Chapter 1 ROCCO LORENZO

Palermo was quite cool and calm that Monday morning as everyone rushed to their workplace. The wet streets and roads added to its beauty and it smelled like goodness since it had been a while the gangs fought each other. Ever since Rocco Lorenzo took over the throne from his father, Bruno Lorenzo, all the gangs that caused trouble had been cleared off without a trace.

Rocco doesn't appear anyhow or anywhere and he was much respected because he is known for being a man of his word. Every other gangs outside Palermo knew their boundaries and would never trespass but there was one gang that shared Palermo with him, the Vamp Mafia group.

The group calls themselves the tiger of Italy and it was being head by Lord Marcello who was another psychopath. He had been on the other side of Palermo where he protected his territory until Rocco took over. Being the owner of the biggest vineyard, he had so much pride and abused so many people. Most of his workers were lying under the green grass as manure and no one dared to ask him about it.

He was that ruthless and terrible.

Talks about Rocco planning to buy the vineyard filled the town and everyone knew it only meant trouble because Marcello would never sell it out and Rocco would claim it with whatever means he can.

"The car is set" the voice informed Rocco as he cuffed the hand of his white shirt and threw the navy blue suit on

"Still no response for him?" he questioned and placed his dark shade on his face

"He only told us to do our worst" Bojana answered

"Well, he will see the worst" he said coldly and walked out of the room with the coldest demeanor.

****

The chirping of birds filled the air as the mellow sound of the violin played underneath while everyone got busy in the large villa. There was symmetrical arrangement of palm trees with a tuft of large leaves at the top lined up across the hundred meters distance of the main building and the huge white gate leading to the mansion. The surroundings were filled with champagne glass-like fountains that were brimming down crystal clear water endlessly, stone statues, monkey grottoes serving waters into the huge fountains, and water organs of different kinds.

There were several trays carrying different cups and plates, tables arranged with four chairs max around it and they were all carrying name tags for identification. The atmosphere was busy yet calm as everyone prepared for the sixtieth birthday of Lord Marcello, the tiger of Italy. He has been the head of the Vamp Mafia group for decades and everyone knew how terrifying he was. He never let anything or anyone get in his way and has been controlling his forte successfully.

"Today is surely a good day, even the birds can testify" one of his aides remarked as he dressed him up for the party

The guests were already seated and chattering. Some of them were catching up on old times while some were making new connections. He climbed the podium to give his short speech and told them to have fun to their fill since they were at his own party.

"It's not easy to be sixty. I am truly proud of myself and that is why I have gotten this Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime wristwatch as a gift for myself" he chuckled loudly, flaunting it for everyone to see and they all clapped as several comments flew around

"Isn't that the only kind in the world?"

"That is crazily expensive, how did he manage to get his hands on it?"

He was enjoying the show and comments when a Rolls Royce Phantom parked around the garden and everyone turned to see who came in with the grand entrance.

"Rocco Lorenzo! What is he doing here?" Marcello's aide muttered aloud and everyone paused altogether

His presence was enough to make them pause and gasp as he walked briskly to the mini garden where the party was being held.

"Ciao Marcello, buon compleanno (Hey Marcello, Happy birthday!)" Rocco shouted and a short laugh followed with a clap of his hands

"Non osare pronunciare il mio nome con quella tua bocca sporca (Don't you dare utter my name with that filthy mouth of yours)" he growled at him but Rocco only chuckled as he removed his dark shade

"You should be happy on your birthday, what's with the rabid dog-like tone?" Rocco slammed and that only made Marcello fume the more

"I am sure you are not here to wish me a happy birthday. What brought you here?" Marcello ignored his previous statement

"Sure, I don't care if your birthday is happy or not. How about some private conversation? We have something to finish up" he confirmed and silence swallowed the atmosphere

Suddenly, Marcello burst into a very loud laugh that grabbed the attention of everyone in the garden

"Bold of you to ask me for a private conversation Rocco. You should know by now that I don't deal with underdogs. That was one of the reasons why you were not invited to this party" Marcello mocked, flashing the ray of the sun that bounced on his wristwatch on Rocco's face mockingly

A sly smile appeared on Rocco's face as he removed his hands from his pockets and closed up the distance between them.

"You have thirty seconds to give up on the vineyard" he declared with a deadly voice coupled with a piercing look this time and Marcello's laugh could be heard even at the far side of the villa

"Sul mio cadaver (Over my dead body)" he stated firmly and spat on Rocco's face

Everyone gasped at the sight and scurried to the other side because they knew it wouldn't end well.