Chapter 6 - The Trial of Loyalty
The harbor warehouse at Pier 42 was cold, drafty, and smelled of salt water and diesel fuel.
Inside, twenty high-ranking Capos and syndicate bosses stood around a large steel conference table illuminated by hanging industrial lamps. At the head of the table stood Marco Moretti, wearing a tailored gray suit, looking grand and triumphant. Standing right at his side, looking mournful and solemn, was Underboss Dominic.
"Gentlemen," Marco announced loudly, his voice echoing off the corrugated iron walls. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the tragic passing of my cousin, Don Alejandro Moretti. He suffered a sudden, severe medical emergency at his desk this afternoon. The doctors could do nothing."
A loud murmur swept through the gathered bosses. Some looked shocked; others exchanged calculating glances.
"In accordance with our family traditions," Marco continued, slamming his palm onto the table, "I am stepping forward to take command of the Moretti crime family! We will expand our borders, open new drug corridors, and double our profits within six months!"
Several younger Capos cheered, drawn to the promise of easy money.
Dominic stepped forward, putting a comforting hand on Marco’s shoulder while looking out at the crowd with practiced sorrow. "Alejandro was like a brother to me. But Marco is right. The family must move forward under new leadership."
"Is that so, Dominic?"
A deep, commanding voice boomed from the dark shadows near the warehouse entrance.
The temperature in the room dropped to absolute zero.
Every head snapped around.
Out of the darkness walked Alejandro Moretti, wearing his dark trench coat, flanked by Bruno and six heavily armed enforcers carrying assault rifles.
The warehouse went dead silent. Capos gasped, stepping back in absolute shock. Several men reached for their holsters, but Bruno's men immediately trained their laser sights on anyone who moved.
Marco’s face turned completely white. His jaw dropped, his knees shaking uncontrollably. "A-Alejandro?! You... you're dead! The poison—"
Marco instantly clamped his hand over his mouth, realizing what he had just admitted.
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Alejandro smiled coldly, stepping into the bright circle of light under the industrial lamps.
"The poison, Marco? How curious that you knew it was poison before the autopsy was even performed."
