44.

Morelli, Rafael, and the rest of the Capos were seated in the usual meeting room. This time, the room was arranged differently. Morelli and Rafael sat separated from the rest on a raised platform. The air in the room was tense. It wasn't just going to be another meeting. The council of Capos was going to elect a new don today.

Rafael eyed Morelli from where he sat, a few meters apart. He was dressed in a black casual shirt and trousers with some pieces of silver jewelry.

“We will start the voting process now. Whoever gets the highest votes cast will be made the don.” the leader of the process announced and both men turned their attention to him. Morelli straightened up on his chair, his lips going tight against each other.

The process started and the ballot paper went around. Each man was to make a tick on their preferred candidate's name and return the paper to the box. After the box had gone round, the count started.

“Rafael, one vote.” The moderator raised the paper up, showing