Chapter 6 - War Within the Empire
Though the Commission had passed judgment, Carmine’s remaining loyalists refused to surrender without a fight. Over the next forty-eight hours, minor skirmishes erupted across the city’s industrial districts.
Carmine’s eldest son, Marco Carmine, took command of their family’s remaining forces, launching desperate hit-and-run attacks against Moretti warehouses and shipping docks.
I sat in my study late at night, reviewing tactical maps with Dominic while sipping dark espresso.
“Marco Carmine is hiding in the old abandoned brewery near the docks,” Dominic explained, placing a red marker on the map. “He’s gathered about thirty heavily armed mercenaries. They know if they don't eliminate you soon, your men will systematically hunt them down.”
“They’re cornered animals,” I said, looking up as the study door opened gently.
Teresa walked in carrying a silver tray with warm milk, followed by little Sophia, who held my son Leo wrapped in a blue knitted blanket.
My heart melted instantly. I stood up and walked over, taking Leo into my arms. He was growing stronger every day, his little blue eyes opening wide to look up at me.
“He drank all his milk, Mr. Moretti,” Sophia said proudly, smiling up at me. “And he didn't even cry once!”
“That’s because he’s a brave boy, just like you’re a brave girl, Sophia,” I smiled, gently touching her cheek. “Teresa, how are you both adjusting to the upper suites?”
“It feels like a dream, sir,” Teresa said, wiping a tear from her eye. “We were just servants... we never expected such kindness.”
“You saved my family,” I said firmly. “You will never be just servants again. You are part of this household now.”
I handed Leo back to Teresa and turned to Dominic, my expression turning to iron once more.
“End this tonight, Dominic,” I ordered. “I won't have my son growing up in a house where bullets fly through the windows.”
“We’re ready, Boss,” Dominic replied. “Lorenzo has already surrounded the brewery.”
An hour later, I joined my men at the perimeter of the brewery. Rain washed over the rusted corrugated metal buildings as our tactical teams moved into position under cover of darkness.
We didn't offer a surrender. Carmine’s men had chosen their path when they targeted a newborn.
At my signal, heavy explosive charges blew open the brewery’s main iron gates. My men surged inside, flashbangs blinding the defenders before they could open fire.
The battle was swift and decisive. Within twenty minutes, Carmine’s mercenaries were disarmed or neutralised.
I walked into the central office of the brewery, where Marco Carmine was pinned against the wall by Lorenzo, a bloodied lip curling into a sneer.
“You think you’re untouchable, Moretti?” Marco Carmine spat. “My father will break out of your prison! We’ll come back for your kid!”
I walked up to him, looking down into his angry eyes.
“Your father is being transferred to a federal supermax facility tonight,” I said quietly. “And you are going to spend the rest of your life in a dark room where no one will ever hear your name again.”
May you like
I nodded to Lorenzo. “Take him.”
With Marco Carmine’s capture, the war was officially over. The rival family collapsed completely, their assets absorbed into the Moretti network, securing our absolute dominance over the city.
