Sicilian Familia villa, an air of tension hung thick. Seated in an ornate chair was an elderly man with a large, dark bruise around his eye, giving him the appearance of a panda. This was Don Ramon, the head of the Costa Familia. Across from him sat another elderly man, Kulas Sicilian, the formidable Don of the Sicilian Familia.
Don Kulas leaned back in his chair, observing Don Ramon with a mix of curiosity and amusement. “Ramon, it’s not every day I see you with such… distinctive markings,” he remarked, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
Don Ramon, maintaining his composure, nodded respectfully. “Kulas, I come to you with grave news. Our villa was attacked, and it wasn’t just a simple raid. They hit us hard, disrupted our businesses, and my cash flow is in shambles.”
Kulas raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Really? And who are these bold attackers who dare to challenge the Costa Familia?”
Ramon sighed, his tone respectful yet firm. “They were organized, Kulas. They left a message, saying they’d soon be knocking on the door of the Sicilian Familia.”
Kulas chuckled, dismissing the threat with a wave of his hand. “Let them try. We’ve faced many challengers before, and we’re still standing. Perhaps, Ramon, you were a bit too complacent?”
Ramon’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his voice steady. “Complacency wasn’t the issue. They were precise, knew our weaknesses. We need to consider countermeasures, perhaps even an alliance to strengthen our defenses.”
Kulas leaned forward, his demeanor shifting to one of mild interest. “An alliance, you say? And what makes you think these attackers are worth our attention?”
Ramon chose his words carefully. “They’ve disrupted our operations significantly. If they can do that to us, they might pose a threat to you as well. It’s in both our interests to address this.”
Kulas stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Perhaps. But tell me, Ramon, how did they manage to catch you off guard? Surely, a Don of your stature should have seen this coming.”
Ramon’s expression tightened, but he remained composed. “They were clever, Kulas. They exploited our trust, used insiders. It’s a mistake I won’t repeat.”
Kulas nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes. “Very well. We’ll consider your proposal. But remember, Ramon, strength lies not just in numbers, but in vigilance.”
Ramon inclined his head, acknowledging the point. “Agreed. We must remain vigilant and prepared for whatever comes next.”
As Don Ramon spoke, a flicker of realization crossed his face. “Now that I think about it, two of the organizations involved in the attack were led by the new Dons of the Mercado and Abate Familias.”
Kulas let out a hearty laugh, mocking the mention of the two families. “The Mercado and Abate? Those weaklings? A lowly, nearly extinct familia daring to form a group to attack you? Really, Ramon?” He leaned in closer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Don’t tell me one of them gave you that panda look?”
Ramon hesitated, a hint of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. “Well, yes, actually. One of them did land a punch. Their hand-to-hand combat skills were… unexpected. If I’m not mistaken, the new Don of the Mercado is named Vlad, and Jose leads the Abate Familia.”
Kulas’s interest piqued, and he pulled a pistol from his pocket, twirling it casually. “Interesting. But tell me, Ramon, are they faster than a bullet?”
Ramon nodded, a touch of frustration in his voice. “If only Romano had been there with the guns ready, they might have been bathing in their own blood.” He paused, a thought crossing his mind. ‘Speaking of Romano, I wonder how his dealings with Greg are going…’
….
…
Meanwhile, on the other side, Romano lay lifeless on the floor, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. Greg, sitting beside him, was pale and shaken, unable to comprehend how Romano had died so suddenly. He turned to Lucas, a chill running down his spine, and asked with a tremor in his voice, “Who are you?!
Lucas calmly returned his pistol, equipped with a silencer, to its holster. He had dispatched Romano with three swift shots to the chest, so quick that Romano hadn’t even had time to react.
Greg glanced again at Romano, seeing the blood beginning to pool around his chest, and felt a wave of nausea and fear wash over him. The sight of the blood made him almost retch.
Lucas leaned back in his chair, picking up his cup of tea and taking a sip. He gestured for Greg to do the same. Greg swallowed hard, his throat dry with fear, but he obediently picked up his cup and took a sip. Lucas smiled, a calm yet unsettling expression, and said, “I’ll let you walk out of here alive if you tell me what I want to know.”
Greg nodded mechanically, feeling as though he had no choice but to comply with Lucas’s demands.
As they sipped their tea, Lucas began the conversation. “So, Greg, what exactly was Romano’s business with you? I know he’s the underboss of the Costa Familia, and they don’t usually mingle with businessmen like you without a reason.”
Greg, trying to steady his trembling hands, replied, “Romano approached me because the Costa Familia is struggling. They’re on the brink of collapse, and they need a lifeline. He wanted my help to secure some lucrative contracts and investments to stabilize their finances.”
Lucas nodded, listening intently. “And what did they offer you in return for your assistance?”
Greg hesitated, then continued, “Protection and influence. They promised to keep my businesses safe from any… unwanted attention and to use their connections to expand my reach.”
Lucas took another sip of tea, his demeanor calm and composed. “And did you agree to this arrangement?”
Greg shook his head, his voice shaky. “I was considering it, but I hadn’t committed yet. I don’t align myself with any familia. My dealings with the mafia are strictly business, nothing more.”
Lucas leaned forward slightly, his eyes piercing. “And what about the other families? Did Romano mention anything about them?”
Greg swallowed again, feeling the weight of Lucas’s gaze. “He mentioned that they were trying to form alliances, to strengthen their position. But he didn’t go into details.”
Lucas nodded, satisfied with the information. “Good. Now, Greg, remember this: your life depends on your discretion. Speak of this to no one, and you’ll remain unharmed.”
Greg nodded vigorously, understanding the gravity of Lucas’s words. “I understand. I won’t say a word.”
Lucas leaned back, his expression softening slightly. “Very well. Enjoy your tea, Greg. And remember, I’m always watching.”
As Lucas sat back, a thought crossed his mind. He remembered there was an auction happening that day. Turning to Greg, he asked, “By the way, Greg, do you have a ticket to the auction today?”
Greg nodded, still visibly shaken. “Yes, I have two tickets. Romano and I were supposed to go together.” He glanced at Romano’s lifeless body, a chill running down his spine.
Lucas chuckled softly, the sound both unsettling and commanding. “Perfect. We’ll make use of those tickets. You’re going to accompany me to this auction.”
He flashed a smile at Greg, though it was more of a calculated expression than one of genuine warmth.