Here is the next chapter of the book. English is not my first language so please ignore the grammatical mistakes. Let's continue.
Scene opens up to a warehouse. It smelled of oil, rust, blood and most important fear. Six-armed men, all alarmed stood around the centre of the warehouse circling the area but none of them are moving. Warehouse was dark, only light coming from the lamp hanging over the centre of the room.
Under the light, a man was kneeling, bruises over his face and he was crying, begging ''Per favore.... per favore (Please.... please)''
His voice echoed in the empty warehouse. Across from him, on a wooden chair sat Alessandro De Luca. His expression doesn't seem cruel or angry, just uninterested as if the scene in front of him holds no such importance.
''Per favore.... un'ultima.... possibilità(Please.... one last.... chance)'' the man requested again. Alessandro did not react; he just simply rotated the ring on his finger- heavy black band engraved with De Luca.
''Ho lavorato per te per cinque anni..... Sono sempre stato fedele (I worked five years for you..... I was always loyal)"
Alessandro showed no reaction just simply stared at him and in that moment the man realised there is no point begging. He stopped screaming and that was the moment Alessandro preferred- when desperation turned into realisation that there is no way out.
Then he stood up slowly, his black overcoat shifted as he moved, faint sound of leather echoed in the silent room. The man stiffened moving a little bit backward. Alessandro walked in a slowly around the man before stopping just in front of him, directly looking into his eyes. While the man lowered his gaze in fear. Alessandro leaned slightly closer to the man.
''Why you did that?'' his question came out, voice low and sharp. The man froze; his breathing becomes uneven.
''I... I don't know what you are saying'' the man avoided his gaze.
''Lorenzo Bellini'' and the man's chest dropped into his stomach, his face drained the colour. He calmly continued ''You met him two weeks ago'' and the man shook his head in denial.
''No!! I didn't'' Alessandro sighed disappointedly at the guts of this man lying in front of him. He worked for them from last five years, doesn't he know Alessandro De Luca never accuse without proof. If he has doubt, he will make his men follow you, investigate you and when the proof is in his hand no one comes out alive of it.
He extended his hand and one of the guards immediately stepped forward placing an envelope on his palm. He opened it and dropped the thing inside it on floor in front of the man. The man stared down at it- photographs of surveillance camera him talking to Bellini's one man, his phone records, bank details everything was there and the man trembled in fear.
He immediately moved forward putting his head at Alessandro's feet ''Please forgive me.... it was a mistake''
Alessandro simply stepped away ''Mistakes..... betrayal and forgiveness don't come in same sentence for me'' he added calmly ''You informed him about my shipment details.''
''I didn't tell him anything important,'' the man begged again ''I... I needed money. My family is in debt.''
He chuckled ''People do very stupid things for family'' his tone was still calm. He turned and walked back to the place he was sitting before, he took a round of the chair looking at it as if inspecting it. ''You worked five years for me, isn't it?'' he asked and the man nodded hope returned back in his eyes ''and in five years.... I must have paid you well!!''
''Yes''
''So, at first place there is no question of you being in debt.'' the man said nothing. He knew Alessandro never listen to anyone; he does what he wants.
''Unless'' he continued ''you lost it in gambling or,'' and the man looked mortified as he crouched down in front of him ''you become greedy''
Alessandro exhaled slowly before straightening himself up, he forwards his hand again and the guard gave him gun. Man started to shake again.
''Your family's condition is unfortunate,'' he said checking the weight of the gun ''But that's not my problem''
''Please don't do this.... I will fix everything, work for you the rest of my life for free''
Alessandro chuckled ''That's the problem,'' he said looking at the man ''You believe I will forgive you'' The room fell silent. Because everyone knew Alessandro De Luca never forgives betrayal.
He raised the gun '' La fiducia è una fantasia che le persone creano prima di deluderti. (Trust is a fantasy people create, before they disappoint you)"
And the next second a gunshot echoed in the silent warehouse. He directly aimed at the man's head, and the man slumped forward, dead even before he hit the ground. No one reacted, no one said anything because they knew, this is how things worked in Alessandro's world.
Alessandro handed the gun back and moved towards exit without saying anything. Men knew their works, they knewit was them who has to clean the mess, their boss created.
The night air was cold and quiet, streetlight casting shadows on the road. A black Maserati moved smoothly through the Roman road. Inside the car, silence dominated the space. Alessandro sat at the back seat, one arm resting on the door, his gaze fixed outside the window looking at passing city.
Rome at night looked peaceful, ancient building bathed in soft golden light. Tourist wandering, couples walking holding hands, laughing together. A city full of life but beneath that beauty, existed another Rome not run by politics or law, but by men like Alessandro.
Publicly he is a famous businessman of Italy, his name is tied to luxury hotels, investment firms, real estates that stretched all over the Europe. In short, an empire that is known for its perfection and admired by them who only see what is meant to be seen.
But the power like he holds is never build in broad daylight, beneath his that facade lies his real empire that is hidden in silence and works in fear. Illegal arms dealing, black market auction, underground networks cassinos, money laundering all fell under his control. Money that flows endlessly is cleaned through his legitimate business. He not only deals with the underworlds but also the officials, politicians as well. A world where law has no meaning, alliances are fragile and betrayal is not forgiven.
The car reached near its destination- De Luca's estate. From the distance it looked like historic Italian villa- stone wall aged by centuries, tall Italian Cypress trees lining the road and iron gates; that could have belonged to any wealthy person. As the view zoomed in, the illusion disappears. Their installed security cameras, covering each and every angle, armed guards patrolling the area in quite disciplined rotation. Nothing can enter the estate without permission, and nothing can leave without being noticed.
As the car approached the gate, they opened it immediately. No delay, no hesitation. The car rolled slowly through the long driveway, towards the main entrance of villa. Warm glow light illuminating the building, giving the appearance of elegance rather than danger. But everyone knows the truth, this is not just home but the centre of the empire.
The car stopped Infront of the entrance, one guard came forward and opened the door. Alessandro stepped out without any word. The guards straightened immediately as he passed. No one spoke anything because they knew respect here is not shown through words, but discipline and silence.
Inside, the villa was same as exterior. Lavish- marble floor reflecting the soft chandeliers light, number of paintings hung on the walls. But the beauty of this place hold something darker behind it. Every hallway contains hidden security cameras with high-level security access. All these are completely isolated from the internet, data stored on secured internal servers. Certain doors required biometric access. Each and every staff hired here has been investigated before hired.
As he walked through the entrance hall a voice stopped him ''sei di nuovo in ritardo!! (You are again late!!) he knew exactly who the person is. Very few people in the house dare to speak Infront of him and that too in a threatening tone. This privilege only goes to his mother Elena De Luca.
He sighed ''Work, madre'' She sighed knowing there is no use of making this man understand.
Before she could say anything further, a man in his thirties, sharp facial features, tall, broad shouldered came there. His brown leather jacket hung slightly open, revealing the pistol holstered beneath it.
Dante Romano, Alessandro's right hand from the time he took over mafia organisation after his father's death. By the look Alessandro understood he wants to say something important but they both kept mum.
Elena's gaze shifted briefly to Dante. She shook her head getting the hint of what must be going on. ''Come, have dinner'' she said already leaving towards the dining hall leaving no room for argument.
He followed his mother quietly, not ready for her disciplinary session. Dante too followed them silently.
Dinner in this family has a rule. If all members are present in the city they have to eat together. No phone calls, no meeting, no work talks. Just them, their family moment. It's not chaotic but controlled. Umm.... not in a suffocating way but in a way that come from years of understanding. Everyone knew their place and they respected it.
The long wooden table was already set when they entered. Soft golden light from the chandelier casted a warm glow over polished surfaces and untouchable plates. Two people were already seated there on the right side of the table.
A young woman with sharp eyes her long dark hair tied in a loose braid looked up immediately.
Sofia De Luca- his younger sister twenty-seven years old, a criminal lawyer. Unlike the rest of the family Sofia has chosen the life outside mafia world. Well, it's only for the world to know. In reality, she often defends powerful criminal in the court whom Alessandro thinks will be beneficial for their business.
She was scrolling something on her phone before immediately putting it back on table the moment she saw her mother entering the room.
Beside her sat another man, thirty-five years old. He was already halfway through a glass of wine, looking as composed as ever.
Matteo De Luca- Alessandro's cousin brother. But within the organisation he held an important role, he is the Consiglieri the advisor, strategist. And one of few people who could challenge Alessandro's decision without consequences.
''Look, who finally arrived'' Sofia said dryly.
Dante like always stood near the wall until Elena looked at him and spoke ''Sit, Dante'' It wasn't a suggestion or order, it was another unspoken rule. If she considers you her family- she will invite you to her family time gladly.
Elena doesn't trust someone this easily, but once she does there is no turning back until the person breaks her trust.
''Sofia'' their mother said in a sharp authority tone making them quiet.
She raised her hands in surrender ''Ok,'' she blinked giving Elena her not so innocent smile ''I'll behave''
Matteo shook his head at his sister's drama. Dante sat there quietly, while Alessandro was completely unfazed. Because this was normal, though Sofia is a sharp and brilliant lawyer she is completely opposite when at home.
Dinner began quietly. Sound of cutlery against plates, soft pouring of wine echoed in the quite hall while servants served them.
Matteo put his glass on table when he heard Alessandro ''I assume the problem with the shipment has been resolved''
''Yes'' he replied focusing on his plate.
''Permanently?'' Alessandro picked up his wine.
''Yes'' Matteo nodded this time.
Conversation got over. They are not allowed to talk much about works during dinner time. Beside this is how business worked with Alessandro- short and efficient. Dinner continued for several minutes in silence. Then Sofia leaned back on her chair ''So,'' she asked looking at her brother ''how was the day?''
Elena frowned ''Sofia!!''
''What?'' she asked raising her one brow ''I am just asking'' Alessandro continued eating without answering her.
''I am asking something'' she said again, this time with irritated voice while someone chuckled. She snapped her head to her right and looked sharply at her brother Matteo while he just shrugged ignoring her glare.
Few seconds later Alessandro answered in a calm voice without lifting his gaze from the plate ''A man made a poor decision.''
''And?'' she asked getting more curious.
He didn't answer. Simply cut his food into smaller pieces before taking the bite.
''And?'' she asked again this time little loudly leaning towards table thinking her brother is getting deaf day by day.
''He won't make another'' Alessandro replied taking a slow sip of his wine.
Sofia sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes ''You guys say it so normally''
''In our world'' Matteo said calmly ''It practically is''
Elena put her fork down ''Disloyalty is something which is normal in this business'' she said calmly looking at Matteo then her eyes rested on Alessandro ''do you expect it will not happen?''
''I don't expect anything'' he simply said.
''Good. You definitely should not'' there was a pause for a moment before she continued ''but remember one thing, when you come home....'' her words were measured now ''you are not surrounded by that world''
The entire table was quite now. Sofia glanced between them, Matteo said nothing and Dante remained still. Alessandro did not respond immediately but then after few seconds pause he just simply nodded his head acknowledging her words.
Sofa broke the moment with a soft smirk. ''Well, that's comforting. Isn't it? At least someone here isn't planning to kill us'' Dante huffed a quite laugh. Matteo shook his head slightly.
Elena gave her daughter a look ''You talk too much''
Sofia just smiled ''I am a lawyer madre; it's my job to talk. And besides, you still love me anyway''
Elena didn't respond, she didn't need to. Because everyone in the room already knew it.
Twenty minutes later
Alessandro and Dante were walking in the hallway to the study room.
''Bellini moved another shipment tonight'' as soon as Dante said this Alessandro stopped walking. The information caught his attention.
''Where?'' he asked calmly and continued walking again.
''Naple's port''
Lorenzo bellini has been expanding his business recently, too aggressively, too confidently. Which only meant two things- either he thinks De Luca's are distracted or he must have got something very important to weaken them. Both assumptions were dangerous, not for Alessandro, but for his enemies.
They both reached to the end of the hallway in front of study room, the most important room of the villa. Nobody except the family members and Dante are allowed to enter this room. He opened the gate with soft loud thud, floor to ceiling bookshelves lined the wall, A wooden desk placed at the centre of the room, where several monitors were there connected with surveillances camera across multiple places in all over Italy. Warehouse, ports, cassinos, clubs, every corner of De Luca's empire is monitored from here.
Checking the monitor for once he went towards the attached balcony looking somewhere at distance. ''Bellini must have come to know about you killing that man'' Dante stated. He didn't say anything just nodded. ''don't you think he is getting more aggressive these days'' Dante asked.
He turned and leaned his back against the railing ''Not aggressive but predictable'' he said in a calm tone.
''So, you are not concerned?'' Dante asked curiously looking at him not understanding the calmness in his tone.
''No'' he lit a cigarette.
''why?''
"Perché so che vuole abbattere il mio impero." (Because I know he wants to bring my empire down.)'' he exhaled the smoke slowly ''and I want him to think he is winning'' he walked and sat on the sofa placed there.
''Won't it harm us?''
''No'' he replied immediately ''perché a volte, per vincere una grande battaglia, è molto importante mettere il nemico nell'inganno che sta vincendo'' (because sometimes, to win a big fight, it is very important to put the enemy in the deception that he is winning)''
Dante understood what game his boss is playing. Everyone in the Italian underworld knew one fact. The De Luca's empire was untouchable. not because it was largest or it was the richest but because the man who leads it never hesitates and never shows mercy.
Dante poured himself a drink ''You know what you are called now?''
Alessandro glanced him briefly ''I know''
Dante whispered ''Capo Dei Capi. ''
To the streets, he was the Black King, a shadow they could see. But in the deeper circle of underworld, he is whispered as: The boss of bosses. A title not given lightly, and certainly not earned easily. It was a crown made of power and blood. A crown that made him the leader, the supreme boss of the underworld.
''Btw, what happened about that work?'' he asked looking ahead.
''Work is almost done, we will soon get hold of it'' Dante said sipping his drink. Alessandro nodded and kept staring ahead. silence stretched around them. After some ten minutes it was broken by Dante. ''What happened of that Civitavecchia plan?'' he asked.
''It will get solved by tomorrow'' he replied standing up and moving towards the balcony gate. Dante too stood up and followed him. They both entered the study room again took a look at the surveillance camera and exited the room.
Next Morning, his office-
Alessandro stood near the glass window, holding coffee mug in his hand looking outside at the busy roads of Rome, behind him across the desk a man was sitting adjusting his tie again and again looking nervous and hesitant. the room was filled with a kind of suffocating silence until the man broke it.
''Mr. De Luca,'' the man began, forcing a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes ''I have reviewed your proposal regarding Civitavecchia Port''
But Alessandro remained silent. the man cleared his throat shifting slightly in his seat. ''Dock 17 is a restricted terminal, it handles government cleared cargo. I don't have the authority to just... alter its function.''
Alessandro took a slow sip of his coffee before turning slowly. His gaze landed directly on the man with quite precision. ''Exactly''
The man blinked ''but i don't....'' he stopped as he saw Alessandro approaching the desk. ''Dock 17 handles verified cargo'' he said putting his cup down with precise calmness and leaned forward looking directly into the man's eyes ''which means it is less inspected terminal and processed faster''
The man shifted in his seat again now finally understanding that what he is saying. Alessandro slid a file towards the man ''open it''
The man hesitated but obeyed. He opened the file and looked at the shipping manifests, container ids, transit routes and everything looked legitimate. ''Medical equipment?'' the man read under his breath his brows furrowed in confusion.
Alessandro gaze still lingered on the man ''On paper.'' The man looked up, his eyes narrowing now.
''You want to move illegal shipments through a medical channel?''
''I want efficiency'' he said rotating the paperweight keenly looking at the man. The room suddenly felt too tighter. He stepped closer, one hand resting on the desk, his posture relaxed but his presence felt suffocating to the man. ''my current routes run through secondary ports,'' he continued ''Naples. Palermo.'' then a slight pause before he started again ''Bellini uses them too''
That name shifted the air and man's jaw tightened. Alessandro saw it but gave no reaction ''the authorities are already watching that routes'' he added calmly ''which clearly meant; increased inspections, interference which will lead to delay in shipping'' The man nodded slowly. Everyone knew this.
Alessandro's voice lowered slightly as he leaned more ''but dock 17 is trusted....'' He didn't need to complete his line because he knew the man understood. Dock 17 meant invisible and perfect.
''So, this is not about just one shipment, right?'' the man asked nervously not meeting Alessandro's gaze. He looked back at the documents ''you are planning to reroute the entire operation through Civitavecchia.''
Alessandro said nothing he just sat on his chair leaning back resting his one arm on the armrest. The man let out a breath, slower this time ''that would make your network difficult to track''
''Impossible'' Alessandro corrected him.
The man's jaw tightened ''but i still can't approve this'' he said, though the confidence in his voice weakened. ''if this is exposed i will lose everything''
Alessandro watched him for a moment, studied the tension on his face. ''I expected that answer'' he said picking up another file from the table and forwarded it to the man ''maybe you should take a look of this''
As the man opened the file his eyes widened, colour drained from his face tax frauds, unusual transaction records every corrupt thing which he did in his life till now was there. he looked at Alessandro, scared sweating in that ac chamber. ''These......'' his voice dropped to a whisper ''these are internal audit reports.... how did you even?''
''Page seven,'' Alessandro said quietly.
Man's hand trembled slightly as he turned it. There was a list of all his offshores accounts with his signature, he gulped ''I.....i can ex.....explain...''
''I am sure you can,'' Alessandro cut in, his tone nonchalant. ''All these tax frauds, not reported clearance, off shores accounts...... all these are small things. Isn't it?'' he paused for a moment then added ''Until someone starts to join them.''
The man swallowed hard, his composure slipping. Alessandro leaned forward ''You have a daughter,'' he said, his voice low but enough for the man to listen. The man went completely still.
''Chiara, isn't it?'' he continued. ''Eight-year-old, ballet lesson every Saturday.'' The man trembled.
''And your sister,'' he added after thinking for a moment ''Emma, right? Still living in Bolsena. A quiet life.''
''Stop'' the man whispered desperately.
Alessandro chuckled ''Don't worry. I am not threatening them'' he said evenly ''That' not my style. I am just showing you how easily things fall apart. It would be same if your problems become their problem.''
The man's grip tightened on the edge of the desk. If he agrees to Alessandro, he may lose his job and if he disagrees, he definitely will lose his job, and his family will come on road. So, he chooses the second option. He didn't argue further ''Dock 17, will be available soon.''
Alessandro smiled satisfactorily. The pressure around the room disappeared like it was never there. ''Good''
The man nodded and stood up, adjusting his tie to compose himself before leaving the room without another word.
Alessandro leaned back on the chair and closed his eyes resting for a while when a knock on the door broke his trance. ''Come in'' he commanded.
''Sir meeting is starting soon.'' an employee informed him and he nodded.
The conference room's air tightened as Alessandro stepped inside followed by Dante. He straightly went towards the head seat of the table and sat down, and Dante took the chair at his right. Everyone started the meeting.
''Southern port numbers are up by fifteen percent'' one of the executives said clicking to the next slide. ''Our shipping routes are now covering most of the lower coast. If we secure the remaining contracts in Sicily, we can control...''
''I want all of it, not just most'' he interfered without raising his voice. His eyes were locked to the file in his hand.
The man swallowed slightly ''Yes sir''
Another one started ''The Milan real estate purchases are finished. We have secured two commercial blocks. Rome is stable but Naples...''
''Naples is never stable,'' he cut in, looking up at the slide. Few people chuckled at this remark but soon it died down when they realised he is not joking.
''Actually, the union interference is delaying the construction'' the person continued.
He frowned and leaned back onto the chair ''Interference?'' he repeated.
''They are asking for revised contracts''
''And you are asking me?'' he asked, his tone sharpened.
The person froze. ''No'' he shook his head ''we will take care of it. It will be resolved soon.''
He nodded. ''What about the security sector?'' he asked forwarding his hand for the file and Dante passed him.
A woman across the table straightened ''All firms are operational. We have picked up two new government contracts. And also increased the presence in Rome and along the port routes.''
''Good.'' he said. Legitimacy is a shield and he uses it well. He stood up and everyone else followed his action. ''Then we are done here.'' he said buttoning up his suit and moved towards the door.
At night, De Luca estate-
The night settled over the estate. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of soil and night blooming flowers from the garden below. He stood there, one hand resting against the railing and a glass of whiskey in his other hand.
Inside the room behind him was dimly lit, everything there was on its place. He exhaled slowly; gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the estate. His posture was relaxed but not careless, he lifted his glass taking a slow sip, letting the burn settle down his chest.
Below somewhere in the distance, guards changed post moving according to their shifts. Everything was exactly as it should be. His gaze flickered towards the horizon again, this time darker now. He was not relaxing but thinking.... thinking about the upcoming challenges. Calculating the move.
A footstep approached breaking his trance. He didn't turn back he already knew who the person is. Dante stepped beside him glancing briefly at him before looking ahead ''You should sleep'' he said quietly. ''You have been awake too long.''
Alessandro's grip on the glass tightened ''Sleep is inefficient.''
Dante exhaled a quiet breath. ''Everything is inefficient to you.'' there was a pause for a moment before he continued ''Bellini is moving.'' his tone shifted.
''I know'' he again took a sip.
''You are ready?'' Dante asked curiously.
That made Alessandro turn his head slightly towards him to look at him. There was something cold in his gaze ''I am always ready.''
Dante studied him for a moment then said quietly ''We have to know what he is planning. Why he became aggressive in recent weeks what changed in his strategy''
Alessandro nodded. ''Matteo needs to act quick for what he is planning.''
''We are trying to get hold of his one man, but it will take time.'' Dante said.
''But be quick.''
Dante nodded looking at the horizon. After few minutes he sighed turning back ''I am leaving. Get some rest.'' Alessandro did not respond and Dante left quickly. The balcony fell silent again. Alessandro finished his drink and set the glass aside on the railing and moved his gaze back to the city.
His expression didn't change but something deepened it was not loneliness or emptiness just absence of distraction in his life. Kind of expression that belong to a man who has built his life without anyone's need. A person standing alone, unchallenged and unshaken just like King.
But he is unaware that somewhere in the same city, something unpredictable will soon enter his life which will turn his world upside down.
*********************************
End of the chapter.
Stay tuned for next part.
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Bubyee.
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