EDIT: April 1, 2014

Part 16: Change

A gunshot echoed across the desolate room of Arthur Kirkland. The Briton received a clean shot through the head.

The gunner was Natalya Arlovskaya and the woman decided to quietly dispose the people related to the recently deceased blond. It was not much effort to track down the immediate family of the information broker and how to make the homicide look like a robbery or some other incident that the police will concoct.

Just as the woman finished her job, disposing her gloves to the nearest incinerator, she received a phone call. She had a new mission and it was to secure base to the event being hosted by Feliciano Vargas.

All the while, no shred of compassion for the victims appeared inside or outside of Natalya. Everything was done in cold blood and impersonal.

Miles away in Spain, Romano was calculating the chances of Arthur Kirkland being alive. The dealer was sure that by now or later, the Briton will be dead.

'A loose thread will always be cut out of the cloth.'

Unknowingly, the Italian was right about his foreshadowing: Arthur Kirkland was dead. It was not national news worthy but the death did make it to the tabloids at some corner of it, along with the deaths of the Kirkland family.

Meanwhile in Rome, Feliciano Vargas crossed his left leg over his right leg. His countenance was hard and there was no trace of him being a soft-hearted person. The Italian boss just received a message that Natalya Arlovskaya will be meeting him along with her men. The amber-eyed man was to be immediately notified when the arrival of the anticipated guest came but twenty minutes passed by, then thirty then forty-five… before a full hour passed, the wooden door of the rented room opened.

A graceful woman strut on the creaking floor but her face didn't pose any sign of friendliness.

Feliciano cringed inwardly. The man knew how to appreciate beauty and Natalya was definitely a beauty but even if he flirted or made a pass at her, it would go unnoticed. The right-hand of the Russian syndicate had a serious brother-complex which no one could cure.

When the woman in thought was standing only a meter away from the seated Italian, Feliciano stood up and reached out a hand. Natalya accepted the hand and briefly, both shook hands.

"Welcome Signora. These are the invitations for an upcoming event. Of course, it is strictly an invitation-only occasion." The fair-skinned man handed out five envelopes and he paused before giving out the last envelope. "This is specifically for Signor Braginsky."

Feliciano saw the woman raise an eyebrow but she nevertheless nodded.

"This will reach him." Natalya replied curtly.

Amber eyes carefully watched as the first envelopes were given to one of the subordinates while the last envelope was safely tuck between the fingers of the Belarusian.

"Have a good day." The Italian Mafioso amicably said to the woman who was leaving.

Feliciano composed himself before leaving the small dingy place. He would need to properly plan this whole event from start to finish if he didnt want any casualties to be happening.

Wheb his car was leaving, he took out his mobile phone and messaged Antonio. The first step to the plan was to familiarize the environment. Feliciano was heading to the airport, taking the next flight for Madrid.

Meanwhile in Madrid, Romano was panicked. His mind momentarily blanked when he saw the familiar figure of his younger brother. The Italian saw his younger brother emerge from the arrival area when the PA announced the arrival of the flight from Rome.

'Bullshit.'

Romano wanted to beat Antonio senseless because the Spaniard did not warn him that his younger brother was coming. He did say that he would face his younger brother but not this soon! He was not yet prepared how to face... the person he abandoned.

Instead of acting out the violent urge, Romano left the airport, leaving behind Antonio all by himself. The Spaniard inwardly sighed while watching the retreating figure of his Italian friend.

The green-eyed brunet took a deep breath and then walked to where Feliciano Vargas was standing. Beside the Italian was someone Antonio did not recognize the person who was standing close to the artist.

"Hello Feliciano!"

"Hi Antonio."

The two Mediterranean men exchanged greetings.

"Antonio, he is Ludwig. Ludwig this is Antonio."

"Nice meeting you."

"Nice meeting you too."

Before leaving the airport, Antonio was introduced to the Italian's companion. While walking to the exit, the companion was silent and Antonio and Feliciano chatted like old friends who just reunited recently. When they were in the parking lot, the three stopped

"Antonio, do you know any good places to stay here? The hotel that I stayed at last time was fully booked."

"Ah, well... you can stay at my place."

The Spaniard offered sheepishly. It was a bit of a bold gesture but he remembered Lovino's words that he would meet his brother. This was a perfect opportunity. If the brother's would happen to live under one roof, then they might be able to talk out whatever it was that made them fall apart.

"That's a wonderful idea!"

Ludwig only nodded at the suggestion, giving his agreement.

The parking lot was filled with several cars and in the maze of the varying shapes and sizes of these four-wheeled vehicles, Antonio was lead to a sleek black Hummer. Although these models of SUV were no longer in production, there was something about them that still attracted vehicle enthusiasts.

Antonio slipped into the passenger's seat who was motioned by Feliciano. The brunet was sitting beside him. Ludwig was the driver and the Spaniard instructed the blond, who was a German, how to get to his house.

Both passengers talk incessantly about different subject matters. It seemed like they had an infinite arsenal because there was no lull moment between them. The conversations ended when they had arrived at the residence of Antonio Fernandez Carriedo.

The green-eyed man lead his guests around the house. He gave a short tour and where to find what in case they needed something and he was not around. When the Spaniard was leading Feliciano and Ludwig through the bedrooms, he felt his heartbeat quicken.

His mind was working in a fast pace thinking about the possibility that Romano might just walk out of the door and the brothers would face each other without forewarning.

There was a vibration inside the pocket of Antonio and the man immediately took it out. He speedily read the text and he sighed but he wasn't sure why.

Bastard, I won't be coming back to the house for two days. Stay safe.

"Is something wrong Antonio? Maybe we really are imposing? You live here alone and manage the place-"

"It's nothing like that Feliciano. My friend, he, he is sick and I... I can't help him in his recovery."

"Ah! I'm sorry."

"Don't be, it's alright. I think that he will recover soon."

There was a little awkward silence. To fill the gap, Antonio smiled and continued to tour his guests.

For the rest of the day, Antonio was helping the duo settle themselves. They didn't bring much with them was it was still a bit of a handful.

Two days later, Feliciano was the one who went to the gate to check who was ringing the doorbell. The amber eyes widened with shock and surprise when the man standing inches away from him was his supposed to be dead older brother.

"H-Hello Feli. It's been a long... time."