Blood Ties And Forbidden Love

Chapter 7: In The Lion's Den

Don Garcia sat in a dimly lit room, puffing on his cigar, surrounded by his trusted lieutenants. The swirling smoke added an air of mystery as Luca, Victor, and Jonathan gathered for a crucial meeting to discuss Preston's progress.

"So, tell me, how's the kid lookin'?" The Don inquired, his voice oozing with authority and intrigue.

Victor grunted, interlocking his hands tightly. "Personally, Don, I reckon the kid's up to no good," he grumbled, taking a long drag from his cigar. "I dug deep into his background. Turns out his old man was part of Salvatore's crime family."

Jonathan rubbed his weary face, his eyes filled with suspicion. "I say we whack him, Don. Better safe than sorry."

"No," Luca interjected, rising from his seat with conviction. "That kid's got potential. He's got heart. And so what if his old man was tangled up with Salvatore's crew?"

Jonathan sneered, his lips curling into a contemptuous grin. "Means he's a rat, Luca. Can't trust 'em."

Luca's face hardened, his eyes gleaming with defiance. With a swift motion, he stood up, towering over Jonathan. "Really? 'Cause that's exactly how we found you, my friend. You were cosying' up to Salvatore's wife, dipping' your fingers into her forbidden treasure trove. And look where that got you, right here, in our family."

Don Garcia pondered the situation, his mind calculating the risks and rewards. "Alright," he finally spoke, his voice laced with authority. "The kid lives, but only if he can handle one crucial job."

Curiosity sparked in Jonathan's eyes as he leaned forward. "What job are we talking' about, Don?"

"Emilio Corso," Don Garcia declared, his tone dripping with disdain. "That slimy bastard got himself caught by the cops. It's only a matter of time before he starts singing like a canary."

Victor's face twisted in fury, his fists clenching tightly. "That snake has been on the run ever since he took out Vargo."

Don Garcia's gaze turned distant, a mix of sorrow and anger clouding his eyes. "Vargo," he uttered, his voice laced with melancholy. "That's why this must be done. We owe it to him."

Luca, ever the composed one, crossed his arms and stepped forward. "Don, I'll take charge of the kid. I'll be his point of contact, guide him through this."

A genuine smile curved Don Garcia's lips. "Good. Now, the rest of you, get the hell outta here," he commanded, his tone brooking no opposition. Victor and Jonathan filed out of the room, leaving Don Garcia alone with Luca.

"Alright, spill it," Garcia demanded, his cigar smouldering between his fingers. "You've never hesitated to take someone out before. What's different this time?"

Luca shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Don, the kid has been staying with me. You know, me and my wife, we always wanted a child of our own."

Garcia's eyes narrowed, smoke billowing from his mouth as he chuckled. "He's like the son you never had, huh? You sure about this?"

Luca met Garcia's gaze, determination shining in his eyes. "Just like River. She was your wife's daughter from a previous marriage, and you took her in as your own."

Garcia's weathered face softened, a hint of sorrow flickering in his eyes. His fingers traced the worn wedding ring adorning his hand. "River... she's all I have left of my wife."

Luca stood up, his voice unwavering. "Don, Preston is loyal. He upholds his own code of honor. That means something in this life."

Garcia took a deep drag from his cigar, contemplating Luca's words. After a moment, he nodded, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Alright, go fetch the kid. Let's get a plan in motion."