The Prototype

17. Play Along or Choose Death

MARCELLUS POV

Today was the start of the weekend, usually, all major business meetings have been done for the week and on Friday everyone is wrapping up any business deals that's been made, collecting money, or depositing money.

I spent my morning, evening, and afternoon, making my rounds to my businesses, doing proper check-in and collecting. Also, making sure everything was running smoothly. A lot of traveling I had to do today as I do have businesses scattered throughout Italy.

I was back in Rome and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Beautiful enough that so many were out in the streets of Rome today enjoying the weather here. I and a few of my made men that stays in Italy went out for drinks at the bar that I own to celebrate all of the deals I closed in on for the week and the successes of our new businesses.

A few hours passed, we went our separate ways and I was headed back to my penthouse. My phone begin to vibrate against my leg inside of my suit pants, realizing that it was my business phone, I grabbed it out of my pocket looking at the Caller ID seeing that it was Vincenzo.

I know why he all of a sudden wants to get close with me, so since he wants to continue to play like we've been just the closest of friends then I'll continue to play along.

But we both know it's always keeps your friends close and your enemies closer.

I answered the phone and allowed it to connect to my airpods. "Hello," I answered. "Marcellus, Hey. Are you busy?" He asked.

"No, I am just headed to my penthouse" I informed him. "Another long day already?" He asked followed by a laugh.

I slightly chuckled joining in "Yeah you know how Fridays can be." I mentioned and waiting to know what the call was about.

"Yeah of course. But I was meaning to call you when I found out that you were in Sicily but I figured after you left, you were busy. I need your help with something, possibly, and don't worry, it's not Mafia-related." He informed.

I got comfortable in the back seat of my black BMW as my driver continue the route to my penthouse in Rome. "Okay, how can I help you?" I asked. "I don't know if you heard or not but I have tapped into the restaurant business here in Sicily" He explained.

"Congratulations," I spoke. "Thanks, Marcellus, I put a lot of hard work into getting it so I'm proud to have it. Once it is fully ready, I'll invite you and Tempest to come and enjoy the finest of Italian food, on the house." He expressed.

I let out a chuckle "What an honor that'll be. I'm sure we would enjoy it." I expressed trying not to be sarcastic about it but I'll never have that woman anywhere with me if it's not the estate. Hell I barely want her at the estate as it is.

"Certainly. Speaking of Tempest, she mentioned that she was an accountant, that's how you two met actually and she became your accountant. I was calling to ask if maybe she has a spot open or maybe have some other accountant friends that she could direct me to that could be my personal accountant for the restaurant." He explained making my eyebrows furrowed as the face I made was in reaction of the audacity, the unmitigated gall he had to ask me of some shit like this.

I cleared my throat trying to remained settled. "You are correct. That she is and that is how we met. She's still technically my accountant so unfortunately, although I know I can and I do trust you, I won't be comfortable with us having the same accountant. You know how I am. It's still business at the end of the day. I don't want there to be any compromise on your end or mine and Tempest is also my girlfriend so that's not something I can or will allow, as I'm sure you understand that--