888 He Was Truly Scared
“While we close off his escape routes, we still need all hands on deck. We don’t know what Richardo is capable of or how much power he has.” Eric told them as they stood around the table, planning strategies they could use to contain him.
It was barely an hour since Marcel was made a member of the commission and while tradition entails a more formal welcome be arranged for him, there was no time for parties. The fate of the world, no crime famines in this city were on their shoulders.
“Or people we can offer him….” He said with a snide expression, “As bait to our enemy. Let’s be honest here, we all know who Richardo wants.” He believed it was a wonderful idea from his perspective.
“And then what?” asked the Don of Di Angelo’s family.
Niklaus shrugged, “We come for him then. That way, we are sure Richardo is in position and we can finish him off.”
“And you think Richardo is stupid enough not to notice that it is a setup.” Eric was not in support of giving Marcel away like some offering to an altar. Except in this case, it was the altar of a maniac.
“Or we can consider which one of the plans is more stupid. Really? An alliance with the Luciano family? When has that ever been a good thing? And have you forgotten how Daniel still stabbed you in the back amid your treaty with him?” He pointed at Marcel.
Unfortunately, Marcel was done with keeping quiet as Niklaus continuously harassed him and called him out on it.
“You know, I do respect you Niklaus, but this has got to stop. If you have a problem with me or my family, say it out rather than beating around the bush. And as for my father Daniel, he has been punished for his crimes with his authority stripped, hence there would be no more worrying or backstabbing in the future. Now, if you want to be a part of this, yes or no would be sufficient enough.” He stared him down, the both of them face to face with each other.
.....
Although both were almost the same height, Niklaus was older and had cunning experience in his eyes while Marcel’s blood boiled with the eagerness of his youth.
“My people would keep an eye out for Richardo but count me out of this battle. We are fighting his battle, but Basil’s.” He hinted at Marcel who shut his eyes, letting out a breath.
“He is now a member of the commission and that means his fight is ours.” The leader of the Geneva family reminded him.
“That is Eric’s plan, not mine. When we are ready to avenge Basil the right way, call me.” Niklaus concluded, spun on his heels, and left.
“Niklaus…” Emerald called after him but he had already left.
He turned to Eric, “He’s family, I can’t make such an important decision without him. Sakuzi hates unrest in the organization.”
“I understand,” Eric said.
The leader of the Geneva family suggested, “Perhaps we should postpone the meeting. Niklaus is hot-tempered, but he’s a practical man and I believe we can convince him.”
“No!” Marcel barked, “We don’t have the time to spare. This is exactly what Richardo wants and it’s not surprising he hasn’t made a move yet having predicted the outcome of this meeting.”
However, Eric stopped him with a hand to his chest, saying, “The commission has a set of rules to follow and it’s the only thing holding us together.”
“And yet I’m not surprised Basil lost his life.” Marcel spat out and one could see the way his words affected them because everyone at the table flinched.
The air in the room felt heavy and hung with guilt and the men avoided each other’s gaze and confirmed Marcel’s words. If they had acted and not neglected the warnings they had received concerning Finn’s ambition, perhaps the Basil family would still be alive.
The leader of the Geneva family was the first to clear his throat saying, “While there are rules to observe, call me when you need my help.”
“My resources are at your disposal as well.” Offered Di Angelo’s family’s leader.
“I’ll speak to Niklaus. One of these days, our families have to resolve their differences.” was all Emerald said before he left. Well, all of them left, except for Eric.
Now the both of them were standing beside the table, Marcel leaving over it as he closed his eyes in thought.
“Should I be comforted by the crumbs they offer?”
Eric knew the question was directed at him even without Marcel looking at him.
“Surely, you didn’t expect it to be easy?” He chortled, “Niklaus has the temper of a bull and is overprotective of his family.”
“I have a temper too and protect my loved ones with the rage of a lion.” It was not an excuse for Niklaus’s behavior.
“I guess that’s the two things both of you have in common then. It’s left up to you two to resolve your differences especially if you want to be part of the commission. I would not have two bickering men in this court.” It was a warning as much as it was a bit of advice.
Marcel took up straight with a groan, running his hand through his hair. He had been sure of his plan, it was foolproof, and now he has to make adjustments. Adjustments that weren’t so infallible.
His phone rang at the same time Eric’s did and both men looked at each other in surprise before answering, filled with curiosity.
However, Marcel’s stomach soon dropped when he heard the news, and the blood drained from his face. He lowered his phone, glancing up at Eric who didn’t seem quite excited about his call as well.
“Richardo has Daniel,” Marcel revealed to him.
Eric breathed, “So I just did.
Marcel let out a shaky breath. He couldn’t tell if he was terrified of what Richardo could do to his father as revenge or the terror his father could wreck with Richardo together.
And for the first time, Marcel was truly scared.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om