They just need the right motivation.
And nothing motivates like real fear.
Six million was my opening price for ransom. But if I mention auction potential? If I let slip that Kozlov alone has paid ten million for premium acquisitions? That Al-Rashid values Italian bloodline and education?
The families will find the money. They always do when the alternative is public humiliation and a massive scandal.
I'm not a fucking trafficker.
Never have been. I collect debts.
This is just pressure.
Sophisticated, terrifying pressure. But pressure nonetheless.
I dial Matteo first. "Boss?"
"I need you to reach out to a few contacts. Kozlov in Moscow, Al-Rashid in Riyadh, Torretti in Rome. Tell them I might have premium merchandise available for private auction within the next few weeks."
"What the fuck are you talking about? We don’t get involved in this shit!"
"I know. Keep it vague. I want to generate interest without committing to anything." I lean back in my chair, thinking through the strategy. "Tell them Italian bloodline, educated, untouched. Enough detail to get them interested, not enough to make firm commitments."
"And if they want specifics? Timelines?"
"Tell them I'm still assessing the situation. That proper preparation takes time." I pour a scotch. "The goal is to create enough buzz that word gets back to the families. When they hear who's interested, they'll find the money fast."
"This is only for leverage? Not an actual sale?"
"This is whatever it needs to be to collect what I'm owed. But start with leverage. Make some calls, drop some hints, see who bites. Don't commit to anything yet."
"What if they don't pay? What if we actually end up with buyers here expecting to purchase her?"
The question I've been avoiding.
"Then we compensate them for their time and inconvenience, blame family interference, and move on. But it won't come to that. Someone will fucking pay."
"Understood. How much detail about the girl?"
"Enough to generate serious interest. Italian aristocrat, Colombo family bloodline, educated in Switzerland. But no specifics yet. I want them hungry for more information."
I hang up. This will work.
I dial Alessandro Rossi back.
"What do you want, Vitiello? I thought we concluded our business."
"We concluded nothing. But since you believe 2.5 million is adequate compensation for a six million debt, I've decided to explore alternative arrangements."
"What arrangements?"
"The kind that involve private collectors with very specific tastes." I let that sink in. "I'm planning an exclusive auction. Viktor Kozlov has already expressed interest."
The silence on the other end is satisfying. Alessandro knows exactly who Kozlov is.
"You wouldn't dare. He’s an animal. Camilla is from a good family."
"Wouldn't I? You called her damaged goods, Alessandro. Said she wasn't worth the agreed price. I'm finding buyers who appreciate quality acquisitions." I take another sip of scotch. "The auction will happen when I'm satisfied she's properly prepared for presentation."
