Play the Game: Play the Game, #1

By Veronica Ramirez

With one present, Isabella Heartingby's life turned upside down. Dominick Papaceno, her psycho ex had found her and promised revenge in the form of a killer game. With help from former federal agent, Craig Slocan, will she be able to survive or will his secret lead to her demise?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Veronica Ramirez
• Release date: Jul 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386385370

Veronica Ramirez

Veronica Ramirez is a young woman in her early twenties. Veronica Ramirez was born in San Bernardino, California on September 11, 1997. She moved to New York State with her family when she was five years old. Veronica has always loved to read and write since elementary school. Veronica has recently graduated from RRFC for screenwriting, directing and producing. She released her first book, Play the Game in June of 2018 and is hoping to release more soon.

Book preview

Play the Game

Veronica Ramirez

About the Book:

One seemingly innocuous gesture is all it takes to send Isabella’s life spiraling out of control. But soon, she realizes this surprise is only the beginning of the nightmare to come.

Dominick Papaceno is anything but the boy next door. He’s dark. He’s vicious. He’s out for blood. One ingenious plan goes off without a hitch… until it’s threatened by an overzealous former federal agent.

With danger at every turn and no options other than to play along with the twisted game, Isabella’s life in on the line. Will she survive this vicious game of cat and mouse?

About the Author:

Veronica Ramirez is a young woman in her early twenties. Veronica Ramirez was born in San Bernardino, California on September 11, 1997. She moved to New York State with her family when she was five years old. Veronica has always loved to read and write since elementary school. Veronica has recently graduated from RRFC for screenwriting, directing and producing. She released her first book, Play the Game in June of 2018 and is hoping to release more soon. If you would like to get in touch with Veronica, you can use the contact form to your right. She would love to hear from you.

1. Edition, 2020

© 2020 All rights reserved.

Papyrus Author, Inc. - Virginia Beach

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my mom, Maria and my dad, John who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

Acknowledgments

I would like to take this time to thank all the people who made this book a possibility.

First off, I would like to thank my parents, Maria and John Ramirez who listened to me rant everyday while I wrote this book and never complained. Who believed in me no matter what anybody else said.

Second, I would also like to thank my siblings, Bianca and Johnathon for being there for me through the entire process and for putting up with all my wild emotions while writing.

Third, I would also like to thank my editor Christie from eBook editing for helping me whip this book into shape.

Fourth, I would like to thank my friends who always asked about how the book was coming along whenever we talked.

Last but not least, I would like to thank you for buying this book and making my dreams come true. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it.

-Veronica Ramirez

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Isabella 3

DOMINICK: Hospital 14

ISABELLA: David 20

ISABELLA: Disappearing 26

ISABELLA: Locked In 33

CRAIG SLOCAN 41

ISABELLA: Second Door 48

ISABELLA: Katie 53

CRAIG: Mistake 62

ISABELLA: The Password 70

ISABELLA: Blame, Guilt, and Secrets 75

ISABELLA: The Shooting 83

DOMINICK: Knowing the Outcome 88

DOMINICK: Meeting Savanna 93

DOMINICK: Him 98

DOMINICK: Shots Fired 100

CRAIG: The Inn 103

DOMINICK: Evan Barkley 109

CRAIG: Inside My Head 114

CRAIG: Friend of My Enemy 117

CRAIG: Safe House 125

CRAIG: Hey Stranger 133

CRAIG: Saying Goodbye 136

CRAIG: Tomorrow 138

CRAIG: Regret 147

CRAIG: The Talk 152

CRAIG: My Secret’s Out 157

CRAIG: A Familiar Face 160

CRAIG: Hidden Plan 164

DOMINICK: The Brothers Promise 168

DOMINICK: Broken Promise 172

DOMINICK: News 176

ISABELLA: Waiting For Help 179

ISABELLA: Waiting For News 182

ISABELLA: Waiting Room 184

PART 2: BECOMING THE HUNTER 189

ISABELLA: Miley Psong 190

ISABELLA: Fight ot Flight 194

ISABELLA: Meeting at the Library 197

ISABELLA: Roger’s Bar 199

ISABELLA: Royal Lincoln Hotel 202

ISABELLA: Penelope Olsen 211

DOMINICK: Overboard 215

ISABELLA: Transatlantic Flight 724 220

ISABELLA: Deplane 228

DOMINICK: Bentley 233

ISABELLA: Injured 235

ISABELLA: Covered 237

ISABELLA: Tunnel Men 240

ISABELLA: Hearing Him Out 245

The Final Fight 255

EPILOGUE : A Month Later 261

Chapter 1: Isabella

Three months. All she would give herself was ninety days. Get a job, save money, and then like clockwork, she would pack her bags and bolt to another town. But she was exhausted. She was tired of leaving friends behind and quitting jobs that she had fallen in love with. So, this time she stayed. Three months turned into six and six turned into a year. She still kept mostly to herself, but she had friends. She had her own apartment and was taking online classes, a few more, and she’d have her bachelor’s degree. Her past remained a mystery to all those around her, but she was almost back to herself.

It was nights like these that scared Isabella the most. The thunder and lightning striking the ground while the rain pounded on the windows, almost as if someone was trying to break in. Sitting in the living room, she stared at the reflection on the television, clutching her blue blanket to her chest. Rocking back and forth, Isabella pictured him in her mind and it brought sheer terror to her, a face that used to make her day brighter. A face she had woken up to every morning and a face she sometimes missed. As tears slipped down her cheeks, she remembered the fateful night she found out the truth about who the love of her life was.

Two Years Ago:

Where are you going? Isabella asked, her voice hushed, trying to lure him back.

I just have some stuff to take care of, Bell. I’ll be home by midnight, I promise, David responded.

That’s what you said yesterday and the day before and the day before that. Her voice rising with every word.

I have things I have to take care of, he replied, packing his stuff up like he always did.

Like what? Davids bottle-green eyes turned darker than she had ever seen them.

Nothing. It’s not important, Bell.

Well, it’s very important to me.

I don’t have time to argue right now. I have to get going. David had just put his hand on the doorknob when Isabella subconsciously blurted out,

Are you cheating on me?

David turned around and stared at her, surprised. His eyes were back to normal, and he asked,

Why the hell would you think that?

Because I have a reason to.

No, you don’t, David said, moving closer to her.

So why do you keep disappearing? Isabella’s voice was low, afraid of the answer he was going to give.

Isabella, I promise I am not cheating on you and I will never cheat on you. I promise. I just have to do this.

Okay. Then tell me where you’re going, she said softly, not believing a word that was coming out of his mouth. David rapidly walked towards her, put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. He pressed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss that made her legs go weak, and all thoughts fly out of her mind. Pulling back, he whispered into her ear,

I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Wait… Isabella called out, as the door slammed, noticing that he had left his phone on the counter. Snatching it, she tried running to try and catch him outside when she noticed that it wasn’t his regular phone, when a text message popped up from an unknown number that said,

Meeting with them now. Be at Washington Park in an hour.

Putting the phone down, Isabella got dressed, deciding that if he didn’t want to tell her what was going on with him, she would find out for herself. Leaving the apartment, she walked to the park, getting there a lot sooner than she needed to. The Dragons, a notable gang that were spread across the country, were having a meeting. Hiding behind a large tree, Isabella couldn’t help but listen in.

One person stood out, who was not a part of the gang. He was the only one in a suit and Isabella instantly recognized him. It was Sampson, David’s best friend. They were inseparable half the time and Isabella wondered what he had done to get caught up with the notorious gang.

We would like to talk to him personally.

Impossible. My client doesn’t take jobs in person. You tell me what you need him to do and I’ll relay the message, Sampson told who Isabella assumed to be the leader.

We need someone to be... The leader said, cautiously, taken care of. Who’s the target?"

Stephen Berg.

What’s he do? Sampson asked.

He’s an ex state senator.

That’s high profile. Everyone’s going to be looking. Sampson replied quickly.

That’s why we need the best. When do you need it done? Sampson asked. As quickly as possible. We need him out of the picture.

You’ve got somewhere in mind.

We set up a meet for tonight at two. We told him to come alone.

It’ll cost you. Sampson said, as if was an everyday transaction.

How much? Seventy-five grand. And we’re going to need half before we do anything.

I’ve been told. The leader said, pointing to a duffel bag another member had been holding, There’s forty here. You’ll get the rest when the job is done. You’ll see his body on the morning news or whenever he’s found. Sampson said, taking the bag from one of the members.

We better or your client...

My client doesn’t take lightly to being threatened. You should know better. Samson said, his voice never wavering, And don’t try and not pay the rest. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories.

Make sure it’s done. No job is ever unfinished. Samson told the leader, effectively ending the conversation

Everyone dispersed leaving only Sampson, and Isabella was stunned. She pulled out her cellphone and began dialing the police but stopped when she heard David’s voice. She hung up the phone and was about to go warn him when he walked up to Sampson and asked,

So, who’s dying today, Sampson?

Hearing that come out of David’s mouth, she took out her phone once again and put it on vibrate. She didn’t want to be found before she got a chance to see what was going on.

Yes. Stephen Berg. He’s an ex-state senator.

Who set it up?

They did. He’ll be here at two, Dominick.

Isabella wondered why Sampson had called David Dominick and why David didn’t immediately correct him.

How much?

Seventy-five. They brought forty. The rest will be delivered after he’s dead.

They better deliver the money in the morning or there will be more than one body.

They will.

Sampson left, leaving David behind. Isabella’s phone vibrated, and she quickly picked it up, not wanting it to be heard.

Hello. Isabella said as quietly as she could into the phone.

Turns out that I’m not going to be home anytime soon, Bell, David told her.

Why?

The boss needs me to work. I tried to get out of it, but I can’t.

Isabella thought of telling David she knew where he was, but she knew she couldn’t. Her gut told her she needed to see what was going to happen or she would never have the answer she was looking for.

Whatever, David. Bye.

I love you, Bell.

I love you too, David. As she ended the call, she whispered to herself, I hope I still do after tonight.

Isabella spent the night watching the love of her life and staring at the clock on her phone. The night was quiet and the only thing she could hear were crickets chirping. Unlike most people, she loved the sound. Isabella looked at David and could barely see him as the only light came from the moon.

She watched minute after minute until it finally reached two a.m. Isabella heard footsteps coming up and a man dressed in jeans and a t-shirt approached David. She hoped that this wasn’t the state senator Sampson was talking about otherwise they would both be in trouble.

Stephen Berg? David asked.

Yes. Who are you? Stephen asked, cautiously taking a step back.

Who do you think?

I was supposed to meet someone here.

The Dragons lied. See, you pissed off the wrong people. People with enough money to hire me.

And who are you?

Dominick Papaceno. You might know me as...

Isabella had heard that name before. It had been all over the news. They called him the,

The Angel of Death. Stephen said as Isabella whispered it to herself.

I’ve always hated that name. Dominick quipped.

I never thought I’d see you face to face.

Isabella started breathing frantically as she realized who the man she loved actually was. Knowing that her breathing was getting out of control, and they might be able to hear if they stopped talking, she calmed herself down.

You wouldn’t have if you had done things right, Dominick said, and Stephen laughed. What’s so funny?

What do you know about what’s right? Dominick Papaceno. The assassin for hire who kills anyone as long as he gets paid. And yet I did wrong. You should look in the mirror. There’s probably no one in this world you wouldn’t kill as long as it was a decent price. Stephen spit on the ground, obviously disgusted by the person before him.

You’re wrong, Dominick told him as he took out a gun.

How’d you become this? Stephen asked.

Become what?

A monster.

It was instilled into me. Dominick replied.

Isabella watched David as he