Lucas sat comfortably on the sofa, sipping tea, as the two men who knew Lion and Tiger sat across from him, holding their heads as if still feeling the effects of their earlier encounter. He had instructed the others to take a stroll around the Chess Palace, giving him some privacy for this conversation.
Relaxed, Lucas leaned back in his seat and began, “So, tell me, how do you know Lion and Tiger?”
The two men exchanged glances, silently communicating before one of them nodded and spoke up. “We used to run with the same gang,” he began, his voice casual but tinged with nostalgia. “Back in the day, we were all part of a crew. Things were going well until the police raided us. We got separated after that, each of us going our own way.”
Lucas listened intently, nodding as he took another sip of tea. “Interesting. And what happened after the raid?”
The second man chimed in, “Well, it was chaos. Some of us got caught, others managed to slip away. Lion and Tiger were among the lucky ones who escaped. We lost touch after that, but I heard they found their way into some new circles.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “New circles, you say? What kind of circles?”
The first man shrugged, “Not entirely sure, but I heard whispers about them getting involved in some high-stakes operations. They always had a knack for finding opportunities.”
Lucas leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. “And what about you two? How did you end up here?”
The second man sighed, “After the raid, we tried to lay low. But you know how it is-old habits die hard. We found ourselves in another gang, trying to make ends meet. That’s how we ended up crossing paths with you.”
Lucas nodded, piecing together their story. “And do you think Lion and Tiger would be interested in reconnecting with old friends?”
One of the men responded with a hint of excitement, “I’d love to see my old brothers again. It’s been too long.”
The other added, “You know, that combination technique they use? We were the ones who taught it to Lion and Tiger.”
Lucas’s interest was piqued. “Really? So, do you think with the same moves, you could take them on?”
The first man thought for a moment before shaking his head. “Maybe. Since they learned it from us, we know the ins and outs. But they’ve probably refined it over time.”
Lucas smiled, intrigued by the potential. “I’ll set up a place for a little reunion sometime. Leave your numbers, and I’ll call you when it’s time.”
The two men nodded, scribbling down their contact information. Lucas then asked, “So, what are your plans now?”
One of them shrugged, “We’ll see where the wind takes us.”
Lucas nodded, “Alright, just wait for my call.”
With that, the two men left the private suite, leaving Lucas to his thoughts.
….
…
A few days later, Lucas stood in a private room with Tyrone. His trust had grown, and Tyrone still called him Lucio. “Lucio, as my partner, you need to know more about our situation,” Tyrone began.
Lucas listened intently as Tyrone continued, “We’re under the protection of the Costa Familia.”
Tyrone recounted his past, explaining how he came under the Costa Familia’s wing. “It wasn’t my choice to join them. Circumstances forced my hand.”
Lucas realized that Tyrone had no real desire to be part of the Costa Familia. “So, you never wanted to be with them?”
Tyrone sighed, “Honestly, I’d love to break free from the Costa Familia. But with the Sicilian Familia above them, it’s complicated.”
Lucas leaned forward, curiosity evident in his eyes. “Boss, what’s the story between the casino and the Costa Familia? How did it all start?”
Tyrone sighed deeply, as if preparing to unearth a buried past. “Alright, Lucio, let me take you back.”
He paused, gathering his thoughts before diving into the story. “Years ago, my casino was just a small operation. We had potential, but we were constantly harassed by loan sharks and local gangs. They saw us as easy prey, and it was getting harder to keep things afloat.”
Lucas nodded, encouraging him to continue.
“One day, the Costa Familia took notice. They saw the potential in my casino and offered their protection. At first, it seemed like a blessing. They drove away the loan sharks and gangsters, and business started to pick up.”
Tyrone’s expression darkened as he continued. “But as time went on, I realized I was just a front for them. They used my casino for their own dealings, and I became a middleman in their operations.”
He reached for a ledger and a notebook, placing them on the table. “Here,” he said, opening the ledger to reveal detailed transactions. “These are records of the Costa Familia’s dealings through my casino. It started with small favors, but it quickly escalated.”
Lucas scanned the pages, noting the intricate web of transactions and the influence the Costa Familia had over Tyrone’s business. “So, you became entangled in their operations.”
Tyrone nodded, a hint of regret in his voice. “Exactly. I never wanted this, but once you’re in, it’s hard to get out. The Costa Familia’s protection came at a price, and now I’m stuck.”
Lucas leaned back, absorbing the information. “I see. It’s a tough spot you’re in, Boss.”
Tyrone sighed again, “Yeah, and with the Sicilian Familia above them, it’s even more complicated. But knowing all this, I trust you, Lucio. Maybe together, we can find a way out.”
Lucas smiled, seeing the opportunity to reveal his true intentions. “The truth is, I’ve been making moves to bring down the Costa Familia.”
Tyrone looked at him, shocked. “What do you mean, Lucio?”
With a grin, Lucas removed a fake mole and mustache as he spoke. “My real name is Lucas, not Lucio. My initial plan in approaching you was to dismantle the Costa Familia’s resources. At first, I just wanted the information you had. But after learning about your situation, I decided I wanted to help you.”
Tyrone was taken aback by the revelation, but his surprise grew even more when he recognized Lucas. “You’re Lucas De Luca?! The Tyrant boss of the Luca Group?!”
Lucas nodded, still smiling. “That’s right.”
Tyrone shook his head in disbelief. “No wonder you seemed familiar when I first met you.”
They both recalled their initial meeting, and Lucas chuckled. “So, what do you say? Do you want to join forces with me to take down the Costa Familia and free yourself from their grip?”