Shadowbreath: The New Avenger

Chapter 5

Note: Edit (02/01)

The SUV pulled to a smooth stop in front of Elite, a run down tailor shop in the heart of Brooklyn, at five till midnight. Alex fidgeted with her mask, ensuring that it wouldn't fall off in the middle of the inevitable fight. The suit fit surprisingly well, with the material neatly fitting every curve of her body while still being breathable and comfortable. The upper body was coated in vibranium, with intricate black tendrils stitched into the fabric. Alex's pants were solid black except for the thin metallic designs. Her only accessories were a pair of graphite grey combat boots with a thin bottom and her black mask. Angelo had stressed the importance of keeping her identity a secret during her briefing.

"Are you ready, mi figlia?" Joey asked from the seat to her left. Angelo sat in the passenger seat, and Marco and Luca in the far back row while she, her grandfather, and her father occupied the row of seats in the middle.

Alex swallowed thickly and nodded, not trusting her voice to sound confident and prepared as they wanted her to be. She would do anything for the Genovese family, and that included ending the lives of those who were considered a threat, but it wasn't something she was comfortable with. The family knew that, of course, and respected her feelings on the matter. At least, they did most of the time. When they didn't need her abilities.

After seeing both of her parents killed in front of her ten years ago, every time she cut off someone's life with a flick of her wrist it brought the nightmares rushing back full force. She had a nasty feeling that after tonight, sleep would elude her like the plague once again. However, despite her misgivings, if any of her new family gave the order, Alex couldn't hesitate.

Joseph's grin seemed to darken the heavy night air around them, "Excellent." He turned towards his son, Underboss, Captain, and Advisor. "Tonight we will take back the position that is rightfully ours. The Genovese Family will no longer be just another part of the Commission. Our very own Shadowbreath will ensure that the other families recognize our change to the hierarchy." Her grandfather's cruel laugh seemed to reverberate within the confines of the SUV, and Alex could feel the hairs on her covered arms stand straight up.

Amros opened the car door, first letting out Joseph, followed by the rest of the team. The men around her straightened their fancy black suits before making their way inside, forming a protective circle around Alex to shield her from wandering eyes.

The older gentleman behind the old red oak counter bowed in respect and reached underneath the ancient cash register to push a button. A click sounded towards the back of the small store, and a hidden door slid open. The tailor still had yet to notice Alex and escorted them towards the back room. They were met with a thick cloud of smoke. Alex could practically taste the tension buzzing between the walls. Joseph sauntered through the door with his family behind him, and greeted the four dangerous men already seated at the large poker table each with another man behind them protectively.

From what Marco had explained to her, each Boss was only allowed to bring their respective Underboss to the sparse Commission meetings; so to say that the other Families greeted Joseph with nothing short of pure contempt was an understatement. They were on their feet in an instant, reaching for the guns stuffed into the waistband of their pants. One man was so surprised that he dropped the thick cigar that had been resting between his teeth onto the green felt. "What is the meaning of this, Joseph?" He didn't even attempt to hide the bitterness lacing his rough voice.

Her grandfather simply smiled, opening his arms wide. "Brothers, put down your weapons. This does not have to end in a fight."

"What are you on about?" One of the Underboss' spat, tightening his hold on the gun. Alex's eyes narrowed, and she did a quick inventory of all of the weapons that were pointed at her family. Eight potential enemies, twelve weapons, not counting the Genovese family. Piece of cake.