Chapter 8: The Double Axe Mob

2023

In the dimly lit room of a hidden bar within the local tavern, the Double Axe Mob held their usual meeting. The only thing unusual was the reduced number of members.

"I lost six of my men that night because of those damned Scorpionos," D-Black growled, remembering with regret the night he sent his men against Richard Stone.

"No matter how many times I think of that night, some things just don't add up," Matteo said, sipping his tequila. "Bill is, by the way, the best driver ever." Do you really think he'd be reckless enough to fall in a ditch?"

"It's crazy, though, what are you implying?" That someone sabotaged the car?" Sebastian questioned.

"Think about it," Matteo pressed. "Why wasn't Salvatore in the car with them?"

"He wasn’t supposed to be," Carlos interjected. "We only wanted Richard Stone."

"Exactly," Matteo continued. "It gave him the perfect opportunity to sabotage the car."

"We can't be sure of that," Diego countered, puffing a cigarette. "But the whole situation is suspicious, not gonna lie."

"Yeah, we've all seen Bill handle police chases and even wild stunts. Nahh, falling in a ditch isn’t just him," Eduardo agreed.

"Exactly," Matteo said, leaning forward. "I bet Salvatore used his boss to set us up."

"I don't know... it doesn’t add up," Carlos said, shaking his head. "He was trying to help us."

"Don't you get it, Carl?" Matteo shouted. "He helped us to kill us!"

"You are right. I say we take our revenge," Eduardo chimed in. "It's been six months. It’s about time."

"Enough!" D-Black's voice cut through the noise, commanding their attention. "It’s not time until I say it’s time."

They all regained their composure. "Whether Salvatore messed with the car or not, the Scorpionos have always been bad news,” D-Black said, remembering what had happened years back.

"But our moves must be calculated," D-Black warned. "We can’t underestimate Salvatore so soon."

"More like we can't underestimate William Stone," Carlos said, making everyone turn to him.

"Who?" they chorused.

"Seriously? You guys need to catch up," Carlos said, feeling a sense of superiority. "William Stone is Richard Stone’s son."

"He had a son?" Sebastian asked incredulously.

"Yes, he did. Richard kept him a secret. Turns out, Salvatore wasn’t as smart as he thought."

Carlos continued, "Salvatore tried to eliminate Richard to become Don. He might’ve even had lawyers change the will or create a fake one, making him the successor. But Richard was smarter. "He left a will and a recorded video, proving his son William is the rightful heir."

"The Scorpionos honored Richard's wishes," Carlos explained, "and welcomed William as their new Don, while Salvatore remains their Consigliere, unaware that he betrayed their boss."

"Crazy," Pablo said. "So, do you have William’s picture?" he asked. "We need to know what he looks like. You know? Know who we are up against."

"There are no photos of him," Carlos replied. "All I know is that his name is William Stone, and he just graduated college." That’s all I could get."

"And where did you get this from?" Matteo asked skeptically.

“I have my source,” Carlos answered proudly.

“You're still talking to Salvatore Deluca, aren't you?” Matteo asked.

“What do they say again? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, right? And it was worth the information, wasn't it?”

"Good information, Carlos," D-Black said, nodding. "But for now, we focus on building our strength. When it’s time to act, I’ll say so."

"Yes, boss," they chorused.

“We'll be leaving for Cuba by tomorrow,” D-Black said, referring to Carlos, Eduardo, and himself. "Matteo, you're in charge. Take over the operations. The Double Axe Mob must remain strong."

"Yes, boss," Matteo replied.

"How long will you be gone, boss?" Pablo asked.

"As long as the treatment takes. I’ll be back soon. Do not do anything rash."

"Yes, boss," they echoed.

****** ******* ******* ****** ******* ****** *****

D-Black, accompanied by Carlos and Eduardo, stepped into the New Maria Medical Hospital. It was his last hope to treat the cancer that had disfigured him beyond recognition.

For a new hospital owned by a young man, Maria Medical Hospital exceeded D-Black’s expectations. It was filled with advanced technology, reflecting money and prestige.

A young nurse led them to the doctor’s office. "This is the Medical Director's office," she said in a tiny voice.

They entered a large office with a nameplate that read "Dr. Robins Tyla," where a very young-looking doctor sat.

"Welcome, please have a seat," Dr. Tyla greeted his new patient, who looked vaguely familiar.

"Thank you," they replied, sitting down.

"Amazing," D-Black muttered, drawing a curious glance from the doctor. "Aren’t you quite young to know this much about what you do?"

"I believe knowledge comes from determination, not age," the doctor replied.

"I see," D-Black said, nodding. "I requested personal treatment from you. Here’s the file I was given to fill out."

"Perfect," Dr. Tyla replied, collecting it. "Though I’ll need to confirm your diagnosis," he said. He pressed a button on his desk, summoning his secretary.

"Yes, sir?" Sandra answered promptly.

He instructed, "Please direct him to the scanning room." Sandra complied, leading D-Black to the scan room.

After a few hours, Dr. Tyla returned to the VIP area, where D-Black waited.

"Sir, your diagnosis is confirmed. You have a severe case of oropharyngeal cancer."

"I know," D-Black said.

"You tried radiation therapy, which caused the redness and swelling on your face," Dr. Tyla continued. "You're at the end stage of this disease, but not to worry—you came to the right place. You have the best chance of being healed here."

"I knew I made the right choice," D-Black said.

"Come early tomorrow with whatever you need to stay for a while. Your proper treatment starts then," Dr. Tyla instructed.

"That’s great," D-Black replied.

As they left the hospital, D-Black couldn’t shake the feeling that the young doctor resembled his late arch-enemy. He had learned yesterday that Richard Stone had a son, but the doctor’s name was different.

Meanwhile, William wondered why his new patient looked so familiar.