"It seems we have a problem," I snarled at the simpering fool shaking in front of me.
"I-i-i-t-t-t w-a-a-s-s—"
"Stop whimpering and speak, or this meeting will end only one way," I glowered.
Looking at my watch, I was already over this meeting. I had a strict schedule to adhere to, and this floundering idiot was putting me behind. I didn't like being late, and I especially didn't like it when it was because of traitors to our family.
"It… wasn't… what… you… think…," he finally managed to get out.
"Oh, is that the line we are going with? Well, then explain this to me," I started, shoving a photo under his nose. "Now, is my eyesight failing me, or is that not you meeting with Delgado?" His nod was imperceptible as his lip trembled, but it was there.
"Good, glad you're finally being honest, Marcus," I softened my tone some, wanting to lead him into a false sense of safety. "Now, is this your signature on a deposit that mysteriously never made it into our accounts?"
I tried to hold back my anger at the action, but rage was leaking out of me at his actions. Stealing from the family was the worst offense.
Again he barely nodded, and I wanted to smack him for having the gall to steal from us, but not the balls to admit it. He knew I had him at this point. Marcus was trapped, and there was no escape. Only my mercy would save him now. Walking around, I leaned back against the table and folded my arms as I prepared to hear his lame-ass excuse. Nothing would absolve him of his treachery.
"Please, fill us all in on how it's not what I think if the proof of your meeting with Delgado and your signature is, in fact, real. Hmm?"
"I was doing it to get an ‘in' with Delgado, you know, to spy for you. Yeah, I wanted to prove my worth and show how I could be a good asset… a double agent," he stammered out, pleading his case. Sweat gathered on his brow as he awaited his fate.
"Oh, little ant, tsk, tsk. You overplayed your hand just then. Because the only person who gets to make that decision is the boss. Are you the boss, ant?"
He shook his head faster this time, visibly shaking as I approached him.
"No, you're not the boss. I'm the fucking boss," I growled, spitting some in his face as I got down to his level.
Uprighting myself, I walked the perimeter of the room, building the tension of his fate, and clasped my hands behind my back as I thought of the best approach to deal with him. He had betrayed the family, and that was an automatic death sentence.
But... while I didn't condone his extra activities, he did have an in now with Delgado. Would it be worth it to take advantage of that angle, or would it be seen as weak by the rest of the family?
My father would execute, no question. He was ruthless, but I wanted to be calculating and not always respond with violence. This could either blow up in my face or be the spark I needed. Deciding to take a chance, I turned back to the worthless man now bent in a prayer position. The fool, God wasn't going to save him, only I could, and I was no saint.
"Listen close, piss ant. From this moment forth, you answer to me, and me alone. You no longer think for yourself, and you especially don't try to do something big. You will follow the strategy I provide, and you will do it without getting caught. If you get caught, I will deny any knowledge and let them kill you. This is your one chance to redeem yourself to the family and live. Do we have an understanding, ant?"
His head was vigorously bobbing now, no longer giving me the bare minimum.
"I need to hear you say it."
"Yes, I understand. No plan, you tell me," he sputtered out quickly. "Thank you, Mr. Mascro, thank you."
"Now, leave. I'll be in touch when I'm ready for you. Do nothing until then."
He scurried up off the floor and hurried out the door. It was then I noticed the pee stain on the front of his pants. This guy wasn't going to make it. I would need to include that into my approach, or I would be fucked before I even started, and that would not do. Besides, the only fucking I enjoyed was when I was in charge.
"Mas?" Sax hollered into the room, a question on his face.
"Hey, how was Immy's appointment?"
He drew further into the room, giving me a peculiar look. Sax didn't like it when I handled family business without him, but I'd wanted Immy to have him with her today since I couldn't be there. They were just as close, and I'd hoped it would bring her comfort at least.
"It went well, I think. She seemed different afterward. Some of her Immy spark was there. I spoke with the therapist after about what we talked about," he reported, his face tinting a little at the end. Hmm, interesting.
"Did she understand the importance of confidentiality? Does she know we're using fake names?" I asked, needing to hear it. However, my question caused him to chuckle.
"She was offended, actually. Her spitfire came out, and it was hot," he grinned, leaning back against the wall. Shaking my head, I looked at my friend.
"Oh, I'm guessing you said something highly inappropriate then?"