THE BETRAYER'S GAME

The revelation

The tension hung in the air like a thick fog, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as Carlito's smirk returned. He paced in front of us, reveling in the chaos he had created.

"Do you know why I'm really here, Coolio?" he began, his tone dripping with condescension. "It's not just about Dominic or his daughter. No, it's much more personal than that."

I narrowed my eyes, trying to gauge his intentions. "What are you talking about?"

"You think you can just waltz into this life, snitch on the Mafia, and get away with it?" he taunted, his voice rising with venom. "Two years ago, you made a fool out of me when you sold out the Don. Now it's time for you to pay the price."

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. I had thought I'd left that life behind, but the past has a way of catching up with you. "I did what I had to do," I replied defiantly. "You think I was afraid? I was trying to protect my friends!"

Carlito's laughter was a cruel echo in the cavernous warehouse. "Protect them? You think they'll be safe once I'm done with you? You're delusional. My plan goes far beyond just a personal vendetta."

"What are you saying?" I asked, trying to buy time, hoping to keep him talking.

He stepped closer, a gleam of malicious excitement in his eyes. "I have a plan to let the Don out. You see, he's been sitting in that prison for far too long, and I have the means to set him free."

"What? You're insane!" Stefano barked, disbelief evident in his voice. "You think you can orchestrate a prison break? Do you have any idea what you're up against?"

Carlito's eyes narrowed, filled with the kind of confidence that only comes from a carefully crafted scheme. "Of course, I do. I've spent years building connections, gathering resources. It's all in place. The moment the Don walks free, this city will fall back into chaos—and you, Coolio, will be right at the center of it."

I swallowed hard, piecing together the implications of his words. "You're using me as bait," I said, the realization hitting me like a punch to the gut.

"Exactly!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air as if he were celebrating. "I lure you out, play your game, and when the time is right, I'll have the Don back at my side. And then we can settle our little score."

Zain shook his head, his expression darkening. "You're making a grave mistake, Carlito. You think you can just waltz in and take everything without consequence? You have no idea what you're dealing with."

"Oh, I know exactly what I'm dealing with," Carlito replied, his voice low and menacing. "And I have no intentions of backing down. You've played your cards, and now it's time for mine."

Just then, my phone buzzed against my leg, cutting through the tension like a knife. Carlito's eyes darted to it, a gleam of curiosity appearing on his face.

"Looks like you have a call," he said, a sly grin spreading across his features. Before I could react, he leaned down, snatching my phone off the ground. "Let's see who's so eager to talk to you."

As he pressed the answer button, I held my breath, dread pooling in my stomach. I couldn't let him hear Tory's voice.

"Hello?" he answered, and a moment later, the unmistakable sound of Tory's concerned voice filled the air.

"Coolio? Are you there? I'm worried! I heard something about a warehouse and—"

Carlito's expression shifted, a predator's smile spreading across his face as he interrupted her. "Ah, the lovely Tory. How delightful to hear your voice. You really should be more careful about who you associate with."