Chapter Four

The cold sound of shoes slapping against the tiled floor could be heard as Romano strode through the darkness that enveloped the De Luca's fort. Apparently, the day was still young, however the De Luca's had made it a tradition to keep all lights off for reasons best known to them. Nevertheless, it was also a way they used to tell if someone belonged to the family or if they are an intruder. If it so happens that the person eventually fails to navigate their way through the dark and narrow passageways in the fort, then they'd eliminate such a person right on sight.

Approaching the sitting room, Romano veered Into the Brother's Circle, a room which was meant for his older brother, Raphael, and himself only. Even though his path didn't lead there, he thought it is a good idea to share a moment of two with his brother. Their closeness had made it difficult for one to tell them apart agewise, but Romano made sure it didn't get to him, even though at some point in his life he had wished to be born first.

Besides, their closeness was more like a veil to the outsiders, their perspectives were a huge contrast. Romano always had issues with Raphael's approach to things. Most especially, concerning matters that had to do with the organization. Romano, on several occasions, had considered him too slow in taking decisions and also too compassionate for what he claims to be, which was to an extent true. However, Raphael was an equal if not greater than the devil when the need arises and Romano could attest to that.

Be that as it may, Romano was the kind who loved to make his point with a brute force, however Raphael was the kind who preferred the slow death approach.

“What do we have here?” Romano said, perching up next to Raphael on the golden couch as he turned his focus to the large flat-screen TV hanging on the room's wall. Furthermore, hanging on the wall were pictures of different people, many of which they considered a threat to their existence. The pictures were pinned to the wall with red ribbons connecting all images together in a zigzag way.

Even though Raphael wasn't the type to spend minutes in front of a TV, however, he was so invested in this very one. The news channel was on, and he eagerly awaited the latest updates like he was expecting something. The room was dimly lit, with only a soft glow emanating from the TV, casting a great ambiance.

On the screen, the news anchor appeared, her voice projecting a sense of concern. Raphael leaned forward, his gaze locked into the screen, absorbing every word. On the other hand, as though he knew what would appear next on the screen, Romano got on his feet and tried to leave the room. But, Raphael was quick to notice and then stopped him halfway.

“Where are you going to?” he asked, tilting his head to the side as he tried to get a look at Romano from behind.

Romano paused and let out a deep breath as he realized that Raphael had sensed something. Not to keep him waiting, Romano turned to face him, lifting his chin in an attempt to look confident.

“I had other things to attend to before coming here. I only came to say hello, brother.” he said, flashing a smile, so Raphael wouldn't suspect a thing. “I should finish up with what I was doing, that's what you've always said to me, brother.”

“Oh… that's true.” Raphael said, a hint of sarcasm rang in his voice. “You came to say hello brother, but you haven't done so. Moreover, aren't you curious as to what's about to be said? I bet you're so… here.” he added, patting the exact spot on which Romano sat earlier.

Romano hesitated for a second as he bit his button lip and let out a frustrating sigh. He knew too well that Raphael knew something, and he'd made a terrible mistake by trying to outsmart him when he could have just composed himself by sitting still. However, it was best not him give him further reasons to suspect him. So like he requested, Romano returned to the spot which he sat a while ago as they both returned their focus to the screen before them.

“An accident was recorded yester night on Maple Street,” the anchor stated, her tone reflecting the gravity of the situation. “And the victim identified to be Vincent Everett was confirmed dead in the early hours of today. Although, the paramedics were said to have arrived to the scene a few minutes after the accident, but their efforts weren't enough to save the young man.”

Simultaneously, the news was aired in all parts of the city as the segment changed to a video clip, showcasing paramedics tending to a brutally injured man on the concrete ground wrapped in his own blood.

In the meantime, Raphael narrowed his eyes as he called out the victim's name.

“Vincent Everett,” he said, a scoff escaping his throat. “Was that you, brother?”

He turned to face Romano as a flash of anger lighted his eyes. Meeting his gaze, Romano's skin crawled with sparks of electricity as he swallowed the sudden dryness in his throat.

“I will ask again, was that you?” Raphael repeated, this time, anger and nerves shook his voice.

Suddenly, Romano rose to his feet, he could barely feel his own hands while his gaze locked with that of Raphael's. However, now that he'd given himself some space, he'd found his voice and didn't hesitate to give a reply.

“If I hadn't done what needed to be done, after getting to me, who do you think he'll come after next?” Romano asked, arching a furrowed brow as he tried to make a point. “Of course! It will be you. You see, Vincent knows one too many things about us, so it's best to throw all that information somewhere the world wouldn't be able to get their hands on it–the grave.” he added, his last word silent but fierce.

“Now that this has happened, who do you think the media will suspect?” Raphael asked, a note of firmness in his voice. “Think brother, think! Why should it be that just some hours after recording a win against the De Luca's he's suddenly found dead? I shouldn't have to think or clean your mess for you every time.” he added, tugging the collar of his long overcoat as though he was going to leave the room.

“Are you scared of the media or our lives being ruined, which is it?” Romano asked, in a strained voice.

“We shouldn't have to give the media what they'll use to hunt us in the long run.” Raphael advised.

“Then what should I have done?” Romano asked, quelling the rage that rose from within. “Allow him to ruin our lives? Or perhaps, I should have allowed him to expose those secrets to the world. Is that it? Don't forget in a hurry that we've been bested by him once already, and he can do that again and again. However, had it been I hadn't done something about him then just as RogueDen fell in the courtroom yesterday, The Sinister Sect would follow in that order and by next week it would have fallen also.”

Now that he'd said the piece of his mind, Romano flashed a winning smile and as he turned to leave he turned back to face Raphael again like he forgot to say something of importance.

“Remember, RogueDen was only used as a facade. However, now that it's been taken down, where does that leave us?”

After listening to what Romano had to say, Raphael laughed low in his throat.

“Need I remind you that I have dealt with even more tougher opponents and I came out victorious?”

“If you're so sure of yourself, then tell me, why did you fail this time?” Romano asked, his voice suddenly hard as steel as he closed the gap between them and looked him straight in the eyes.

“Why do you think I was calm even after the judge had given his verdict?” Raphael asked, pointing Romano in a different direction. “Think brother, think! There was no way he could have won if I didn't allow it.”

Now the pieces were beginning to settle.

“Wait, what are you trying to say?” Romano asked, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. “You mean…”

“Yes I did.” Raphael said, flashing a winning smile across Romano's bewildered face. “It was all part of my scheme. I had it all under control, not until you came into the picture. Sometimes, you've to allow your enemies some win so when you strike, they wouldn't know what hit them.”

“When did you plan to strike?” Romano asked, feeling a bit let down by himself.

Yet again, this has proven that Raphael was a better man than he was and perhaps than he will ever be.

“I planned to give him an honorable death. One which wouldn't be suspected, not even for a moment.” Raphael said, having a mental picture of the death he planned.

“How do you mean?”

“The food which he bought was already poisoned by me.”