Chapter Three

"The report from the club Tor has been complied, we found out their finance book has not been matching up and there has been a mismanagement of funds" Gregor, head of the finance department of the Moretti group reported, sweat trickling down his face despite sitting directly under and opposite the cool air conditioner. His massive tummy jiggled as he stood up from his seat to point out the chart on the screen.

Bruno Moretti, Chairman of the Moretti group and the most feared Don in Europe sat at the head chair in the long conference hall, his eyes emotionless as he listened to the reports from his subordinate.

His gloved hands went to his phone, and it lit up with a simple message that read "Duke" A wolfish grin appeared on his face and his eyes turned dark sending shivers into the hearts of everyone in the room.

Who was it this time?

Who incurred the devil's wrath?

They thought as they watched him remove his tie before unbuttoning the first two buttons of his dress shirt.

"Have Enzo deal with the TOR bar, I want everything fixed in a week, anything more you'll have yourself to blame" he cuts Gregor off,

"Now to the main reason why I called this meeting?" he said while looking from one person to another.

"Our shipment was double-crossed by the Romano scum, it's the third time this month" he explained, his voice calm and collected contradicting the deadly look in his eyes

"All three shipments weren't made public, it was discussed here in our board meetings, and I placed the orders myself under another name entirely so it could not be traced back to us and yet it got double-crossed so I need one of you, to explain how the Romano knew about the offloading date?" the room went deathly silent as the tension grew thick.

Nobody dared to talk, nobody dared justify themselves.

"We have a rat" someone muttered after a long stretched deafening silence earning a thumbs-up from Bruno

"So it seems. We have a rat, a big fat rat," he affirmed clasping his hands together on the table

"And you all know I hate rats, they are disgusting. It's even more nauseating when the said rat has the gut to step into this building after trying to kill me off" he stood up adjusting his black tuxedo jacket, as he walked around the dimly lit conference room, his steps echoing throughout the silent room sending waves of fear into the hearts of everyone present.

They all knew how much he detested rats. It was true, he has made enough examples out of people for them to just forget how much hate he has for traitors.

They all knew the fate that awaited whoever was caught giving out important information, not to talk about giving it out to the rival gang.

And Moretti's Side Thorn, The Romanos.

Even though they all knew, they still did it for a bit of extra cash and prestige here and there, that much was allowed at least, they could sell information out to mislead other gangs that had them on a raider but, they could never sell out the business.

Whoever did was in deep shit.

"I'm curious, what could have led you to give out that information? Was it money? Everyone in this room gets paid more money than the high-ranking government officials, your family was threatened? There's enough security around all your family members both home and abroad, sponsored by the Moretti group, so tell me, why? " he asked, leaning on a pale-looking Austin's shoulder, his lip pulled up in a sinister smile as Austin trembled in fear, almost wetting his pants.

He enjoyed the feeling that comes with knowing how terrified people are of him.

He lifted his head and stared down the tall burly man sitting across from Austin, his jaw twitching and his eyes unfocused as he looked everywhere except at Bruno.

"Duke, what do you suppose we do to the rats in our midst? I don't like rat meat. I would have suggested a roast, but could you give me a better idea?" Bruno asked all edginess and anger in his voice disappearing as he flashed a cheeky smile at the man sitting opposite Austin.

Everyone knew from experience that a calm Bruno is the most difficult to deal with. With his unpredictable nature, he could order everyone in the room to be punished until the real culprit is found. Caught in the spotlight, Duke clenched his fist and cursed under his breath,

'Fucking scums, couldn't complete their fucking jobs!'

'He was fucking drunk and alone and they still couldn't take him out, fucking useless Romano Pricks!' he continued cussing in his mind as all eyes focused on him.

"You have all the say, boss, you are free to do as you wish to the rat" he gritted out, knowing fully well he was digging his own grave.

"Yes, of course, I know that! But I also need your advice, isn't that what you all are for? Advising me when I can't make the right decision. I might overreact, after all, I almost lost my life, "

Duke trembled as his failed attempt was brought to his remembrance once again.

"So tell me, do you think feeding the rat to Tren would be better than having Mateo handle him, Mateo has been a little bored lately and handing the rat over to him would make his day, what do you think?" he asked as he crossed to the other side of the table where Duke was seated.

As Bruno got closer to him, Duke jumped up from his seat, with a gun pointed at Bruno. His hands trembled in fear and cold sweat ran down his back, several guns were pulled out and pointed at him, making him curse louder.

"I failed to take you out once doesn't mean I'll fail the second time" he threatened as he pulled the trigger on the gun.

"tsk-tsk, oh dear Duke, what have you done?"