Chapter 10 - the high council
"Federal agents! Drop your weapons!" a voice boomed over heavy loudspeakers outside the warehouse.
Panic erupted among Adrian’s mercenaries. Guns clattered to the concrete floor as tactical units smashed through the side entrances, surrounding the Cross family operatives within seconds.
Adrian dropped the folder, raising his hands slowly, his eyes wild with disbelief as he stared at Victor. "You... you called the Feds?"
"I didn't call the Feds, Adrian," Victor said smoothly, walking toward him as agents cuffed the rival boss. "I called the High Council of the Five Families. They brought the District Attorney with them."
Standing near the main entrance was the Chairman of the Mafia High Council, an elderly boss named Don Carmine, flanked by two federal prosecutors.
"Adrian Cross," Don Carmine announced, his deep voice carrying absolute authority. "By order of the High Council, your executive privileges are permanently revoked. Your territories are absorbed into the Moretti syndicate effective immediately."
Adrian was dragged away in handcuffs, screaming curses into the rain.
Victor turned to Don Carmine, extending his broad hand. "Thank you, Chairman."
"You handled this with honor, Victor," Carmine said, shaking his hand. "Your empire is secure. But where is the real Bloodline Charter?"
Victor reached into his vest pocket, pulling out the heavy gold signet ring he had reclaimed from Adrian’s desk hours earlier. "It was never in this warehouse, Chairman. It was in my safe at home all along."
This was the major payoff of Season 1: Adrian Cross was completely ruined, the rival coup was shattered, and Victor's absolute authority over New York was formally recognized by the High Council.
As Don Carmine left, Marco walked up to Victor, holding a sealed envelope recovered from Celeste's holding cell.
"Boss," Marco said quietly. "Celeste left this for you before the federal transport arrived."
Victor broke the seal. Inside was a small hospital wristband from St. Jude’s Hospital, dated seven years ago.
May you like
Written on the back in blue ink were four words that made Victor's blood run cold:
Maya has a brother.
