Page 21 of Monster in Disguise

"But what would chess say about the new capo?" He sputters in a last attempt to divert attention.

"Then tell me," I begin, crossing my arms in front of me, "why would a capo need any fighting skills when he has his soldiers? Better yet, wouldn't you say," I turn and address the rest of the men, "that a good capo should be smart enough to strategically weigh his moves... almost like on a chessboard."

Nicolo's face falls, and I can tell I've won the argument in the eyes of the other men as well.

We sit down in front of the chessboard, and after arranging the pieces, the game begins.

It doesn't take long for me to win. After I capture his Queen, it's only a matter of a couple of movements until his King is cornered. It's something I counted on when I thought about this encounter.

Nicolo might be smart and cunning, but he is the type of person who belittles any type of intellectual pursuits—including chess. I'd narrowed down on his weakness, and I'd just made sure he was the one to challenge me. I knew he'd expect some type of corporeal challenge, like sparring or shooting, both of which he excels at.

He's not much older than Valentino had been, his body fit and in shape. But he'd been overconfident. I'd just played on his hubris... and won.

"Checkmate."

Nicolo's nostrils flare at the pronouncement, and he's doing his best to keep his temper in check. I don't let my satisfaction show.

"Good game, uncle," I tell him, taking a step back to put some distance between us.

In an unprecedented gesture, Nicolo inclines his head and half-bows to me.

"Capo," he says through gritted teeth.

He knows he's lost, but at least he still has his dignity. For now, the plan is working. Although I'm not so naïve as to think this would stop Nicolo from further plotting to take over the famiglia.

One by one, the other members of the famiglia repeat the gesture, swearing fealty to me as the new Capo.

When the entire ceremony is done, I announce my next intentions. Knowing that Nicolo will just lay in wait, I need to quickly consolidate power. Being Capo is not enough.

"There are two things that I'd like to discuss, and which are on my agenda as the official Capo," I start. Francesco had gotten in touch with the staff, and more drinks had been served before my speech.

"Before Romina's death, the Lastra family enjoyed good relations with the Agostis. I intend to rectify that by marrying within the Agosti family. In fact, I will have a meeting with Enzo Agosti, the new Agosti Capo, in the following days."

There's a lot of cheering, and people seem in favor of this decision. I can see from the corner of my eye that some don't look too happy. The same ones that had looked suspicious during the dinner. Interesting...

"Aside from that, you must all be aware by now of some problems in New Jersey. Some of our shipments to New York have been stopped and seized at the NJ entry points."

Everyone nods. It's not news for them either—most of them being directly involved with the chain of supply.

"I'll be partnering up with Russian Bratva and the Agosti family to find whoever is responsible for this and make sure they pay for this offense. I want everyone on standby for future orders."

My speech is interrupted by a phone's beep sound. It's followed by more ringtones, including my own. Everyone in the room is now checking their phones.

"Yes," I answer at the same time as Nicolo picks up his phone.

"Irish attack in Newark," Vlad's grim tone greets me on the other line.

"And?"

"Stolen merchandise and casualties. Both our sides. It's a declaration."

I purse my lips.

"At least we know who's doing it now," I reply.

Vlad chuckles on the other line.

"They don't know what they've unleashed."

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