Antonio
The air is charged with tension as Dante and I prepare to gather the men. Word quickly spread through the ranks that I’m the new Capo. There’s been no grand induction, no blood-marked ceremony, just the silent understanding that I’m now in charge. So far, I’ve received nothing but supportive messages. But we still have to deal with the matter of who betrayed us.
“Are you ready for this?” I ask.
“I am,” Dante says, his jaw tight. “Tonight, they’ll learn the true cost of betrayal.”
We descend the steps, each movement carrying the gravity of what’s to come. I’ve shut down the restaurant and summoned our men. They think it’s just another routine meeting for assignments. What they don’t realize is that this is far from ordinary—it’s a show of strength, a warning to anyone foolish enough to consider betraying us again.
As we enter the meeting room, the men are already gathered. Some sit, others stand, their postures casual but alert. They have no reason to believe anything is different—yet. Among them are Gino and Mario, the two who sealed their fates with their betrayal. They’re responsible for the deaths of our guard and Lena. Tonight, they’ll pay for it.
I catch Enzo’s gaze from across the room. His expression is blank, but his slight nod confirms he’s ready.
“Since Valentino’s death, Dante and I have been working to ensure our long-held alliances remain secure,” I say as I step forward, my voice slicing through the low murmurs. The room stills instantly. “I want to thank those who’ve reached out to me,” I pause, scanning the faces around me.
“However,” I continue, my voice colder now, “not everyone among us has been as loyal as they should’ve been.”
The tension in the room skyrockets, and I catch the briefest flicker of panic in a few eyes. My gaze locks onto the two men standing near the entrance. “Gino. Mario,” I say, my tone sharp and unforgiving.
They freeze, the color draining from their faces as they realize they’ve been marked. “These men thought they could play both sides. Their betrayal is the reason we’re here tonight.”
Mario’s gaze darts around, looking for a way out, but there’s none. “Loyalty,” I continue, “is everything in this life. And betrayal is unforgivable.”
I nod to Enzo. He and Dante draw their weapons with swift, practiced ease. Gino stammers, desperate. “Mario told me our orders were to get rid of that bitch,”
“That’s a fucking lie,” Mario snaps. “I had nothing to do with this.”
Their protests are drowned out by the thunderous sound of two gunshots. The men slump to the floor. The room falls into a suffocating silence.
My eyes sweep over the room. “This is your only chance,” I say slowly, my tone unwavering. “You will pledge your loyalty to me and La Famiglia now or you will take this opportunity to walk away and leave this behind. But know this—if you choose to stay, any betrayal will meet the same fate.”
One by one, they pledge their allegiance to the Famiglia. There’s no hesitation, no doubt in their voices. Now, we stand ready to face whatever comes next with renewed strength and unwavering unity.
* * *
Now I’m able to turn my attention to the next problem—Emilio Salazar and his cartel. They’ve been overextended in Colombia, struggling to hold onto their coca fields as rivals close in. Their grip is slipping, and I plan to exploit that.
Late last night, Dante eliminated Quito Rojas, Salazar’s second-in-command. One clean shot to the skull, no witnesses. Just minutes ago, I sent the photos to Salazar. Now, I wait for the call.
When the phone rings, I don’t waste time. “Consider this your only warning. Our business is finished,” I say, my voice cold and flat.
“We had a deal,” Salazar replies.
"You had a deal with Valentino," I say, correcting him. "But if you think you can push back, I’ll make sure your enemies have everything they need to take your fields and routes. How long do you think you’ll last after that?"
The silence that follows is almost satisfying. He knows he’s cornered.
After what feels like an eternity, he finally speaks, his voice dripping with resignation. "You’ve made your point. No need for more bloodshed."
A wicked grin pulls at my lips. "Smart choice. I expect your men out of my territory by the end of the week. Stay out of my way, and we won’t have any more problems."
Another pause, then a defeated, "Understood."
I hang up, the satisfaction settling in. Salazar’s done. Now, all that’s left is cutting ties with the DeLuca Famiglia , ensuring no humans will ever be trafficked through our city again.