" The Boss .. " - A Shark Tale Story ( Mr Sykes x Don Lino )

Trust is Everything

Luca sat in his small, cramped office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork that seemed to multiply every day. His tentacles moved methodically, sorting through shipment reports, financial statements, and security updates. It was a monotonous task, but it kept his mind occupied, away from the tension brewing with Sykes and Don Lino.

But as he shifted a stack of old ledgers, something caught his eye—a small, worn-out journal with Don Lino's initials embossed on the cover. Luca paused, his heart skipping a beat. It wasn't like Lino to leave something so personal lying around.

He hesitated, glancing at the door to make sure no one was watching. It felt wrong, invading Lino's privacy like this. After all, they'd been through so much together. But the longer he stared at the journal, the more his curiosity gnawed at him.

What could be in here? 

Maybe it's nothing. 

Maybe it's something important.

With a deep breath, he picked it up, the weight of it feeling heavier than expected in his hands. He opened it slowly, the pages crackling under his fingers. The familiar scrawl of Don Lino filled the pages, neat and deliberate.

As he flipped through the entries, he stumbled upon one dated just a few months before Frankie's death. Luca's heart raced as he began to read.

 . . .

May 15th, 2024

Frankie and Lenny are growing up fast. I can't help but feel proud. Frankie's got a spark in him that could lead this empire someday. I need to make sure he understands the responsibility that comes with our family name. I have plans for him—plans that'll make him stronger than I ever was.

Lenny's got his own strengths, too. He's always been the clever one, the thinker. I worry sometimes that he might be overshadowed by Frankie, but I see potential in him as well. If I play my cards right, they both could have bright futures. I just need to make sure they're prepared for what's coming.

. . .

Luca's stomach twisted as he read Lino's hopes for his sons. It was a stark reminder of the loss that lingered in the air, the weight of what had been stolen from them. The journal continued with plans for their training, how Lino intended to guide them into the world of power and loyalty.

But then he turned to another page, and his breath hitched.

Luca swallowed hard, emotions swirling within him. 

Don Lino cared so deeply for his sons.

And now Frankie was gone, leaving Lenny to shoulder that weight alone.

He flipped to another entry, one dated shortly before Frankie's funeral:

. . .