Chapter 7 - More enemies

Inside the lavish Albert mansion, Andreas, Riqui, and Raquel followed the grand marble staircase, their footsteps echoing through the opulent hallway.

 

They were led by a butler to a set of intricately carved double doors, which swung open to reveal a spacious office adorned with antique furniture and rich tapestries.

 

As they entered, Andreas stepped forward confidently, his voice resonating with authority. "Greetings, Don Albert," he said, extending his hand. "I am Andreas, the trusted mouth of the Baron of the DiMarco Empire. Allow me to introduce my companions - Riqui and Raquel, official heads of the household."

 

Don Albert furrowed his brow and greeted them with a slight nod. He surely had heard about the DiMarco empire as a force to reckon with and with the chance coming to him, it was hard to say no. 

 

"Welcome," he responded, motioning for them to take a seat in the plush armchairs under the palm tree, all positioned before his large mahogany desk. "I have heard of the DiMarco Empire and its influence. What brings you to my humble abode today?"

 

"Don Albert, as the mouth of the DiMarco empire, I bring you chances, we have come to discuss an alliance - a powerful union of gold, which is our currency, and sovereignty in Wallows Square," Andreas answered.

 

"Go on," he urged, his eyes glinting with intrigue.

 

Andreas began to paint a vivid picture of the DiMarco Empire's reputation - its vast wealth, untouchable power, and ironclad boundaries across the city of Burry which is about to extend to Wallows Square. 

 

He spoke of their connections, their dominion over Wallows Square, and how they could offer unprecedented opportunities to Albert.

 

Raquel, her eyes sparkling with cunning, interjected smoothly. "Don Albert, imagine being part of our Empire, having the support and protection of the mighty DiMarco. Your rivals bowing before you, your influence expanding beyond your wildest dreams."

 

Albert's face lit up with ambition as he contemplated the possibilities. "Tell me more about how you plan to extend my powers above all else in Wallows Square," he urged, his scepticism waning.

 

"I know it's hard to believe, and so hard to describe." Riqui produced a contract, embellished with intricate seals and signatures, and placed it before Albert. "This contract succinctly explains all and solidifies the alliance. By signing, you agree that the Albert Hall will become the sole mafia household in Wallows Square, as an outpost for the DiMarco empire, with the DiMarco Empire as your sworn patrons."

 

Albert's eyes darted across the contract, reading its contents. He hesitated for a moment, then let out a hearty chuckle. "I am a man of action, not one to shy away from opportunity and power!"

 

"That is why we have come to you," Raquel said with a smile. 

 

"But there is another with whom I have partnered," Don Albert said and hesitated with his pen. "Don Razor, he will surely be against me if he hears about this."

 

Andreas saw the idea in Caspian's scheme to deal in wisdom more than they would, in warfare. He could see that Caspian's game was working out, linking Albert to Don Razor, providing a means of dealing with them at once. 

 

"Signing this contract means you're the lord over all gangs in Wallows Square," Andreas stated. "There are only two prominent gangs in this town, if he does not work for you, he will be wiped off."

 

With a flourish of his pen, he affixed his signature to the contract, unaware of the deceptive tricks unfolding before him.

 

As the conversation drew to a close, Andreas rose from his seat, the contract safely in his hand. "Don Albert, welcome to the ranks of the DiMarco Empire. We shall keep our word and eliminate your rival, Don Razor, as soon as possible. Your enemies will soon be vanquished."

 

"Thank you, Andreas, and more thanks to DiMarco Empire. I trust in your loyalty and the power of our newfound alliance," Don Albert said and shook hands with Andreas. 

 

With that, Andreas, Riqui, and Raquel bid farewell to Albert, departing the office with a victorious aura in their wake.

 

***

 

Andreas, Riqui, and Raquel returned to Caspian and they handed him the contract that Don Albert had signed. A contract that would place the prestigious Albert Hall under the DiMarco empire's ownership.

 

As Caspian's eyes scanned the document, a mischievous smile curled on his lips, and a chuckle escaped from him.

 

"As I have promised, I am coming for you," Caspian declared, his voice filled with confidence and a touch of menace.

 

His gaze shifted towards Andreas, who was eagerly awaiting their next move. "Where next, Baron?" Andreas inquired, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and respect.

 

"My house, take me to my house," Caspian responded. 

 

As his words left his mouth, the sleek car they were in effortlessly glided forward, carrying them towards their destination.

 

Upon arriving at Caspian's house, they were greeted by the sight of Don Razors-suited mobsters, standing outside. 

 

Caspian was reminded of his last entanglement with the men two days ago. He travelled back in time and felt the intimidation and the beating he received from them.

 

The line of nine cars and a single van came to a halt, and Andreas, Riqui, and Raquel stepped out, ready to face the guards awaiting them in the yard.

 

Approaching the leader of the suited mobsters, Andreas calmly stated his need for entrance into the house.

"We have something in the house that belongs to our boss."

 

The guards' facial expressions hardened, and they raised their weapons, ready to defend their territory.

 

"I am Andreas Motta, the right-hand man of the DiMarco household," Andreas announced and in the respite that followed, the mobsters dropped to their knees, showing reverence and submission for the bigger household. 

 

Don Razor, who had been looking from the window rushed out, confusion and disbelief washed over Don Razor as he witnessed his men bowing before Andreas.

 

"What is wrong with you? Get up, you fools!" he shouted at his men.

 

When he looked at the trademark logo of the DiMarco empire adorning Andreas' attire and the cars, a chill ran down his spine.

 

Behind Don Razor, Layla stood, peeping above his shoulder. Standing unnoticed near the window of the living room was little Sonya who watched intently as well.

 

Caspian had the atmosphere he wanted and he stepped out of the car. He was in the boss attire, a flowing dark coat with golden embroideries of the household logo.

 

If Caspian would turn out to be anything, not a mafia boss, not the Baron of the DiMarco Empire, no one saw it coming, not even himself. 

 

Caspian's piercing gaze swept across the scene, his voice authoritative yet tinged with a touch of benevolence. He wasn't concerned about the professional ties, but the personal.

 "Don Razor,  I told you I'll be back for you. Now is the time."

 

As the adrenaline coursed through his veins, Don Razor hurried back to the house, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of the world seemed to be resting on him and he knew what it meant to have DiMarco Empire at his doorstep. 

 

With a swift motion, Don Razor tugged Sonya towards the window, his hand clasping a gun against her vulnerable head. 

 

At the sight of it, Caspian felt his heart throbbing against his ribs. This was what he came for and to an extent, he was expecting it. But that Don Razor could threaten his daughter, anger surged in him. 

 

"Stay still, or I kill her," he warned Caspian, his eyes gleaming with malicious intent.

 

Caspian knew that any sudden move might seal Sonya's fate. His brows furrowed with worry, he quickly motioned to his henchmen to hold their positions.

 

Swiftly and silently, they complied, their bodies rigid, fingers itching at the triggers of their weapons. Each second felt like an eternity as they waited for a chance to intervene.

 

Suddenly, a car roared into the backyard, breaking the tense stillness that permeated the air. Caspian's eyes widened, recognizing that Don Razor was making the run. 

 

He swiftly turned to his men, his voice steady but urgent. "Initiate the chase calmly to wherever he's going. I need to get my daughter back," he commanded, fully aware that their goal was to protect Sonya at all costs.

 

As Caspian turned to get into the van, Layla rushed to him, "Caspian," she called. 

 

He suddenly turned to face her. Now, the cars were on the move. "No, Layla. I'll go get my daughter and there is no place for you with the Baron of DiMarco Empire, ever!"

 

Caspian jumped into the van and followed, knowing quite well that Andreas was onto the chase.

 

The chase commenced, tyres screeching against the pavement as the car raced through the winding streets.

 

Don Razor gripped Sonya's trembling hand tightly and fear swirled in Sonya's eyes as she glanced back at the pursuing vehicles, her heartbeat echoing in her ears.

 

Finally, the car screeched to a halt outside Albert's Hall and Don Razor dragged Sonya towards the grand entrance.

 

As partners, he was allowed in and as he entered, he shouted, "Weapons, prepare for a fight."

 

Master Albert emerged from the opulent halls, his eyes wide with concern. "What is the meaning of this? Sonya is my granddaughter," he demanded, sensing the gravity of the situation.

 

Don Razor's voice was laced with venom as he replied, his grip on Sonya unyielding. "Your son-in-law, Caspian, is the Baron of the DiMarco's empire," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. 

 

"No, that's not possible," Albert said, shaking his head. "Caspian can't feed himself, let alone lead a household."

 

"I saw him. He's after me," Don Razor announced. 

 

Albert's face twisted with a mix of anger and betrayal, his mind racing to comprehend the web of deceit that had been spun around him.

 

Before Albert could react, cries of alarm came from his loyal guards. "Boss, the DiMarco Empire is at the gate!" they announced, their voices filled with urgency. 

 

Panic flickered in Albert's eyes. The realization that he had been manipulated settled upon him like a heavy chain. The fate of his family and empire now hung precariously in the balance.

 

In the ensuing chaos, with tensions reaching their breaking point, Caspian's men neared the gates of Albert's Hall, operating on the sole order – Retrieve the Baron's daughter!

 

Albert's men also were stunned. Don Razor don't give orders here, Albert only. And for Albert who had signed an agreement, he was confused as to what orders to give. He now realized that he had foolishly signed up as an outpost under his written-off son-in-law. 

 

"Let them in," Albert said firmly, his voice brimming with an air of confidence.

 

Don Razor's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you crazy? You want him in here?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with anxiety. He couldn't fathom why Albert would allow the man they both knew as a bigger force to enter their domain.

 

"Yes, let him in," Albert maintained, his face betraying no doubt or hesitation. With a flick of his hand, the iron gate guarding the mansion's entrance slowly creaked open.

 

Caspian stepped forward confidently, leading the selected few of the household. Behind him stood Andreas, Riqui, and Raquel, and six outpost leaders, each brandishing a handgun. A group of ten suited and armed men also followed in their wake.

 

Albert's eyes narrowed as he locked his gaze with Caspian. "You?" he sneered, his voice laced with a mix of anger and betrayal. "You fooled me."

 

Caspian's expression remained unfazed as he met Albert's gaze head-on. "Yes, it's all my doings," he replied calmly, his voice carrying an underlying intensity. He cast his eyes down to Sonya and then he slowly dropped to one knee.

 

"You deprived me of the chance to see my daughter grow," Caspian continued, his voice filled with suppressed emotion. "You committed a crime, and I served time for you. You promised a compensation and still, you dissolved the deal. Now, I'm back for vengeance."

 

Albert's face hardened as he absorbed Caspian's words. His initial shock turned into a reluctant admiration for the man standing before him.

 

"Let my daughter go, or I destroy you instantly," Caspian declared with conviction, his voice carrying a chilling threat.

 

Albert turned to Don Razor, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his eyes. He nodded subtly, conceding to Caspian's demands. "Let her go," he ordered.

 

Sonya's restrained form was released, and she hesitantly walked toward Caspian, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion and fear. Caspian held out his hand, his face now softening with a mix of relief and tenderness.

 

In Caspian's embrace, he checked Sonya out as he held her hand. He compared their eyes and facial features and could see the resemblance. 

 

His eyes went bleary at the thought that he failed as a father. He failed, and that's why he needed money to take care of her and had hoped for the compensation from Don Albert.

 

The thoughts were about to make him cry, a thing a Baron shouldn't do and thus, he hugged the little girl. 

 

When he stood, he lifted her and made her head read on his shoulder. There was a lot to do, a lot of catching up and there would be time for it. 

 

"I am a better man," Caspian proclaimed, his voice resonating with newfound determination. "I will respect the deal between us, father-in-law. Now, you work for me - you are an outpost head of DiMarco's empire. Await your orders and rebate."

 

With those commanding words, Caspian turned to leave. The team of loyal followers fell in line, following their leader back through the open gate and into their waiting vehicle.

 

Albert stood in silence, watching as the once-trusted alliance crumbled before his eyes. The weight of his past deeds pressed down upon him, mingling with a sense of foreboding for what the future held.

 

As the gate swung shut, severing the tenuous connection between past and present, Albert knew that his life had forever changed. In the face of Caspian's revenge-driven resurgence, he was left to reflect upon the consequences of his choices and the whirlwind of uncertainty that now lay before him, working as an outpost. 

 

"Find all allies that could help, even the local gangs downtown, thugs, hitmen, contractors, and all. Caspian must die!" Albert said.