888 He Was Truly Scared
âWhile we close off his escape routes, we still need all hands on deck. We donât know what Richardo is capable of or how much power he has.â 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.
âOr people we can offer himâ¦.â He said with a snide expression, âAs bait to our enemy. Letâs be honest here, we all know who Richardo wants.â He believed it was a wonderful idea from his perspective.
âAnd then what?â asked the Don of Di Angeloâs family.
Niklaus shrugged, âWe come for him then. That way, we are sure Richardo is in position and we can finish him off.â
âAnd you think Richardo is stupid enough not to notice that it is a setup.â 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.
âOr 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?â He pointed at Marcel.
Unfortunately, Marcel was done with keeping quiet as Niklaus continuously harassed him and called him out on it.
âYou 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.â He stared him down, the both of them face to face with each other. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
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Although both were almost the same height, Niklaus was older and had cunning experience in his eyes while Marcelâs blood boiled with the eagerness of his youth.
âMy people would keep an eye out for Richardo but count me out of this battle. We are fighting his battle, but Basilâs.â He hinted at Marcel who shut his eyes, letting out a breath.
âHe is now a member of the commission and that means his fight is ours.â The leader of the Geneva family reminded him.
âThat is Ericâs plan, not mine. When we are ready to avenge Basil the right way, call me.â Niklaus concluded, spun on his heels, and left.
âNiklausâ¦â Emerald called after him but he had already left.
He turned to Eric, âHeâs family, I canât make such an important decision without him. Sakuzi hates unrest in the organization.â
âI understand,â Eric said.
The leader of the Geneva family suggested, âPerhaps we should postpone the meeting. Niklaus is hot-tempered, but heâs a practical man and I believe we can convince him.â
âNo!â Marcel barked, âWe donât have the time to spare. This is exactly what Richardo wants and itâs not surprising he hasnât made a move yet having predicted the outcome of this meeting.â
However, Eric stopped him with a hand to his chest, saying, âThe commission has a set of rules to follow and itâs the only thing holding us together.â
âAnd yet Iâm not surprised Basil lost his life.â 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 otherâs gaze and confirmed Marcelâs words. If they had acted and not neglected the warnings they had received concerning Finnâs ambition, perhaps the Basil family would still be alive.
The leader of the Geneva family was the first to clear his throat saying, âWhile there are rules to observe, call me when you need my help.â
âMy resources are at your disposal as well.â Offered Di Angeloâs familyâs leader.
âIâll speak to Niklaus. One of these days, our families have to resolve their differences.â 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.
âShould I be comforted by the crumbs they offer?â
Eric knew the question was directed at him even without Marcel looking at him.
âSurely, you didnât expect it to be easy?â He chortled, âNiklaus has the temper of a bull and is overprotective of his family.â
âI have a temper too and protect my loved ones with the rage of a lion.â It was not an excuse for Niklausâs behavior.
âI guess thatâs the two things both of you have in common then. Itâs 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.â 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 werenât so infallible.
His phone rang at the same time Ericâs did and both men looked at each other in surprise before answering, filled with curiosity.
However, Marcelâs stomach soon dropped when he heard the news, and the blood drained from his face. He lowered his phone, glancing up at Eric who didnât seem quite excited about his call as well.
âRichardo has Daniel,â Marcel revealed to him.
Eric breathed, âSo I just did.
Marcel let out a shaky breath. He couldnât 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.