Mafia by Blood (wlw)

19 - Workout

"Hey there," Marley smiled as Mac entered the classroom before first period. Mac always wondered why Marley arrived so early and made a mental note to ask her about it later.

"Hi, Marley," Mac replied, taking her usual seat next to her friend. She leaned her elbows on the desk, resting her head in her palms, eager for this class to be over. Social studies was her least favorite subject, mainly because their teacher, Mr. Winchester, was a dull, conservative man stuck in the past.

"I have to tell you something," Mac whispered, leaning closer to Marley, who leaned towards her in excitement. She loved drama and gossip.

"Jackson tried to kiss me on earlier this week."

Marley's eyes widened, and she glanced around the classroom, her gaze landing on Christina, who sat obliviously with her cheer squad at the back of the room.

"Do you think he told her?" Marley asked, her voice low.

"I doubt it. If she knew, she would have snapped at me in front of everyone," Mac replied, also casting a glance at Christina.

Their conversation was abruptly cut off by the arrival of Mr. Winchester, who stormed into the classroom with more energy than usual. His was overly excited, as if he'd had one too many cups of coffee.

"Alright, students, today I have something important to discuss!" he announced, nearly bouncing on his toes with enthusiasm.

Mac stiffened, sensing something significant was coming.

"Lately, we've witnessed an increase in murders, thefts, and disappearances. Yet, the police seem to be doing less and less," he spoke quickly.

Mac's heart pounded. She knew exactly what he was talking about. It was what she had overheard at Olivia's meeting. The other students, for once, seemed genuinely interested in what he was talking about.

"The citizens of Forest Hills prefer to close their eyes, but the older generation knows that the biggest mafia families are striking again. They've been working in the shadows for so long that people think they're just folklore. The most important and successful secret criminal organization is the DeCavalcante family, symbolized by a wolf, the founder's favorite animal," he explained. Some students nodded, others looked skeptical. Mac's mind raced. Her fake last name, Grey, suddenly seemed significant. Could it be from the wolf's color?  She also felt her pulse rise by the fact that the man was indeed talking about her family.

"The DeCavalcante family isn't the only one. The Bonnano family is the second most influential criminal organization. Decades ago, they were responsible for over 60% of the murders here. Today, the numbers are unknown," he continued, pausing to let the information sink in. "They are real, and they are currently battling for control of the city. It's us, the civilians, who will suffer."

If that was true, Mac was relieved that she was closer with her mother's side, than her father's.

"What are your sources for this nonsense?" Christina asked, her voice cutting through the silence. Normally, Mr. Winchester insisted on raised hands, but today he didn't seem to care.

"Excellent question, Christina. You can start by googling both names. Also, if any of you caught the news this morning, a body was found floating in the Hudson River. It was Brad Litchen, one of the missing politicians. There are leads connecting his murder to one of these mafia families," Mr. Winchester said proudly. Mac discreetly pulled out her phone and texted Noelle, asking if she'd seen the news.

"Who knows, guys? Maybe you're hanging out with a member," he said, his eyes met Mac's for a brief moment, but that was enough for her to feel like he knew. All he needed was a simple DNA test of her... Mac was clearly overthinking, her mother had assured her that nobody knew about her.