arm. Tall windows stretched from floor to ceiling, casting warm light onto the carefully manicured lawn o

oot of the mansion walked down the

a white shirt with a black two-piece suit and black shades. He had on radio

ed as I entered the mansion. It was already dinner time, so I dragged

intly of cigar smoke and aged wine. A crystal chandelier hung abov

e room, the chairs around it were high-backed and uphol

r ancestors and pastoral landscapes. A picture of my great grandfath

umblers, aged scotch, and a revolver tucked behind a

kely my sister and mother's. My attention went back to the table,

nches, mother of the family and lover of her children. My brother, Tyler Manches, right-hand man to Martin Manches, first born son and next-in-line leade

Manches family, and probably the biggest disappointment. I

tened as she noticed I was in pain. I gave her a weak smile and let out another sigh. She turn

lue eyes. My mother has hazel eyes and that was what I inherited.

d down our meals in unison, I gue

d his throat and

be the second h

sound to be heard at the table. Even Tyler seemed

k the mafia will agree to

leaders from the Manches family. It would cause problems. Two out of th

dad was trying to take over

could cause pro

ted his teeth, his nostrils flared and his e

ly surviving loyal leader, they d

oom, from one place to another. This was the first time I'd ever seen

"I don't think I'm r

ngers, unable to make ey

mean, boy?"

ough for that role.." he looked away "Yet.

mafia?" I could feel my da

ur hands. We can't afford to divide t

d to calm him down, which is practically impossible for the rest

nd we resumed eating. I could fee

oday?" I asked as an att

for asking." She replied with a

o answer so I kept quiet an

id without looking

acknowledge

e. How was

, who was deeply engrossed in picking out t

r your health" she exclaimed once she notic

at her, not batting an eyelid once. Eventually, Elaine gave up and forcefully

d and you could see small smil

~~~~~~~~~

A'S

got a blanket from my bed and covered her with it. I stared at my

was done with the assignment. I

ened out my bed. I was about to clear out my desk when I came across the

ryl about this, I

ot into bed, too exhausted