02| Power

"Learn to keep people dependent on you." - 48 Laws of Power.

- Dallas Demitri Ortega -

The night was extremely cold, I could not bare the chill that seemed to seep into my bones. It was one of those nights when the wind howled and the rain beat down on the hood of my car. The sky was dark with only a few stars visible and the city was bustling with activity, oblivious to the cold night.

I sat in my car, staring at Marion, the rival casino across the street. I sat there, trying to figure out what to do next.

This was not just any ordinary casino, it was a symbol of betrayal, a sign that someone in my crew had gone behind my back to start a business without my knowledge.

I watched as people walked in and out of the establishment, laughing and going about their business.

The coldness of the night was a reflection of the anger and frustration I felt inside. I was used to having the upper hand, but now I felt like I was losing it. I had always trusted my crew, but now I was questioning everyone's loyalty. This was a clear act of betrayal, and I was determined to get to the bottom of it.

As I sat in my car, I felt the frustration boiling inside of me. I had always been in control of my business, making sure that everything was running smoothly and that all of my employees were loyal to me. Now, it seemed like that control was slipping through my fingers.

I could not help but think about how this all started. How did one of my own become so bold and daring enough to go against me and start a casino in the heart of my territory?

The thought of it made me boil with anger which only added fuel to the determination of finding out who exactly was responsible for this.

I rubbed my hands together in an attempt to warm them up, but the coldness seemed to have seeped into my soul. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down, but the anger was still there, like a fire burning inside of me.

"Boss, the guys are in." I looked up to see one of my most trusted members, Chico, standing at my car window. I could see the fear in his eyes as he approached me, aware of the current situation.

"What is the plan boss?" He asked with a slight tremble in his voice.

"Have the guys keep an eye on the casino. I want to know everything that goes on in there and how it's been operated." I replied, my tone filled with anger and irritation.

"And if Marion men try anything funny?" Chico asked, knowing the potential danger the situation held.

"If they try anything funny, make sure they regret it," I replied, my voice cold and calculating.

I had built my empire from the ground up and I would not let anyone undermine me.

"Got it, boss." Chico nodded in acknowledgment before turning to leave.

I sat back in my car, the cold night air seeping in through the open window. I had always been loyal to my crew and I expected nothing less in return.

I was well known as the infamous capo of the Scorpioni crime family, feared and respected by all who knew me. The city of Clyde trembled at the mere mention of my name, and my power and influence extended far beyond the reaches of my own organization.

I was feared and respected, but I was also shrouded in mystery.

Therefore, I could not let this situation go unchecked. I had to show my crew and the rest of the city who was in charge.

The casino was a clear message to me, a challenge to my authority. I couldn't let this one go, so I was going to make them pay for their betrayal.

The prospect of vengeance and retaliation excited me.

The night was long and cold, but I was patient. I would wait for the right moment to strike and when the time comes I would show them all who was in charge of the city.

After this, no one will ever dare to cross me again.

That was a promise.