Chapter 6

DERRICK'S POV

"How's your end of the business?" I asked my sister; Irene "What are the updates?"

We were both seated in my office. She sat in front of my desk. She looked focused as she looked for answers to my questions. She typed away on her MacBook as she gave me the documented details she had.

"I ran updates on the trap houses here in the city" She responded.

"And? Did you go there yourself or did you make use of the spies?"

"I went there myself. The spies are working but with what's happened with Bones, I don't want to risk it. We can't trust anyone anymore"

I nodded in understanding. She's right. The incident with Bones made me double check all my underground businesses.

I thought the few men who were close to me could be trusted. Turns out you can't trust people after all. We have to be more careful. We can't afford this kind of incident again. It's only a matter of time before people start to put two and two together.

"How are the houses in Mexico?" I asked her.

"They're fine, brother. We're expecting four tons of opium from India next week"

"Have the delivery details been confirmed? You know I hate being disappointed"

"Yes. I hired someone trustworthy who's checking the progress. It's set to be delivered with a private jet on Friday"

I nodded in approval "Good. What else?"

"I'm trying to set up an agreement with the Red Kings"

I raised my eyebrow in confusion.

My family and the Red Kings haven't been in good terms for over half a decade. I have no intention of making peace with them.

"Why?" I asked her.

"We need them. They're the heads of hidden imports and exports in Italy. They have an affiliation with the government. I know we're doing a good job of being discreet but with their protection in Italy, no one will ever have a reason to suspect us. All we need to do is do a few business transactions with them."

"How do you plan to achieve this truce?"

"I reached out and I've set up a meeting. For them to respond, it means they're interested as well. We can benefit from each other. They need us and we need them"

I'm impressed. I can't even try to hide it.

I went to Berlin for a few business meetings. I was a bit sceptical about leaving with Santi and Ace. I wasn't sure if Irene could handle things around here but I'm please with all the reports she's giving.

I never thought of forming an alliance with the Red Kings but now that she mentioned it, it's actually a great idea. Shee seems to have managed everything well on her own.

"Well done" I said "You did a good job while I was away"

Her face beamed with happiness.

She looked like a kid at the candy store. It's probably because I don't give out compliments too often.

This time, she actually deserves it. She managed to handle everything and she did good.

"Thank you" she grinned widely.

"Carry on"

"On Saturday, I had a meeting with the Godfathers. They summoned me since you weren't around"

The Godfathers are the highest rankings of mafia leaders. Anything that's happened in the business, they've seen it all and more. In a particular district, they're like a Council of elders. They have a right to have a say in the transactions going on in their area. The meeting Bella is talking about is a meeting I would have loved to attend myself. However, I'm glad I didn't because I would have been asked questions I wouldn't have been able to answer. They're getting impatient by the day. I'm aware of it

"And?" I urged her

"It went kind of well..." she hesitated.

"Kind of?"

"You know what I mean. They asked about the heir. The position of the Don has been left empty for too long. They need you to step up"

My father was the Mafia Don in our region before he died. Ever since his demise, the position has been empty.

Why haven't I filled it in? There's just one reason. Because the next leader needs to be married in order to ensure a line of succession. The role of the leader is supposed to go to me but I have no interest in ever been with a woman let alone marrying her. I have no interest in children either. I just want to live my life alone with no disturbances or distractions.

For this reason, the Don position has been left empty for four years with no one to lead and the Godfathers don't like to be kept waiting. It's a miracle I've managed to stall them for this long.

"They are getting more forceful" I muttered "I've been summoned twice this week already"

"They have every right to be, brother. Derrick, there's no Don. Without a Don, things can't go smoothly. The underdogs need a leader. The people at the table need protection"

What do I do?

"What else did they say?"

"They said that if you're not ready in the next three months, they'll appoint Henry as the next Don"

I tightened my fist in anger.

Henry is my step brother - my dad's bastard.

My father had a mistress for years. When she died, he brought back her son, Henry, to our home. My mom didn't say a word. She took him in with no questions asked. She practically welcomed him with open arms. She raised him as her own son. Of course, she had no choice. Anyone who questions or disobey a Don will be held liable to punishment. It doesn't matter if it's his wife. Henry is older than me by three years but he isn't eligible for succession because he's an illegitimate child. Now, his existence threatens my title. I'd rather die than let Henry have that have that position. It's my fucking birthright.

The Godfathers insult me by even suggesting this.

"What are you going to do?" Irene asked me.

I thought I could evade this for a while.

Without a wife, I can't get my title.

I sighed "I don't know"

I hate saying those words. I'm Derrick fucking Stonewood. I know everything.

I always know what to do

This time around... I'm not so sure.