Chapter 16: The Mafia Community

Anonymous Point of View:

Inside a dark room, a group of people could be seen around a long table. They were whispering among themselves, and the leader kept using sign language to communicate.

A young boy dressed in a black cloak stood beside a closed window, his head was bowed, as though he was asleep.

There was a small fireplace beside the table, and the only audible sound in the room was the one coming from the burning woods.

Although the room was dark, by just perceiving the luxury scent and fragrance in the air, one would know that those present at the gathering were wealthy and influential.

“Have you all submitted your monthly quarter?” The voice of an elderly woman echoed in the room, and the whispering stopped.

“Yes, chair lady. I have the record of everyone's payment, and it has already been disbursed,” A young man, who I guessed was the secretary answered with a solemn voice.

“That's good! We can move forward with today's meeting then. Let's all protocols be observed,” the elderly woman, referred to as chair lady ordered with a hoarse voice, and the young boy standing beside the window, opened it, allowing light to seep in through the cracks.

The light was dim, and the faces of the people gathered together were blurry, but after staring at them for hours, one would notice that Mrs Marie Burrito and her husband were among the people seated around the table.

“I heard your eldest daughter is engaged to Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez,” the voice of a young man asked Marie. His voice was low, yet firm and commanding.

“Yes, Leader,” Marie answered and immediately stood up. “Riley is getting married this summer, but her fiance wants to keep the news a secret for now.”

The leader steeped his fingers together. “How real is this development? Their engagement I mean?” He asked after a brief moment of silence.

“I am certain. Riley would never lie to me. Also, she attended the same college as Alexander. I guess they both met there,” Marie replied with a gentle smile.

The other people seated around the table looked invested in the ongoing conversation, and some began to murmur.

“Why the murmuring? Why are you guys acting like babies?” The chair lady asked, feeling irritated by the noise.

Everyone looked like they wanted to talk, and they all raised their hands. But in the end, the chair lady only allowed one person.

“Let's hear you out, Miss Lillian,” the chair lady said, her eyes fixed on a slender lady.

Lillian stood up and bowed. “I apologize on behalf of everyone present. We didn't mean to irk you up, we are just wondering what this new development means for our company,” she paused, allowing her words to sink in. “As you all know, whenever each of us lands a major breakthrough, we share our profit with the community. Will the Burritos be doing the same?” She asked, looking at Marie with arched brows.

Marie was obviously offended by this question and wanted to reply, but the leader didn't permit her.

“There is no need for that, Marie. Also, Lillian's question is understandable. Ever since you and your family joined our community, we have transformed everything about your fortune. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting a reward for our hard work,” the leader said, his eyes lingering on each and everyone present.

“My family and I are entirely grateful to you, Mafia. And we plan on sharing all our spoils with you when the time comes. Just tell us what you want, then it's all yours,” Marie replied with a proud look.

Her husband, Kai Burrito, was quietly seated, nodding his head in support of whatever she said.

“Just your spoils?” Lillian scoffed. “That's too small, we want all you have!” She said, and some of the people seated nodded in agreement.

“But that's so absurd and-”

“There's no need for that,” the leader said, interrupting Marie's words. He looked deep in thought and placed a hand on his chin. The room turned quiet once again so that even the drop of a needle could be heard.

“Fine, I have decided. Our community demands that you initiate Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez. Make him one of us, and not only will this be to our advantage, but it will also benefit you and your family in the long run,” the leader ordered, leaving no room for argument, and everyone bowed in submission.

“I will start working on it, Leader,” Marie promised with a confident voice.

“Well, that's settled. For now, let's keep this between our clan. Let's not inform the others, most especially the bosses and big boss. If news gets out and in the end we are unable to fulfill our goal, then the result will be bad for us,” the chair lady informed the gathering, and they all nodded in understanding.

One after the other, the people seated quietly left. They murmured their slogan under their breath before leaving, but it was too faint.

When Marie and her husband, Kai, stood up to leave, Lillian quickly stood in front of her, stopping them.

“What is it again, Lillian? Haven't you humiliated me enough?” Marie asked with furrowed brows and dropped her small handbag on the table. Kai sighed softly and muttered some words to himself.

“Am I bothering you?” Lillian asked with raised brows, feigning ignorance.

Marie wanted to keep it cool at first but felt tired and frustrated with Lillian and her devices. “What do you want Lillian? Please make it quick, ‘cause I have a very important meeting to attend.”

Lillian scoffed and sat down in front of them. “You seemed to have forgotten our number one rule. Gosh! It's probably because of your family's drama. So do you want me to remind you or what?” She asked with a sweet pretentious voice.

“No, we don't need you to remind us! Also, we haven't forgotten it, it's strictly written in the manual handbook that we must listen to our members at all times,” Kai replied with a grimace. “We haven't violated this rule, instead you have. You are supposed to listen to your members, and we, your members are telling you to stop bothering us and get lost, yet you refuse.”

Lillian was offended by Kai's words, but she masked her feelings and put on a ruthless expression. “I wasn't talking to you, man. I was talking to the woman of this relationship!” She replied with a rude voice, shutting Kai up.

Marie's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing as she stared at Lillian. "What is it that you want, Lillian?" she asked, her voice low and even, but with a hint of warning.

Lillian smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "I want to remind you of the oath you swore when you joined our community. You promised to obey our rules and regulations, no matter what. And now, with your daughter's engagement to Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez, I think it's time for you to prove your loyalty."

Marie's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. "What are you insinuating, Lillian? Did I say I wasn't going to proof it?"

"I'm not insinuating anything, Marie. At least not yet," Lillian replied, her voice dripping with malice. "I'm simply reminding you of your duties. And if you fail to fulfill them, well... let's just say that you won't be the only one who suffers."

The air in the room seemed to grow colder, the tension between Marie and Lillian palpable. Kai shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between the two women.

"What do you want us to do, Lillian?" Marie asked finally, her voice tight with restraint.

Lillian's smile grew wider. "Oh, I think you know exactly what I want. I want you to make sure that Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez joins our community, no matter what it takes. And if you can't deliver... well, I'm sure you understand the consequences."

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft crackling of the fire. Marie's eyes locked onto Lillian's, a fierce determination burning within them.

"I'll do it," Marie said finally, her voice firm. "I'll make sure Alexander joins our community. Is that all?"

Lillian's smile grew even wider, her eyes glinting with triumph. "I knew I could count on you, Marie. After all, you have so much to lose. But that's not all. I will also appreciate it if you can arrange a dinner between Alexander, your daughter, and my family.”

Marie furrowed her brows. “And why would I do that? Also, what is the urgent matter you would like to discuss with him?” She asked suspiciously.

Lillian's smile widened. “I just want to get to know him. Think of all the wonderful things he can do to improve our companies! Marie, that man is on the list of the richest men in the country, don't be selfish, share him with all of us!”

“I don't think that's a good idea, Lillian. I don't even trust you. Since the moment I joined this community, you've made me your enemy,” Marie replied, her voice laced with caution.

Lillian's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, come now, Marie. Don't be like that. You are not my enemy. We're all family here, aren't we?" she said, her voice dripping with insincerity.

Marie's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. "I'll think about it, then" she finally said, with a firm voice.

Lillian's smile grew wider. "Excellent! I'll send you the details of the dinner party. And don't forget Marie, Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez is a very important person. We need to make a good impression."

As Marie and Kai left the room, Lillian's smile grew even wider. She had Marie right where she wanted her.

The young boy who had been standing by the window finally spoke up. "Mistress, what's going on? Why are we suddenly so interested in Alexander Hamilton-Rodriguez?"

Lillian's eyes flicked towards the boy, and she smiled. "That's need-to-know information, my dear. And you don't need to know."

The boy nodded, but his eyes lingered on Lillian's face. He knew that something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

As the boy turned to leave, Lillian's voice stopped him. "And one more thing. Make sure to keep an eye on Riley. I have a feeling that she's going to be very important to our plans."

The boy nodded, his eyes narrowing as he turned to leave. He had a feeling that he was in for a wild ride.