Page 130 of Deception

“The Diamantes are not intimidated by threats.”

“No. These are more than threats. He showed us video of my nephew and niece!”

“Backstabbing, traitorous…” Ciro growls.

“Vito, stay calm. I am here to deal with?—”

“You’re here now, sure,” Alva snaps. “Where were you for weeks when things were heating up, when you could have de-escalated? Prevented this!”

“I know you’re scared, but the elders and I made that call, despite my misgivings.”

“There was an attempt on his life,” Adriano steps forward. “Not that it’s any of your business, outside of that circle. It was a decision to safeguard the head of our family.”

“And look where it got us!”

“What got us was neglecting to eliminate Domenico when he left the family. An oversight I plan to amend soon.” I plant both hands on the table.

The response is unexpected. Several eyes dart away from mine, looking to each other. To Vito.

Adriano inhales, resting a hand on my shoulder.

“How many?” His voice is cool, so soft that the people in the back have to strain to hear. But the room is instantly silent enough to hear a pin drop. “How. Many?”

His stony gaze scans the room, judgmental. Calculating.

Slowly, several hands rise up into the air.

“You've already sworn to him.” He nods.

It hits me harder, a gut punch. I’m not surprised that Adriano thought of this eventuality, though.

Pushing off the table I cross my arms.

“So. That’s how it is, huh?”

“Yes, it is.” A familiar voice slaps me across the face, filtered with a digital garble. “Vito?”

Vito grimaces, turning the computer screen on the table around to face me.

“Domenico.” My best friend. Now my greatest foe.

“Alessandro.”

“How long have you been planning this? Years?” Dom disappeared far too recently to have achieved what he did in a matter of days.

“It wasn't easy. Let me tell you. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Just like watching you take my place at the head of the family. I had to be so careful, building my empire right under your nose. But I suppose you always had your nose turned up so high that you couldn’t see anyone beneath you. Not really.”

“I always lookupto you, Dom.”

“Yet you let this happen. You let them throw me away like trash.”

“I followed the desires of the family. I expected you to do the same and be my second, my confidante.”

“I’m no side kick, little brother.”

“Not anymore.”

“Don’t act so high and mighty. Can you even imagine the shame and humiliation of working under the man who is supposed to back me up, my right hand and lieutenant for over a decade?!” His sneering face contorts on the screen, a stranger to me, this sinister creature that he’s become. “Only to have you say nothing! When that worthless old hack overlooked me, gave you the throne and you just tucked your tail, kissed his feet, and did what you were told. Like always.”

---