THE OBLIVION REVENGE

CHAPTER SIX: THE NEW FACE

“What a new face courage puts on everything,”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Antonio’s POV

“Our lawyer will process the documents and send them to you,” Lorenzo, one of the men representing the Esposito family said.

“You don’t have to send anything to me, send it to Aldo, our head lawyer,” I replied to him.

“Alright, thanks for stopping by Tonio,” Lorenzo said. This morherfucker loves getting on my nerves because tell me what the f**k Tonio means when it is Antonio.

“It’s Antonio,” I corrected in a firm voice, clenching my teeth as I hate it when people try to act too familiar. Of course our families have had dinners a few times together and done businesses together but that doesn’t make us friends. Plus Tonio sounds demeaning to me, I don’t do pet names. I don’t do pet names.

“My bad,” he said, putting his two hands up in surrender.

“I’ll take my leave now,” I said, and immediately I walked out of the room before he could respond.

Two of my bodyguards were waiting for me outside the door.

“Andiamocene!” (it means let go in Italian). I told them and they followed me immediately.

I was on my way to the club this morning to attend to some of our clients when my father called to remind me that we will be having a meeting with the Espositos this morning which I totally didn’t remember, I had no choice but to go to the meeting point since I was the one who fixed it.

We decided not to have the meeting in any of our companies. I got there only for my father to call and tell me to take over because he has another meeting to attend which is an obvious lie, he’s probably somewhere having fun while I handle the job as usual.

I kept the meeting brief because I hate getting involved with the Espositos. We ran into trouble because of them a few years back, yet my father, because of his selfish gain, still decides to do business with them again.

They had used one of our vessels coming from Africa to bring in drugs which we were not informed about, we would have found a way around it. But then they’re sneaky bastards who only care about money and themselves. The vessel was somehow discovered and since it belongs to us, we almost took the fall for it. It's a good thing we have connections with the higher ups.

The Espositos are into money exchange business or that’s what the public thinks but we in the mafia world know clearly that they are into money laundering but then everyone has their own dirty linen they keep.

“Emily called,” Leo, one of the men with me said as soon as we got to the car.

“What did she say?” I asked, not really paying attention to him.

“She said the clients are around and are waiting for you,” he said.

“They should wait, they are the one benefitting from us so there is no reason why they should be in a hurry.”

“Yes boss,” he responded.

“I have to stop by the port, I need to see what the ship contains this time, I don’t want to make a mistake like the last time.” I said.

“Okay boss,” they both said simultaneously.

The last vessel that came contained a whole different merchandise from what we were expecting and the mistake was only discovered after it got to the warehouse.

I step out of the car gazing out at the bustling port. The seaside sea air hits my face as I survey the rows of cargo ships. Leo stands close to me, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

“Which one is it, Leo?” I asked.

“The Bella Vita, Boss,” he replies, nodding toward a vessel docked at the terminal.

“I thought it was Dela Rose?” I asked.

“No boss, Dela Rose will be bringing the next merchandise from Europe,” he replied.

“Alright then,” I said, still thinking about what I asked.

I walk towards the ship, trying not to attract too much attention. As I approach the vessel, I notice some of my men are already there disguised as dockworkers trying to unload the vessel.

I can see Sal, one of my trusted men, supervising the whole process. One thing about my men is that they know what to do and when to do it.

“Sal, how’s it going?” I said, making him turn back and noticing my presence.

“Welcome boss, it’s going smoothly,” he responded.

“Are you sure they’re our goods? I don’t want another error, that's why I came myself,” I asked.

“Not at all boss, I made sure of it.”

“Okay, I’ll still check myself regardless,” I said and he nodded.

“So how much are we talking?” I asked.

“Twenty million worth of merchandise, Boss,” he replies, his voice low.

I nod, satisfied. It’s not a bad deal for us.

I board the vessel, inspecting it. Crates stacked high, filled with merchandise imported from Africa.

“Sal, did you check for any trackers or surveillance?” I asked not wanting another issue to arise. We don’t know who’s watching. We have a whole lot of rivals who want to bring us down. That's why I’m being extremely cautious.

“Yes boss, that was the first thing I looked out for when the vessel arrived,” he assured.

“Alright then, you know very well you’ll be dealt with if there’s any mistake.” I said in a low threatening voice.

“Yes boss, that’s why I made sure there is no form of threat.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“Leo, get the boys to move the merchandise to the warehouse.” I instruct, descending back onto the dock.

“Roger that boss,” he respond,

I turn to Sal. “Make sure everything's in order. I don't want any more surprises.”

“Consider it done, Boss,” he assures me.

I glance around, ensuring we're not being watched. The port's security is within our reach , but we need to be careful regardless.1

With a nod,I feel a sense of satisfaction. Another successful shipment, making our empire even more stronger and solid.

I return to the car, Leo opening the door.

“Let’s go to the club,” I say, settling in. “We've got clients to attend to

I heard my phone ring.

“Who’s calling?” I asked.

“Emily,” he responded.

“Pass the phone,” I ordered.

“Where are you? The clients have been waiting for long,” she whispered over the phone.

“I’m on my way, are they complaining?” I asked.

“They aren’t but we shouldn’t keep them waiting,” she said.

“Whatever, did the new waitress resume?” I asked,

“Yes, just this morning. Why do you ask? I thought you said it’s not your business.”

“Nothing, don’t I have the right to know what’s going on in the club again?”

“Whatever, just get here soon,” she said and ended the call.

Emily can be so unnecessarily dramatic sometimes probably because she knows I can’t do anything to her since she’s like my sister after all.

“So she has resumed.” I said to no one in particular.

“Did you say something boss?” Leo asked from the front seat.

“Not at all,” I replied, clearing my throat.

As we drive off towards the club, I feel a weird surge of excitement as I think of that night.

“I wonder if she’s a feisty type, things should get even more interesting from here.” I muttered to myself with a smirk on my face.

As we drive off towards the club, I feel a weird surge of excitement.