Chapter 5 The Mole

THIRD PERSON'S POV.

Alessandro got into his Maybach Exelero, checked the time on his Rolex watch before he drove out of the garage, speed driving to the Casino.

As he drove, his phone rang, it was a call from his mom.

He picked it as it was connected to his ear pod;

"Hello Mama." He grunted.

"I would like you to come home to me for dinner, I've got a surprise for you." His mom plainly said.

"What surprise Mama?" He asked as he took a left turn.

"You will love it, be here at exactly 7:00pm."

"I have something important to attend to by that exact time."

"Reschedule it." His mom instructed and ended the call.

"Great." Alessandro scoffed.

In minutes time, he was parking at the Casino.

As he turned off his car, his henchmen and guards approached him. They had been waiting for him near the entrance.

Giovanni, the muscle of the group, nodded as Alessandro stepped out of the car.

"Boss, we're ready," Giovanni said with a stern look.

Alessandro looked at him noded and looked away.

"Time to end this." He firmly said as he put on his shades.

He led the way to the Casino's entrance which was grand and opulent, with large glass doors framed by ornate golden arches.

The air was filled with a hint of excitement, mingled with the distinct aroma of fine cigars and expensive perfumes.

The main lobby was adorned with marble floors, intricately designed carpets, and sparkling chandeliers that cascaded from the high ceilings, emitting a warm glow over the entire space.

Soft, jazzy music played in the background, perfectly complementing the elegant ambiance.

The moment Alessandro stepped inside, he was greeted by stares and whispers.

He was the sole owner of this casino, and as he walked through, many patrons nodded while most players hoped he doesn't ask to play with them as he was known as a formidable gambler who never loses a game.

Giovanni and the other Henchmen followed closely behind Alessandro as he made his way through the bustling casino while the guards waited.

The layout of the casino was meticulously planned to accommodate a variety of games, catering to every gambler's preference.

The slot machines area featured rows of blinking and chiming devices, inviting guests to try their luck with various themes and jackpot opportunities.

Adjacent to the slot machines, elegant roulette tables were surrounded by enthusiastic players, some dressed to the nines in tuxedos and gowns, while others opted for a more casual but equally stylish look. The roulette wheels were sleek and made from the finest wood, and the clinking sound of chips mingled with the excited chatter of winners and losers alike.

Further inside, the card tables beckoned, where skillful poker players challenged each other with intense focus. The green baize tables, surrounded by plush leather chairs, created a refined setting for the high-stakes games that often took place.

Not only was the casino a gambling paradise, but it also boasted a wide range of high-end restaurants, offering a diverse array of culinary delights. From fine dining establishments helmed by world-class chefs to casual eateries with gourmet comfort food, the options catered to all palates and this place was the pride and Joy of Alessandro as it was his favorite spot in the city.

As he walked to the discreet entrance hidden behind a heavy curtain, he smirked.

Giovanni and Francesco opened the heavy curtains and he walked in.

His henchmen followed closely as he went down a narrow staircase that led to the basement.

The room was dimly lit, and in the center was the man that took them months to finally have under their clutches - the one who had information about the mole in Alessandro's mafia empire.

The man was tied to a chair, fear evident in his eyes as he saw the notorious crime lord and his henchmen enter the room, and he was also sweating profusely.

Alessandro approached him with an air of authority, his face devoid of emotion.

"Tell me everything you know," he demanded in a low, intimidating voice.

"Who gave us out to Don Augustus!"

The man's lips trembled, but he remained defiant.

"I ain't tellin' you nothin', you mafia scum!" He spat.

Alessandro's eyes narrowed, and he signaled to Giovanni, who brought out a medium-sized silver case from the safe that was imbedded in the left wall of the basement.

Inside the case were an assortment of menacing-looking tools, specifically designed for torture.

He smirked as he opened the case and showed it to him.

"You see these tools?" Alessandro said calmly, but there was a coldness in his tone that sent shivers down the man's spine.

"I wasn't planning on using it, but if you insist I'll, just know that you are going to talk today, one way or another. And trust me, it will be much easier for you if you cooperate." He said and it was definitely not a threat.

The man gulped, realizing the gravity of his situation. He had heard stories about Alessandro's methods, most of his lucky victims normally return with a missing body parts especially gorged out eyes and the unlucky ones are always pronounced missing.

He knew he was dealing with a merciless crime lord. But he also knew that talking could be just as dangerous.

"I-I don't know who the mole is," the man stammered, hoping Alessandro would buy his lie.

Alessandro raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"You expect me to believe that? You were the closest one to Don Diablo.

Someone had to have tipped him off about our plans, and I know you were there that day."

He took a step back, still maintaining eye contact with the man, and then nodded at Giovanni. The henchman approached with a Karambit dagger, a small hooked and curved blade resembling a tiger's claw.

He took it, turned to him, and violently grabbed his head.

"Wait! Okay, okay, I'll talk, I'll tell you all I know." the man finally relented, afraid that the dagger was going to be used to take his eyes away.

"It was Vin. He's the one who betrayed you. He's the one who tipped us off."

Alessandro's expression darkened, his jaw clenched tightly at the revelation. Vin had been a trusted member of the mafia for years, and the thought of him betraying them stung deeply.

"Are you sure about this?" Alessandro asked, his voice softer but still menacing.

"I swear! He was meeting with Don Augustus behind your back. They planned everything together," The man spilled everything he knew, hoping it would be enough to spare him from further torment.

Alessandro turned to Giovanni and Francesco, both of whom looked equally shocked.

"Bring Vin to me. I want him here, in this room, within the hour." He ordered.

The henchmen nodded, and Francesco left to fetch Vin while Giovanni and the others stayed back.

As they waited for Vin's arrival, Alessandro couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. He had treated Vin like family, and the revelation that he had been a double-crosser hurt more than any physical pain ever could.

He kept giving the man death glares as he trembles on his seat.

"If all this turns out to be a lie, consider today the last day you will breath." He firmly said looking at the man straight in his eyes.

"It's no..t, it's not a lie." He said trembling.

Few minutes later, Vin was brought into the room.

Walking in and seeing a familiar face tied to the chair, he became unease.

His face showed a mixture of surprise. He tried to put on a brave front, but it was clear he knew the game was up.

"Vin, care to explain yourself?" Alessandro's voice was ice-cold.

Vin sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

"It wasn't personal, Alessandro. It was just business. Don Diablo offered me a better deal, and I couldn't resist."

Alessandro shook his head, the disappointment evident in his eyes.

"You have the guts to speak to me about business, you were like a brother to me, Vin. And you threw it all away for a few extra bucks."

"I'm sorry, boss. I truly am," Vin said, but his apology fell on deaf ears.

Alessandro turned away, unable to stand the sight of the man he once trusted. He knew what needed to be done, for the sake of his empire and to send a message to anyone else who might consider betraying him.

"Take him away," Alessandro ordered, his voice weary but firm. "And make sure he never sees the light of day again."

Giovanni and Francesco escorted Vin out of the room with the victim, leaving Alessandro alone with Leonardo, the third henchmen, and his anger.