Chapter 6

ADAM'S POV

Richard was one to get angry quickly. He always wanted to be the Mafia Boss after our father died. He loved power so much and was blinded by the little he was given.

'You'll be my second-in-command after Dad dies' He always tells me.

One day, when he was 19, Dad caught him making out with one of his mistresses at the back of our house. He was chained in the red room, tortured and kept for days without food. When I tried sneaking in food for him through the window, a guard caught me and reported me to my father. I was chained in the second room, with lesser punishment. But that still didn't change my hatred towards my father.

Richard had already resigned to his rate of being an orphan. He never considered the Mafia Boss as our father. On the third day, we were released. Richard swore an oath to protect me against my father.

'The doctor is here Boss,' I hear one of my men say.

I snapped into consciousness immediately. I look at Richard and see him nod slowly at me. The doctor can come in.

'Let him in,' I say authoritatively. 'Yes Boss,' he said with a firm voice and left immediately.

I look at Richard once again and I find his frail eyes closing slowly. I grind my teeth in anger and I knew I was the reason he was lying there; sick and helpless.

***

When Father became old, a replacement was needed to keep the Mafia strong and ensure its continuity. One thing about the Mafia is that once a Mafia Boss makes a choice and it's not accepted by the others, the people's choice will have to go head in head with the First Mafia Boss choice. This is almost always a physical combat. The winner becomes the new Mafia Boss.

Richard had worked all his life for that position and was so certain he would be the father's choice because he was the eldest son. Father, however, had other plans for him.

'After careful consideration and scrutinisation, I hereby appoint, Adam Silver Mitch, as my successor. He will lead the cartel with a strong spirit. He will lead the family with a fierce hand. Pledge your allegiance to your Boss!' Father's thunderous voice echoed across the gathering.

I turned just in time to see Richard watch me with hateful eyes. I tried to murmur words, but they won't come out. I watch him leave with eyes hardened with hatred.

I was tutored for a year by my father and his trusted men on how to be a strong and wise Boss. I was to assume the role after my father died, and was to be presented as a true Mafia Boss after my training. I lived in constant fear of the day because I knew Richard would attempt to fight me. I hadn't seen him in a year and I feared his return every moment.

Finally, my father died in his sleep. I was to be presented the next day. I cried for my late father and cried for what I knew Richard was coming to do. During the presentation, I said the ancient coded words known only by the Mafia while fidgeting with my hands.

Finally, I saw Richard. My face registered instant fear as I looked back at his cold eyes, and I knew exactly what would become of me.

'Congratulations, Brother.' He said with what I was sure was dripping with sarcasm.

'I am so sorry Richard. I didn't know that Father would make me his successor, I couldn't even-' I continued but was stopped short by his warm embrace.

'I'm sorry I wasn't there during your training. I understand. It wasn't your choice to make. It was our father. He tried to break us apart, but we couldn't. I swore by the Mafia to protect you, remember?' He said and his genuinity washed away my fears immediately.

'You're not angry, are you?' I asked to reassure myself.

'No, I am not. As long as you give me what I want. I will never hurt you. Just surrender your position to me.' He said, looking into my eyes.

'I can't do it without you fighting me. That's the rule. Besides, you can be my second in command' I said, mirroring his teary eyes.

'Fuck the rules. You can just say you want me to replace you, and everyone will listen to you. I had a lot of hopes for this day. Please, don't make me dream for nothing.

'I am so sorry Richard, but I cannot help you.' I said firmly and released his grip on my hands.

I turned to leave but he had other plans. He held a knife and attempted to stab me, but he stabbed himself instead because of the oath he made to the Mafia. In a rage, he tore through the growing crowd and walked out of the hall. He drove off with so much speed and rage that he bumped into a tree and his car went up in flames.

He was found hours later by kind people who took him to a hospital. Since that day, he had never been better. The accident affected his head and his brain by extension. He became a weak vegetable ever since and I pledged to protect him ever since.

A quiet tear slipped from my eyes as the flashback ended in my head. 'Will he be okay doctor?' I asked with my eyes facing the window. I can't allow them to see my tears. I'm strong. I am the Mafia Boss.

'Yes, he will be fine. I left some tablets on the table.

He should take them twice in a day.

'Tell me, how much longer does he have?' I said, trying to be factual.

'Not long enough, I'm afraid.' The doctor said before leaving quietly.

I turn, in time to see Richard attempting to talk to me. His eyes were white with fear and he kept mumbling ‘water’ and ‘poison’.

I hurried to his side and hit his cheeks. He was sliding into unconsciousness so fast.

‘Richard! Stay with me,’ I screamed as I watch his body turn cold.