The Procrastinating Godfather

Chapter 2: Darkness and Fumes

The city woke up the next morning covered in ash and filled with uncertainty after the explosion. The burned remains of the Rossi warehouse made a strong impact on the morning news, setting a dark tone for our crucial meeting ahead. I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I navigated the smoke-filled streets, remnants of last night's chaos weighing heavily on the city.

Angelo remained quiet next to me, his typical stoic attitude tinged with a heightened vigilance. The scent of leather and gun oil permeated the car from the pistol hidden under my jacket. I quickly thought through the events, pondering whether Rossi would perceive this as a intentional action from us.

Arriving at the designated meeting spot - an unremarkable warehouse near the docks - Angelo spoke up after a period of silence. "Do you believe Rossi will make an appearance?"

"He will arrive soon." I responded, scanning the surroundings, anticipating that he will seek answers and believe he can outsmart us in the chaos. The silence was unsettling, indicating trouble in our profession.

Getting out of the car, I felt the cold breeze from the harbor, with the salt mixing with the smell of smoky buildings in the city. Entering the warehouse, our footsteps reverberated against the metal walls, creating a rhythm to match the pounding of my heart.

It didn't take long for us to have company.

Salerno, you sure know how to kick off a negotiation in a bold manner. The sound originated from

Luca Rossi entered the faint light shining through the shattered windows, with shadows all around. Two of his men stood on either side of him, with their hands noticeably close to their holsters.

"I didn't have any involvement with the warehouse, Luca," I stated calmly, maintaining eye contact with him as I tried to decipher his motives. "We can both concur that it alters circumstances."

Luca grinned smugly, a chilling, devoid of humor expression. Do things change? Vincent, it came close to wiping out half of my crew. I wonder what game you are up to.

Angelo subtly moved next to me, like a quiet guard. I lifted my hand slightly, indicating for him to stop. "Hey, we're not looking to initiate a conflict." Our goal is to resolve conflicts. Consider it, Luca. Planning to strike your warehouse the night before our meeting? "It's not good for business."

Luca narrowed his eyes, carefully evaluating and calculating. Following a period of tension, he nodded at a slow pace. "Okay, Vincent." I am here to listen. Ensure it is of high quality.

I took a deep breath, the stakes were never so high. Here is my suggestion. We merge our activities. We control the city's western side while you have the docks. We divide resources such as protection and distribution among ourselves. No crossing paths, no upsetting others. An agreement to stop fighting.

"What if I say no?" Luca spoke with a neutral tone, but his eyes appeared sharp and menacing.

"If you decline, we return to draining each other's resources, and possibly both of us leave this warehouse empty-handed." I allowed the menacing threat to linger in the air, weighty and unquestionable.

Luca let out a dark chuckle. "Vincent, you are participating in a game with high stakes." Why do you believe I won't simply remove you and seize control of everything?

Since you are an entrepreneur, Luca. And an intelligent one. You are aware of the price of a war. Both of us benefit from this ceasefire. "I shrugged, allowing the implication to sink in without further explanation."

After a prolonged moment of quiet, Luca advanced and reached out his hand. "Peace agreement, therefore." At this moment.

I grasped his hand firmly, both of us understanding the delicate balance this ceasefire brought to our tumultuous world. As he was about to go, I noticed a quick movement out of the corner of my eye - a shadow separating from the back of the warehouse.

"Sharpshooter!" Angelo shouted as a gun fired. I moved to the ground and rolled behind a pile of crates, feeling like time had slowed down. Angelo retaliated with systematic and accurate shots.

Disorder broke out. Luca and his companions sought shelter, firing back in response. I glanced behind the crate, attempting to locate the sniper. Another bullet narrowly missed me, shattering the wood just a few inches from my head.

"Vincent, relocate!" Angelo yelled while protecting me as I ran to a more secure spot. In the midst of the shooting, I noticed Luca look at me, with a sudden understanding—or perhaps a sense of betrayal?—in his gaze.

The battle appeared to go on endlessly until, out of nowhere, quiet fell. Carefully, I stood there with my gun prepared. Angelo quickly appeared next to me, his eyes searching for any potential dangers.

Luca came out from where he was hiding, his expression filled with anger. "You tricked us!"

"We didn't do it!" I yelled in return, but the fragile trust was completely broken.

Another voice broke the tension. "In fact, it was."

Maria emerged from her hiding spot with a rifle that was smoking. She had a neutral expression on her face as she glanced at me, and then at Luca. "Apologies, gentlemen, but the town can only accommodate one of us."

The disclosure struck me with the force of a physical impact. Maria, the one who enforces rules, my personal rule enforcer, had been engaging in her own activities. Angelo gazed at me with a face full of betrayal, wondering how I had missed it.

Hey, Maria? For what reason? The inquiry ripped out of my mouth, filled with anguish and distress.

She casually shrugged. Vincent, I don't hesitate like you do.

Turning away after uttering those last words, she vanished into the darkness of the warehouse, leaving behind disorder, deceit, and a broken peace agreement. As the sirens in the distance started to sound, getting closer quickly, I realized that things would never be as they were before. Angelo and I, along with Luca and his men, were tasked with navigating the aftermath.

"Boss, what should be our next step?" Angelo's voice was filled with tension and uncertainty.

I surveyed the chaos, a result of my procrastination and misplaced confidence. "I mentioned that we are getting ready," I said, keeping my voice calm even in the midst of chaos. "Because this is nowhere near finished."

With the police lights shining and casting blue and red hues through the shattered windows, I was certain that Maria's betrayal marked the beginning of a war, not just a setback. And now, I couldn't delay. No longer.

My mind raced as the red and blue lights flickered over the deteriorating walls of the warehouse, creating long shadows that moved like demons celebrating. I needed to ponder, needed to strategize—needed to stay alive.

Angelo urgently told Vincent that they couldn't remain in that place, disrupting his wandering thoughts. Police will encircle this location within a matter of minutes.

I gave a nod, collecting my thoughts. "Correct." We must return, gather together. Discover the extent of Maria's betrayal. My voice was harsh, the words felt like sharp pieces of glass in my mouth.

Still hiding behind a crate, Luca Rossi watched us with caution. Do you really think I'll allow you to leave after pulling that stunt?

We didn't do it, Luca! "My frustration reached its peak as I pointed out that Maria was to blame." Consider it. Is it logical for us to engage in a battle with you now, considering we recently suggested a ceasefire?

Luca tightened his jaw and shifted his gaze towards the door, his eyes following the increasing volume of sirens. Following a brief period of tension, he gave a quick nod. "Okay." However, Salerno, this is not finished.

I didn't have the privilege to respond. Angelo and I quickly headed towards the rear exit, weaving through a labyrinth of crates and machinery. As we made our escape, the distant sound of sirens transformed into the immediate danger of flashing lights and radio chatter.

We hurried into a narrow passage, feeling the icy air sting my face. "I whispered that we require a secure location, a place isolated from the public eye while checking for any pursuers."

Angelo took out his phone and quickly typed on it. I am familiar with a location. Maria herself is unaware of it. His tone was serious, with his typical composed attitude exchanged for a strain that mirrored my own.

A few moments after, we were navigating through the city's lesser-known roads in a plain car that Angelo had hidden for unexpected situations. The city rushed by in a blur, a mix of shadows and light that seemed unfriendly, unfamiliar.

At last, we arrived at a dilapidated motel located at the edge of the town. The green neon sign for "Sea Breeze Inn" blinked sporadically, casting an eerie glow. We took our necessary items and went to room 113, a number as unfortunate as our current situation.

After entering the room, Angelo quickly locked the door, and I sank onto the dusty sofa. We must reach out to the remaining members of our team to determine who is still present.

Angelo gave a nod, with his phone already at his ear. Following a brief exchange of few words, he had a somber look on his face when he ended the call. "Boss, it's bad." Some are accompanying Maria. Many are anticipating to see the outcome of this situation. They are feeling frightened and uncertain.

I was overwhelmed by a surge of rage and feeling of being betrayed. Maria not only carefully planned her strategies, but also planted strong seeds of disagreement among us.

I tightened my fists, experiencing the betrayal as a tangible pain. "Angelo, she deceived us." Deceived me. For all that time, right in front of me.

"We will make her pay for this," Angelo vowed, his voice firm. "And we will reunite our family again. All we require is a strategy."

An idea for action. The word echoed mockingly in my mind. It was the plans that caused me to end up in this situation. However, there was no choice but to act without hesitation. Initially, we protect our supporters. We gather closer in our group and get ready for whatever plan Maria is scheming next. Next, we retaliate forcefully and swiftly. We must communicate: betrayal has consequences

Our eyes locked, and I saw a glimmer of the familiar passion in Angelo's gaze. "What should we do first?"

"I am providing some data." We discover Maria's whereabouts and her intentions. Next, we will interfere with her activities and target her vulnerabilities. I got up and walked back and forth in the small room. "We will require eyes in all places." There are no longer any secrets among us.

Understood. I'll begin exploring to see what information we can uncover. Angelo's voice had a strong determination, with his previous lack of clarity now replaced by determination. "We will not only make it through this, boss. "We will emerge victorious."

While we started working, the motel room changed from a place of hiding into a temporary headquarters. Maps were laid out, names were verified on lists, and safe houses were indicated. Each movement was carefully planned like a chess grandmaster, with each choice carrying the weight of potential consequences.

The night became increasingly dark and deep outside our window, a suitable setting for the impending storm we were about to start. The journey to recovering what belonged to us would be violent and harsh, yet essential. Maria had taken it as a personal challenge, and I was prepared to show her why I was known as The Viper.

While we were closely discussing our plans, the phone rang suddenly, cutting through the tense atmosphere. Angelo responded, paused to listen, then turned pale. He passed me the phone with his hand trembling slightly.

"It's intended for you, boss. "That's Maria."

I inhaled deeply and reached for the phone. "Maria."

She spoke in a calm, almost lighthearted tone. Greetings, Vincent. I understand you've been occupied.

"I have too," I responded, squeezing the receiver tighter.

remained standing.

I just wanted to inform you that I always think ahead by two steps. What about the day after tomorrow? There was a moment of silence, permeated with unspoken warnings. "Tomorrow you will witness the extent of my lead."

The connection was lost, causing a cold silence to linger. I placed the phone down carefully, my thoughts buzzing with potential outcomes, with dangers.

"I said we should speed up," I growled in a low voice. She's scheming a major event.

Angelo nodded, his face expressing his strong determination. "We will be prepared."

As we continued with our planning, the stakes were at their highest ever. The competition was fierce, with both sides refusing to give up until only one remained victorious.

I massaged my temples, sensing the heaviness of restless nights and unending tension. Angelo, always the attentive deputy, monitored the door closely, his previous peace now substituted with a continuous, nervous vigilance.

Angelo, we can't continue to simply respond. We must take initiative. I suggested attacking her quickly and forcefully to prevent her from carrying out her plans for tomorrow, while pacing in our temporary command center.

Angelo nodded and brought up a list on his laptop. I concur. I have obtained some information concerning her whereabouts. We have the option to attack at dawn, targeting numerous locations at the same time. Throw her off guard.

I halted my pacing and leaned in close to look at the screen over his shoulder. "Do we possess sufficient staff for conducting numerous strikes?"

"It's close, but affirmative." I've asked for a few favors, and now some familiar faces are prepared to rejoin. Vincent, they are trustworthy. They hope for the family to regain authority, not be under Maria's influence.

"That's great, that's really great." I sensed a glimmer of optimism, a glint in the midst of the approaching shadows. Organize the attacks. I desire for us to move quickly and quietly- like phantoms in the darkness. Maria won't even notice us approaching.

Angelo's fingers moved quickly across the keyboard, organizing our counteroffensive. The only sounds in the room were the clicking of keys and the faint buzz of the constantly active city. The city was poised, anticipating the next move in a clandestine war, holding its breath.

Then the phone rang once more, piercing the quietness like a siren. Angelo gazed at me, with a look of inquiry in his eyes. I agreed with a nod, and he transferred the call to speaker mode.

A strange, new voice - calm, composed, and chilling in composure - identified itself as Vincent Salerno.

"Can you identify who this is?" I insisted, keeping my voice calm even though adrenaline was rushing through me.

The voice went on to say, "Maybe a friend, or maybe an enemy." It all comes down to you.

"What are you desiring?" I inquired, my thoughts quickly considering various options. Was this another one of Maria's deceitful schemes?

"To present you with an escape route." You are scheduling to launch attacks on Maria De Luca early in the morning. If I were in your shoes, I would think about that again.

I stopped suddenly, looking at Angelo, whose narrowed eyes showed his suspicion. "What makes you recommend that?" I inquired.

Vincent, Maria is anticipating your arrival. She set a trap that you won't notice until it's too late. "This... this is the sole caution you will receive."

Angelo promptly closed the laptop, indicating silently to prevent any possible listening in. He inquired in a hushed tone, "How can we be sure this is not a trap?"

"I don't," the voice confessed. However, think about this - Maria has been leading by two steps until now. What makes you believe that tonight is not the same as usual?

The call ended abruptly, leaving the room in heavy silence once again. Angelo and I shared a prolonged gaze, the silent inquiry lingering significantly in the air. Did Maria issue a sincere caution, or was it just another part of her cunning deception?

"Chief?" Angelo spoke with a tense voice. "What is the game plan?"

I went to the window and gazed at the dark night that covered the city. The night was calm, almost as if it was pausing before the dawn's commotion. "I have decided to change the plans," I stated firmly and decisively. "We keep a low profile. Observe and be patient. "We require additional information."

"What about the warning?" Angelo inquired, observing me intently.

"We consider it very important." Improve security measures, verify all intelligence again. And make sure to keep this information confidential. If it turns out to be a trap, we avoid setting it off. If it turns out to be false information, we will still respond. In any case, we are not entering a m******e.

Angelo nodded and immediately grabbed his phone to communicate the new instructions. While he was busy working, I shifted my attention back to the window, feeling troubled in my mind. The city ahead resembled a chessboard, and we were dangerously close to being defeated.

Out of nowhere, the silence of the room was interrupted by another phone call. Angelo responded, paused to listen, and then his complexion turned pale. He glanced at me while still holding the phone to his ear, his face showing complete shock.

"It's Maria," he whispered almost inaudibly. Vincent, she has arrived. Just outside.

The words struck me suddenly, like a lightning bolt. In what way? The consequences were enormous, her boldness frightening. When I realized what was happening, my hand immediately went for the firearm by my side.

Outside, a car door slamming shut in the distance reverberated with a sense of foreboding. The night was no longer calm. It was filled with life, pulsating with the upcoming confrontation that we both hadn't anticipated.

Maria was bringing the conflict right to our front door. And we needed to be prepared to confront it.