Page 19 of Monster in Disguise

With a smirk, I gesture towards the north-facing wall where my gift to the famiglia is on display. The men's gazes all follow my gesture, absorbing the gruesome carnage depicted on the wall. Rows of decapitated human heads are nailed to the wood, forming a T-shaped junction at the center. It's a chilling sight, one that I've meticulously planned and executed. Despite its horror, a sense of satisfaction washes over me.

Six heads adorn the wall, representing six men who have betrayed our famiglia. They thought they were above the code of omerta, but they were wrong. Traitors deserve no mercy in our world. As I look around at faces of my fellow made men, I know they understand what that T symbolizes—betrayal.

It has been difficult obtaining evidence against these six men, but I have succeeded. When they refuse to give up any further names under torture, there's no choice left but to end their lives. Some may view it as a pity that they don't break under pressure, but not me.

Now my job becomes even more challenging as I work to root out any other traitors among us. But now there can be no doubt that I'm not playing games.

"Please, everyone, take a seat."

There are three rows of tables in the room, all of them carefully prepared in advance. They also have name tags. This isn't only a show of strength; it's also a study. By seating them strategically, I can observe the interactions between different members. It should be fun.

There is some shuffling as the men search for their names on the chairs, but shortly everyone is seated.

"In front of you, you will find evidence of the crimes committed by the traitors. This is my gift to you all. As the new capo, I can promise that there will be no rotten apples. In fact, the lucky six are only the first in a long list of people who have been exploiting the resources of the famiglia for their own gain."

"So where are the rest, then? You don't know who they are, do you?" A portly man laughs at the end of the table. I give him a sharp look, followed by a smile.

"Oh, I do... I really do." And as I say this, I let my gaze roam around the room, sparing a glance at every individual. "But I'm just waiting."

"For what?" My uncle barks.

"For them to trip."

People are already uneasy. It helps that the room is filled with hidden cameras. Body languagewillbe telling.

"But enough of the morbid talk," I continue. "Let us enjoy a peaceful dinner before talking business."

At my signal, select staff enter the ballroom with the first course and start serving the tables.

Small talk ensues. From my spot at the top of the table, I observe.

Some men keep glancing at the decapitated heads. Others try very hard not to. But then there are those that are completely unbothered by the bloody mess on the wall, and I know it's those I need to look out for.

Starting with my uncle Nicolo. Because of his position as Consigliere—a position that unfortunately he still holds—he is seated next to me.

"I must confess it was unexpected that you took the leadership," Nicolo starts. I tilt my head and, looking wholly unbothered, I answer.

"I would assume so, given that youexpectedthe role to go to you." I smile. He does the same. Both our mouths are straining to portray the opposite of what we're feeling.

"It was a natural assumption... with you leaving the famiglia. Do you really think they will accept you? You've shown yourself unreliable before. Maybe you didn't precisely betray the famiglia, but youleftit."

"And now I'm back."

He laughs.

"You think this little stunt of yours will get you anything? Sure, the cowards are going to recoil in fear, but is that what you want?"

"No... I want to do a clean-up. It's simple. In order for the famiglia to thrive, we need some rules."

"And you're the one to make them?"

"I'm here, aren't I?"

"Not for long."

Nicolo challenges me with his gaze, and I don't back down.

"Hmm... I wonder. Maybe we should keep this conversation for after dinner. I'm sure others will be interested in what I have to say..." I trail off, and I watch my uncle grimace.

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