Page 20 of Monster in Disguise

He's right in one aspect: I don't really care for cowards. But usually, a coward is also a traitor by extension. The severed heads were just the appetizer; a small reminder that I too am a made man. After dinner, I must remind them thatthatis not all I am.

Nicolo switches his focus to the other people at his side, and our conversation is dropped. At least one thing's clear now. Heisafter power, and he thinks he is entitled to it.

The courses come and go, and the men become more relaxed. Maybe it's also because alcohol flows freely.

It's soon time to discuss business, and where better than in the basement? The men are reticent when they hear thedestination, but already ruddy from alcohol, they bring their cigars and we move the party to the basement.

They probably expect yet another bloody crime scene, but I already cleaned that up when I had some people dispose of the headless bodies.

The basement is split into a few chambers, the biggest one almost the size of the ballroom. I'd arranged for it to be decorated for a loyalty ceremony. We need to make this thing official.

There are two guards standing at the end of the room, where I promptly take my place. Francesco is already there, and he gives me a nod of approval.

"Gentlemen, shall we begin?" I ask as I take a seat in front of them. I give Francesco a look, and he takes the floor.

"Before we discuss anything of importance, every one of you will be required to swear loyalty to Marcello Lastra as your new capo. I'm sure you were already expecting this." He looks around at the myriad of faces. Some men scoff, others seem rather interested, while others emanate pure malice.

Nicolo is the one who steps forward and, as expected, states his challenge.

"How can we trust a kid," he sneers. "Especially one that left the famiglia behind. He may be the direct heir, but how can we trust that he won't bail again?"

There's a lot of hushed tones discussing; some in agreement, some raising questions.

"Are you saying you are better fit,uncle?" I look him straight in his eyes and he tips his head back in arrogance.

"Why not?"

I smile. It's not as if I was not expecting this.

"Then it seems we are at an impasse. Tell me,uncle, are you officially challenging me?"

His eyes widen as he understands where I am going with this. He cannot back down, however, since he's already made a claim.

"I believe you are."

"I am," he immediately adds. I smirk.

"Francesco, tell me the rules again?"

"The challenged can choose the type of challenge," Francesco adds so that everyone in the room can hear. There are hums of approval, some of them may be too eager. If they want a spectacle... well, they will have one.

I rise to my feet, casually walking towards Nicolo.

"So what? Fists, swords, pistols?" Nicolo looks at me and smirks.

"Chess." I enjoy the look on his face when he hears that. His smile slowly falls, and he frowns. The other men around are baffled as well.

"Chess? You're joking."

"It's my right as the challenged to choose the challenge. Does it have to be a type of combat, or violent?" I turn to Francesco and ask.

"No. It can be anything," he replies.

Everyone is quiet.

I motion to Francesco, and he brings over a chessboard, placing it on a table in the corner of the room.

With my hand, I motion Nicolo to follow. He looks like he wants to argue with my suggestion, but he must realize by now that he's fallen into my trap. And there's no return.

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