me?

Gabriel: Father... (He smiled.)... don't be so rude! Suki would be hurt if she hears you cursing like that over her worriedness for you!

Salvatore: (He sighed.) I don't need to be under watch; I just need to sleep. (He sat and took a pill.) Do you have news about Valentina?

Gabriel: She didn't go home; we are searching her everywhere.

Salvatore: (He laid down and covered his eyes with his forearm.) If you don't have her location tomorrow morning, kill her father first. That rat will have to show up a way or another.

Gabriel: You will have his head served on a plate for breakfast. (His tone was cold and unemotional.) Let us take care of all of this, focused your attention on your recovery and on Suki. She needs you more than anything.

Salvatore: Hum... go have some rest too...

Salvatore couldn't resist anymore and fell asleep. Gabriel stayed few minutes in his father's room before heading downstairs. He needed a strong drink to hope have few hours of sleep and at the empty bottle of whisky on the kitchen counter, he was not the first one to have had that idea. After a double Scotch, he went to his bedroom, took a quick shower and slept for 3 hours. It was more than enough in that situation.

At7.30, he was already back in the kitchen, a black coffee in a hand, his phonein the other one, waiting for news from his men. And the news were not what the young man expected. Valentina Rossi had still not been located and it pissed off Gabriel a lot.

Dante and Gianni entered the kitchen with the same closed expression than him. One gaze exchanged was enough between them to understand that things were not going the way they wanted.

Gabriel: Departure in 15 minutes. Our men are ready and in place around Rossi's residence. That bit** thinks that she can hide indefinitely but when she will see the announce of her father's death in the news, she will show up.

Gianni: And when we put our hands on that garbage, how do we decide who will have the pleasure to kill her? Stone, Paper, Scissors?

Dante: I thought that it was my job to erase vermin...

Gabriel: It's a hunt, the first one to have her in his target is the winner... and in that hunt, I don't plan to come back empty hands!

The three brothers finished to prepare themselves, to attack Rossi's residence. They didn't have a specific plan expect the surprise attack.

The Rossi were living in a quiet area, and it was an advantage for the assailants. There was only few guards, at this hour, guarding the house and the Smith's men had no difficulties to take them down. In no time, they were inside, creating confusion for everyone.

The employees were not brave enough to fight and preferred to run. They were not the target so, without opposition, their lives were not at stack. Rossi was surprised in his bed, still asleep, with his young mistress who hid under the blanket. He didn't have the time to react.

Mr Rossi: What the fu** do you think you're doing?!!

Dante: (He had his gun pointed at Rossi.) Surprise, I brought you breakfast! Where is that trash that you call daughter?

Mr Rossi: Who... Valentina?? How dare you talk like that?! And why are you looking for her?! Don't even think of touching her or...

Dante: (He shot on the wall behind Rossi's head.) Or what? Do you think that we came here to play dinette?!

Gianni: Damn Bro! You arrived first... you were fast! (He smirked at Rossi.) Eh, Big Pig... where is Miss Piggy?

Mr Rossi hated the most disrespect and in that matter, Dante and Gianni were the champions. Unfortunately for him, Valentina's father was not in position to play the big boss.

Gianni: Who is hidden behind him?

Dante: Probably someone well too young to sleep with an old dirty bag like him... eh, you, if you want to leave, it's your last chance!

The young girl jumped from the bed without looking at Rossi, grabbed her clothes on the floor and ran away in tears.

Gianni: Cute little ass...

Dante: So? Where is she? Where is Valentina?!

Mr Rossi: I don't know and even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you!

Gabriel: (He entered and said with a deep and cold voice.) You're losing your time... (He approached with his dark aura and grabbed Rossi's phone on the night table.) I guess your ugly face is needed to unlock your phone? (He nodded and Gianni maintain Rossi's face with force.) Here we are... (He made a video call.)

Rossi tried to take back his phone, but he received a strong punch of Gianni. He glared at the young man and Gianni winked at him. On the phone, after few seconds, the video call connected.

Valentina Rossi: Dad, I have no time to talk right now! (She was talking without watching the screen of her mobile.) I will call y...

Gabriel: You should find time!

Valentina froze on the other side of the screen. Rossi yelled to not listen to them but another punch from Gianni stopped him.

Valentina Rossi: Leave my father alone! How dare you come to our house to threaten him?!

Gabriel: If you want to save his life, stop hiding, my patience is very low!

Valentina Rossi: He didn't do anything! Don't touch him!

Gabriel: (He switched the camera and shot Rossi in his leg, making him yell of pain and Valentina of anger.) Last warning, show yourself! (He cut the call and shot Rossi in the head, twice.)

Dante: Hey! I found him first! Gianni punched him, you killed him, what about me?! You're not the only ones who wants to have fun!!