Chapter 9

  

  Collins stumbled out of the bar, his head spinning from the two bottles of beer he had just downed. 

As the mafia kingpin, he was used to a life of luxury and power, but tonight was different, he was still on the low because of his recent encounter with police, 

 Tonight, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that his twin brother, Craig, had joined the dangerous mafia league,

The black market junction was the epicenter of all illegal activity in the city, and Collins knew that if his suspicions were true, his brother would be there,

 He needed to find out for sure. With determination fueling his steps, Collins made his way through the maze like streets, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

Arriving at the black market junction, Collins surveyed the area, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of familiarity. 

Dark figures moved stealthily in the shadows, their whispers blending seamlessly with the cacophony of the bustling market. Collins approached a seedy looking vendor, hoping to gather some information,

"Do have an Idea who run this area or who Is supplying or delivering packages here?" Collins asked, trying to maintain an air of authority despite his intoxicated state,

The vendor eyed him warily, but eventually nodded. "Yeah, there was a guy. Stocky build, dark hair, always wears a black leather jacket. Comes around every other night." he said, 

Collins felt a pang of unease at the description. It matched Craig perfectly. He pressed further, "Where can I find this man?"

The vendor leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "He's got a hideout in an old warehouse a few blocks down. But be careful, boss. That place is heavily guarded. Word has it that he's got something big going on there." the vendor explained, 

Collins thanked the vendor and slipped him a wad of cash before making his way to the warehouse. The closer he got, the more his heart pounded in his chest. The thought of his brother involved in such dangerous activities weighed heavily on him,

As Collins approached the rundown warehouse, he noticed two intimidating men standing guard outside. They eyed him suspiciously, their hands resting on the guns holstered at their sides. Collins took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

"I need to see the boss," Collins said, his voice firm,

The guards exchanged a glance before one of them spoke, his voice sounds with skepticism. "And who might you be?" he asked, 

Collins flashed them a crooked smile, hoping to disguise his apprehension. "I'm his brother. I have urgent business to discuss with him." Collins said, 

The guards hesitated for a moment, then one of them nodded and opened the door, allowing Collins to enter. The warehouse was a little bit dark,, its vast expanse filled with crates and equipment. Collins cautiously made his way through the labyrinth of stored goods, his heart pounding louder with each step.

Finally, he reached a small office tucked away in a corner. As he pushed open the door, his breath caught in his throat. There, behind the desk, sat a huge man, Andy. His face hardened upon seeing Collins, a mix of surprise and anger flickering in his eyes.

"What the hell are you doing here, Collins?" Andy growled, his voice dripping with venom.

Collins swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly. "I had to see for myself. I couldn't believe you could be behind my falling," Collins said, how could you do that to me, how could you trespassed my territory?“ Collins asked, 

Andy leaned back in his chair, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Believe it or not, Collins, that is how I am going to be operating, I'm tired of living in your shadow. I wanted to prove myself, and I can't continue waiting for you" Andy explained, 

Collins felt a surge of conflicting emotions, torn between his duty as the mafia kingpin and his love for his brother. "I can't condone what you're doing, Andy, but I also can't turn my back on family. Let's find a way out of this mess together," Collins said, 

Andy's eyes softened, a flicker of hope shining through. "Do you really mean that, Collins?" he asked, 

Collins nodded, his resolve firm. "Always, family In dark world. We're in this together now, whether we like it or not."

“Do you have any new captives or member In your organization?“ Collins asked, 

“Yeah, I have, but I sent him on errands and I don't think he's coming back In three days because he was on his second task” Andy explained, 

“Alright, I might come back later” Collins said, 

“I don't think, I will be around, I have to visit the farm and the cartel” Andy said, 

“I got It, you have made a good sales, but watch your back bro, and never go back to my territory again, I don't like people crossing my path” Collins said, 

“I'm preparing to buy the whole of black market junction” Andy said, “what about that?“ He asked, 

“Why should you do that?“ Collins asked, 

“I could see the place as a good selling points for my packages, so I need to buy the spot” Andy said, 

“That's not going to be easy for you bro” Collins said, 

“Can we declare war or highest bidder” Andy asked, 

“I don't have time for the two, go ahead, but I want you to know that I created the black market junction, I knows the technics, I can as well create another point of sales but In a different way” Collins said, 

“I know that you are very brave, ready to create and I'm ready to be buying creation” Andy said, 

“Don't let me get annoyed” Collins said, 

“I'm sorry, I'm done talking, I have many things to do at home, I need to go” Andy said, 

Meanwhile, Collins was stylishly waiting for his twin brother maybe he might come back, but when Andy was leaving, he too was preparing to leave, 

Collins walked through the hallway of his brothel, feeling the exhaustion of the day settle into his bones. 

The sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as he made his way to his office.

 It had been a long night dealing with clients and managing his expanding empire, and all he wanted was a few hours of rest before starting the cycle all over again.

As he entered his office, a small beep caught his attention. He walked towards his desk and saw a blinking light on his answering machine.

 Puzzled, he pressed the button, expecting to hear a routine message from one of his girls. Instead, a gravelly voice filled the room.

"Collins, you son of a bitch. Where's my money?" the voice hissed with venom.

Collins froze, recognizing the voice immediately. It belonged to Alfonso, the famous mafia lord who had a tight grip on the city. Sweat trickled down Collins' forehead as he listened to Alfonso's rant.

"I've been waiting for weeks, and still no sign of the money. You know what happens when you cross me, don't you, Collins? I'll make you regret the day you were born." Alfonso said,

His heart pounding, Collins knew he couldn't afford to ignore Alfonso's demands. Colliding with the mafia king would only spell disaster for him and his business. He needed to act quickly and find a solution that would appease Alfonso,

Without wasting another moment, Collins grabbed his car keys and dashed out of his office. 

He had a secret hideout on the outskirts of town, a place where he kept a stash of emergency funds. It was a risk to go there, but he had no other choice. As his car roared to life, he sped away into the night.

Meanwhile, Alfonso paced impatiently in Collins's brothel's lounge, his fury growing by the second.

 He was a man used to having his way, and Collins' defiance had irked him to his core. He tapped his fingers on the desk, his mind conjuring up images of what he would do to Collins once he finally got his hands on him.

Hours passed, and still, there was no sign of Collins. Impatience turned into rage as Alfonso's anger simmered beneath the surface. He knew he had to send a message to Collins, one that would make him understand the gravity of his mistake.

Summoning his most trusted henchmen, Alfonso barked orders. "Find Collins, and bring him to me. I don't care what it takes, but I want him here tonight."

The henchmen nodded, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. They knew what Alfonso was capable of, and they didn't dare disappoint him. 

With that, they dispersed into the night, leaving Alfonso alone in the brothel's lounge, still seething with anger.

Meanwhile, Collins arrived at his hideout, a secluded cabin nestled deep within the woods. It was a place he had kept secret from everyone, his own personal insurance against the dangerous world he inhabited.

Entering the cabin, Collins made his way to a hidden compartment beneath the floorboards. 

He pulled out a duffel bag filled with stacks of cash, sighing with relief. He had enough to pay Alfonso and hopefully appease his wrath.

But as Collins zipped up the bag, he couldn't help but feel a pang of trepidation. He knew that crossing Alfonso would have consequences, and paying him off was only a temporary solution. 

His mind raced with thoughts of loyalty, betrayal, and the darkness that lurked in the shadows of his life.

With a heavy heart, Collins returned to his car, bracing himself for the inevitable collision with the mafia king. The night was far from over, and the battle for his life had only just begun, 

Collins wasn't sure about what to do with Fredo. He knew the man was loyal, but he also knew that Fredo was always trying to get closer to him, trying to gain his favor. 

He had always suspected that Fredo wanted more than just a job, and now, seeing him around his secret cabin, he had to wonder if his suspicions were right.

"Alright, Fredo," Collins said, his voice low. "I'll let it go this time, but I don't want you getting too close to my secrets. You understand me?"

Fredo nodded, his face tense. "Of course, boss. I'm sorry. I just thought... well, you know how it is. Things have been getting tense lately, I wanted to make sure you were safe." Fredo said,

Collins narrowed his eyes, studying the other man, he wasn't sure if he was telling the truth, but he didn't have any evidence to the contrary. He decided to give Fredo the benefit of the doubt.

"I appreciate the concern," Collins said. "But I can take care of myself. I don't need you or anyone else watching my back."

Fredo looked down, but Collins could see the disappointment and hurt in his eyes, he felt a pang of guilt, despite his suspicions, he knew that Fredo had been a valuable member of his team for years, and he didn't want to jeopardize that.

"I'm sorry, Fredo," Collins said, his voice softer. "I didn't mean to sound unappreciative. It's just that... you know how it is. We can't afford to have any leaks or problems. We have to be careful." He said, 

Fredo nodded again, his expression more relaxed now. "I understand, boss. I won't let you down. You can count on me."

Collins nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now get back to your post. Keep an eye out for trouble, but stay out of my secrets. Is that clear?" Collins said, 

Fredo saluted, a slight smile on his lips. "Crystal clear, boss." Fredo said, 

Collins watched as Fredo disappeared into the shadows. He had a feeling that they weren't completely out of the woods yet, but he had to trust his instincts. He got back into his car and started to drive away, the engine rumbling beneath him.

As he drove, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He felt like he was being watched, like someone was following him. He checked his mirrors, but he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. He tried to focus on the road, but his mind kept drifting back to Fredo and his suspicions.

He decided to call one of his other trusted men, Gasper, he needed someone else to keep an eye on Fredo, just in case. He dialed the number, listening as it rang.

"Hey boss," Gasper said, answering on the third ring. "What's up?"

"I need you to do something for me, Gasper," Collins said, his voice urgent. "I need you to keep an eye on Fredo. He was around my secret cabin earlier, and I'm not sure I trust him." he said, 

Gasper was silent for a moment, considering. "You think he's a rat?" he said,

"I don't know," Collins admitted. "But I don't want to take any chances. I need you to follow him, see what he's up to, and report back to me. Can you handle it?" Collins asked, 

"You got it, boss," Gasper said, his voice hardening. "I won't let you down." he said, 

Collins felt a sense of relief all over him. He knew he could count on Gasper, and he trusted him implicitly, he continued to drive, his mind skipping with thoughts and plans. He knew that he couldn't let anyone get the upper hand on him, especially not Fredo.

He made a mental note to be more careful and vigilant. He knew that this was just the beginning, that there were always going to be people trying to bring him down. 

A while later after he ended up with the phone conversations, he sighted police check ahead of him,