Chapter 5: Revelations

Ziva looked around for Miroslav. The mob leader was nowhere to be found. Ziva was hit by a pang of fear that the other mafia group had gotten him. Then, she saw him, sitting alone. "Miroslav" she called out gently. The don turned his head, looking at her. She sat down next to him.

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah. Just thinking"

"About what?"

"When I was young…only 8, my mom was killed by a Russian mob. My dad had been associated with a mafia group since I was 2, and he was gunned down in a shootout when I was 6. I was alone. I made a living for myself. But…I always wanted a family. Now, I have one. They may seem like a bunch of coldhearted criminals to you, but they're not. They are my family"

Ziva nodded. "I understand. How'd you get that scar on your face?" Miroslav flinched.

"4 years after I started, another mob tried to kill us."

*flashback*

Miroslav grimaced in pain. 2 of his men ran to him, and helped him away. Gunfire rang out between the two mobs. One of Miroslav's men fell to the ground, clutching his leg. "Get us out of here!" Miroslav yelled to Lyov, a hoped the hitman had a good way out. Lyov yelled something to another man near him. In a few minutes, Miroslav's mafia, including 2 injured, were in cars, and headed away. Miroslav sighed in relief. Already having lost 3 men to the other mob, he was glad he didn't lose any more. The enemy gunfire faded away.

*flashback*

"That's how. After that, we went to Siberia, and stayed there for awhile. But…we lost 3 men because of that mob. And their leader…he…"

"What?" Ziva pressed.

"He is helping the Italians."

TIMELAPSE

Tim sighed as he climbed into his bed. It was so peaceful out. He shivered, thinking about the task to come. None of them knew when the opposing mafia would make their move. He fell asleep with one hand on his gun.

TIMELAPSE

Ziva eventually got up, saying a quick 'goodnight' to the don. Miroslav was left alone once again. He sighed, and got up, to check on his guards. After checking, he too, went to bed, thinking about what had happened that day. He drifted off to sleep.

*the next day*

Tim woke up with a start, as gunfire shattered the window in the room. It was an automatic, and Tim figured submachine gun. More rounds pelted by. He could hear shouts from other rooms. Then, gunfire from below. He heard a cry, and more gunfire. Another bullet went by, and Tim decided to fire back. He blindly aimed his gun, and fired. More gunfire. One of the Russians ran into his room, and got on the other side of the window. Gunfire came from a new direction now. Then, another. Tim looked out briefly, and fired. The first gunman was hit in the shoulder and yelled something in Italian. Tim and the other man with him shared a look. The opposing mafia was attacking.

Next chapter: Short Relief

R/R