bloodlines and betrayal

Family Ties

The safe house was a nondescript brick building tucked into the industrial outskirts of Chicago. It had been used by the Romano family for years, a place to lay low when the heat was on or to conduct private meetings away from prying eyes. Tonight, it was where Luca would find Carlo.

The drive was tense, the silence in the car broken only by the rhythmic thrum of the engine. Luca's thoughts spiraled as he considered the implications of what he had uncovered. Carlo, his cousin—his blood—was connected to the Mancinis in a way that couldn't be explained away. Bank deposits, whispered conversations, and now this: his deliberate dismissal of a clear threat.

When Luca arrived, two guards stationed at the door nodded in recognition and let him through without a word. The interior was barebones—a single room with mismatched furniture and a dim overhead light. Carlo sat at a card table, a bottle of bourbon and an empty glass in front of him. He looked up as Luca entered, his face calm but his eyes betraying a flicker of unease.

"Luca," Carlo said, leaning back in his chair. "Didn't expect to see you here tonight."

Luca closed the door behind him, his movements slow and deliberate. "We need to talk."

Carlo gestured to the chair opposite him. "Sit. Have a drink."

Luca ignored the offer, his gaze locked on his cousin. "Cut the act, Carlo. I know about the Mancinis. I know you've been in contact with them."

Carlo froze for a moment, then let out a short, bitter laugh. "That's a bold accusation, cousin. You've got proof?"

Luca stepped closer, placing a manila folder on the table. He flipped it open, revealing the evidence: bank statements showing suspicious deposits, surveillance photos of Carlo meeting with known Mancini associates, and a transcript of intercepted messages.

Carlo's smirk faded as he scanned the contents. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's not what you think," he said finally.

Luca's voice was cold. "Then explain it to me. Explain how my brother ended up riddled with bullets while you were cozying up to the people who ordered the hit."

Carlo's jaw tightened, and he looked away. "Marco was out of control, Luca. You know that. He was pushing too hard, making enemies left and right. The Mancinis weren't the only ones who wanted him gone."

"That doesn't justify betraying the family," Luca snapped.

"I didn't betray anyone!" Carlo shot back, his voice rising. "I made a deal to keep the peace. The Mancinis promised me there'd be no war if Marco was taken out of the picture."

"And you believed them?" Luca asked, incredulous.

Carlo's expression darkened. "I did what I thought was best for all of us. Marco would've gotten us all killed eventually."

Luca's hand hovered near his holster, his heart pounding. "You broke the code, Carlo. Loyalty above all. You sold out your own blood."

Carlo stood, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. "And what now, Luca? You gonna kill me? You think that'll fix everything?"

Luca pulled his gun, the weight of the decision crushing him. He hesitated for only a moment before pulling the trigger.

The sound echoed through the room, followed by a heavy silence. Carlo slumped to the floor, his lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling.

Luca stood there for a long moment, his chest heaving. He holstered his weapon and turned toward the door.

Family ties ran deep, but in the world of the Romanos, loyalty was everything. And Carlo had learned that lesson too late.