Chapter 4 - The Commission's Arrival
The grand library on the first floor was lined with floor-to-ceiling mahogany bookshelves, rich leather armchairs, and a roaring marble fireplace.
Julian Marchetti stood near the fireplace, holding a crystal glass of bourbon. Thirty-eight years old, younger than Vincent, Julian possessed the same sharp jawline but lacked his older brother’s intimidating stature and calm discipline. He wore a tailored light grey suit, polished leather dress shoes, and an arrogant smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Beside him sat two elderly men in heavy wool coats—Don Carmine and Don Salvatore, the oldest surviving leaders of the Chicago syndicate commission.
The heavy double doors swung open, and Vincent entered the room. Dominic followed a step behind, his eyes fixed on Julian.
"Vincent," Julian said with a theatrical spread of his arms. "I came as soon as I heard the disturbing rumors. A bomb attached to your primary vehicle in broad daylight? On our own family grounds?"
"The rumors travel fast to New York," Vincent remarked, walking over to his desk without offering a handshake to his brother. He remained standing, looking down at the two seated elders. "Don Carmine. Don Salvatore. Welcome to my home."
"Vincent," Don Carmine rasped, leaning forward on his silver-topped cane. "Julian brought us shocking news. He claims your security detail has been compromised, and that you are allowing staff members to handle internal matters."
Vincent’s gaze cut directly to Julian. "My security detail handles threats swiftly. The device was dismantled ten minutes after it was discovered. The perpetrator made a mistake."
"A mistake?" Julian scoffed, taking a sip of his drink. "Vincent, you arrested Frank Caruso—our father’s most trusted man—based on the word of a housemaid’s three-year-old child! Is this how the Marchetti empire is run now? Listening to nursery tales while real threats wander through the gates?"
"Frank’s cuff link was found at the scene, Julian," Dominic interjected firmly.
Julian turned on Dominic with a cold glare. "And who found it? A toddler playing in the dirt during a rainstorm? Frank has served this family for fifteen years. He swears he was set up. In fact, he claims someone stole his spare suit accessories from his locker yesterday afternoon."
Vincent crossed his arms, his piercing blue eyes tracking his brother's every micro-expression. "You seem very eager to defend Frank, Julian. Especially for someone who was supposed to be in Manhattan until Friday night."
Julian’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second. "My meetings wrapped up early. I flew in late last night. I came straight to my private townhome downtown."
"Then why did your keycard access the lower motor pool here at midnight?" Vincent asked smoothly, his voice dropping into a dangerous register.
The room fell completely silent. Don Carmine and Don Salvatore exchanged a brief, sharp glance.
Julian’s jaw tightened. "I sent my driver to drop off my luggage and swap the sedan. I wasn't here personally."
"Your driver doesn't wear handcrafted Italian leather dress shoes," Vincent said softly. "Mia noted the exact footwear of the man standing by the car during the power flicker."
Julian let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "You're taking the word of a three-year-old girl over your own brother? In front of the Commission?"
"I take the word of anyone who speaks the truth, brother," Vincent replied coldly. "And right now, your story has more holes than the docks in winter."
Don Carmine knocked his heavy wooden cane against the floorboards. "Enough!" the old man barked. "Vincent, you are the head of this family. But Julian raises a serious point. If there is a traitor in this house, the Commission demands proof before blood is spilled. We will hold an official council meeting on Sunday night."
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"Sunday is fine," Vincent said, never taking his eyes off Julian. "By Sunday, I will have the whole truth. Every single piece of it."
Julian set his glass down on the mantelpiece with a heavy clatter. "I hope for your sake you do, brother. Because if you can't prove who put that device under your car, the Commission will vote to strip your leadership."
