《New Boston: The City of Hope》


 Chapter 1: The offer

    The Offer


    In 2052 what the world feared most came to pass, a third world war. A war fought with nuclear weapons and drones, a war which devastated every city, every town and every country. Most believed it meant the end of humanity, the end of the world. However in the vast wastelands of America a light in the darkness emerged, New Boston, the city of hope. The construction of this great haven became a symbol to the people, a symbol that the world they once knew can be rebuilt and once they had that thought in their heads humanity endured.


    Now, almost seventy years later when humanity has rebuilt, New Boston is still famed the world over, those who live in the city however, know the truth. The city is ruled by the criminal underworld, mafia families, powerful gangs and corrupt corporations. Though even in this world, one man stands above all else, Don Francis Alduino, the founder and Boss of the Alduino family and the most feared man in all of New Boston.


    There were few in the city that ever got the chance to meet the legend though, many believed he didn''t exist, or maybe he died a long time ago. All anyone knows for sure is that if the man does exist, he never leaves the Alduino tower, his home and the best defended fortress in the city.


    This day, however, one man sat outside his penthouse office waiting to meet him, a petty car thief by the name of Jack James. Someone in his position would usually be overwhelmed, terrified or honoured, instead he just felt irritated. Not just at the situation he found himself in, but also at his own greed. If he just sat by and didn''t say anything he wouldn''t be exposing himself like this.


    "You can go in now." Jack stood up without even acknowledging the secretary behind the desk, what kind of mob boss has a secretary anyway? He waited impatiently whilst the door scanner searched his body for any weapons before opening, how many times do they have to check? He''d been through three scanners already, what a ridiculous amount of security.


    Finally after a several minute scan the door finally opened with an electronic whine, the first thing he noticed about the room it revealed was the size of it, a giant rectangular room, the roof as high as a double story house and the length double even that. Whilst he was distracted the door closed behind him and only one sound remained, a strange hissing, to him it sounded like gas escaping a tiny pipe. Jack looked around his surroundings for the origin of the sound, ten guards stood on each side of the room, wearing suits with exo-guard armour crudely hidden underneath. At the far end of the giant room stood a large desk with a single man sat behind it, two men stood on either side of the desk and behind them the entire wall was glass, revealing the outside world. That surprised Jack the most, his eyes had never beheld the outside world, he had lived in the city his entire life. It looked... Dead, no trees, no life, nothing. Yet somehow beautiful... "Mr James. Please, step forward." Jack snapped out of his entranced state looking for the owner of the voice, confused.


    It was much too feminine to belong to anyone in the room, at least from first glance. The voice came from the direction of the desk, Jack narrowed his eyes. He realised where the voice came from, it was the man who stood to the right of the oversized desk, he wasn''t a man, he was a woman. A very old, androgynous woman wearing a clean cut suit, but a woman none the less. Now that he looked closer he could see a Visionex implant on the left side of her head, the holographic display curling around her head to cover her left eye. The display shone clear and multitudes of unreadable information information flew past it. Jack felt like laughing, It figures a high ranking member of the Alduino family could afford such a powerful piece of kit.


    Well, she shouldn''t be his main focus anyway, no, the most important man in the room would be the one behind the desk, Jack had not a single doubt that this man must have been the infamous boss of the Alduino family. Without wasting another moment he did as the old woman asked, he began walking towards the desk. The car thief wanted to get a clear look at the famed boss behind the desk, when would someone like him get another chance like this? The man sitting at the desks face was obscured by an holographic monitor, so from where Jack originally stood he couldn''t make out a single detail.


    As he made his way down the long room the only sounds to be heard were his own boots muffled on the soft carpet and the hissing sound of gas. When he finally reached the desk, the man behind it switched the monitor off revealing his face.Thanks to that, Jack could now see where the hissing originated from. The man before him, the legend before him was wearing some sort of re-breather. Around his mouth and nose he wore a mask, neon blue lining the edges, three pipes found their ways out of it and towards a complicated looking machine on his back. Every time he breathed out a small electronic flap on either side of his mask opened to let some sort of gas escape. So that''s why no one ever sees him, he''s sick, probably quite badly sick. Jack would have felt disappointed in this so called legend, if not for the rest of his appearance. First off, Francis Alduino was very old, every visible spot on his body held wrinkles, his hair whilst well maintained had still faded in to a light grey. His eyes however had not lost age,  they were a deep green and seemed to pierce through whatever they looked at. His eyebrows were thick, but well trimmed. His light hair hung from his head reaching down to his shoulders. This combined with his pristine suit overcoat led to a rather intimidating aura. Hell, to Jack even his re-breather had an intimidating air about it.


    Jack locked eyes with the man in front of him, as he did Alduino lifted his arm slowly and  pointed at his mask. "Does this surprise you?" He asked. The first words Jack had heard this man say, his voice was light, yet a little hoarse , on top of that the electronic devices covering his mouth made it sound almost robotic.


    Jack looked down at his feet, feigning fear. "I-I''m sorry for staring, I just- I was so surprised to see that you''re real." He acted as nervous as possible, it''s best that way, it''s best not to grab attention. It''s how he always dealt with this type.


    ...There was no reply, no laughter at his pathetic cowardliness, no pride filled apology, nothing. He raised his head slowly, locking eyes with Alduino, then Jack felt fear. Alduinos eyes pierced his very being, the old man seemed to look straight through his facade. "I see..." He replied. Jack breathed a sigh of relief, he was just overreacting. The old mob boss cleared his throat. "t''s not important anyway. What is important is why you helped my men." He spoke slowly and with authority.


    Jack kept up his outwardly pathetic persona. "I- I just heard some men talking about an ambush and it sounded like they were betraying their friends. I just told their friends I didn''t realise they were your men sir!" Jack answered, forcing his voice to quiver. Once again there was no reaction on the old mans face. Maybe that was too much of a stretch, Jack thought. There''s no one in the city that doesn''t recognise the emblem of the Alduino family; The Alduino Tower. It''s printed on the outfit of every member in the family.


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    Alduino sat back in his chair to an upright position resting his hands together on the desk. "I see, whatever the truth is, you saved my men. And for that, I thank you." Alduino lightly bowed his head, true gratitude from the big boss. "However, this situation is more complicated than just a thank you. Car thief, do you know who''s car you were stealing?" Alduinos left eyebrow raised, in a questioning manner.


    Here it is, this is what Jack was waiting for, this is the stupid mistake he made. If he didn''t stop to warn Alduinos men about the traitors ambush he wouldn''t have been caught, he could have been away completely free with one of the Alduino families vehicles, even that alone would have fetched a big enough price to last him years. Jack silently cursed his greed. "Wai-wait. Was, was that your car? I am so-so-sorry. Please, forgive me, I didn''t know!" Jack lent on his knees, head down begging Alduino almost in tears, a man with such large pride as Francis Alduino surely wouldn''t kill a poor begging man, right?


    Alduino gently waved his hand at the car thief to stand, just as Jack predicted. "Stop embarrassing yourself. If I wanted you dead you wouldn''t be here right now. But, stealing from me would usually at least be punished by losing one, or several fingers, it depends on what you stole, but you also saved my men. So we''ll call it even." Jack let out a sigh of relief, he wasn''t going to lose any body parts, that knowledge would make anyone feel at least a little better. "Obviously that''s not why you''re here. If I just wanted to thank you, I could have sent a letter."  Alduino continued, then nodded towards the androgynous woman. "Maria. If you would be so kind." Jack began to sweat, worried about what would come next.


    The woman, apparently named Maria bowed lightly, activating a large holographic projection equipped on her wrist. A large screen for all to see flashed in to life on the translucent blue screen. It was a detailed description of the security and schematics of the car Jack attempted to steal. "This car you attempted to steal, it was meant to be unstealable." She began. "The door seals were developed by the greatest scientists and engineers in the city, so leveraging them open is impossible. The windows aren''t just bullet proof, they''re rocket proof, sou you can''t get in that way. We even have low frequency noise amplifiers installed that interfere with psychic abilities. Simply put the only way to to open any door to this car is to use the bio scan, which only chosen members of the Alduino family can use. There is no way to steal our cars, but you Jack James, managed to open the drivers side door." Maria tilted her head, a soft but menacing smile across her lips. "How... Is what I would ask, but we know how." Maria tapped on the screen, which changed to another set of schematics of the bio scan pad for the car. This was not going the way Jack thought it would, he exposed himself so much. Every curse he knew flew through his mind directed at his own stupidity.


    Alduino took back over. "The fact is Mr. James, you flipped the bio scan cover and hacked in to the very system. Inside the system are countless walls to protect it, hundreds of different kinds of cyber defences that I don''t even understand. Yet you, an apparent petty car thief managed to get through every single one using a decade old implant in under ten minutes." He never took his eyes of off Jack throughout the entire conversation, trying to size him up, looking through him, something, Jack couldn''t tell. "You can pretend to be a nobody Jack James, but I''ve had my boys research you. Perfect marks in school, college and university. Completely graduated education before the age of twenty. A literal genius. And with the kind of genius you have everyone in New Boston should be scrabbling for you. Yet, here you are stealing cars for a living." Alduino paused for a few seconds, his expression unwavering. "You''re an overachiever Mr. James, one that pretends to be an underachiever."


    Jack  clicked his tongue, he didn''t need reminding of that by a mob boss. He was almost certain he buried everything about himself, he underestimated the Alduino family. "So, what do you want?" He replied in a blunt tone. There was no point pretending anymore, he dropped the act. Jack heard a sound of dissatisfaction coming from the man on the other side of Francis Alduino, this man also appeared to be quite old, although he must have been many years younger than the boss himself.


    Don Alduino released what sounded like a satisfied sigh. "Thank you, that act of yours was almost insufferable. As for what I want... I want you to live up to your potential. I want you to join my family." Alduino opened his arms.


    Jack blinked slowly, a little dumbfounded by what he just heard. I tried to steal your car and you want me to work for you? Jack thought. He shook himself out of shock. "I decline." Jack stood defiant. There was no way he would work for gangsters. He was not exactly an upstanding citizen, but he had his own set of principles just like anyone else.


    Jack glanced at the man on the left of Don Alduino, his anger was now clear and visible, he did not like Jack, which was fine by him, Jack didn''t like him either. Maria however seemed calm, she even kept up her previous smile. Don Alduino raised his eyebrows, but had no other visible reaction. "Well, I can''t say that was entirely unexpected, but understand this Jack James I want you, and you will work for me." Alduino narrowed his eyes.


    Jack stepped back lightly. "Is that a threat?" He growled back locking eyes with Alduino. Staring down the leader of the most powerful Mafia in New Boston probably wasn''t the smartest thing he''d done today.


    In response the mob boss shook his head. "Perish the thought. If I had you killed now after you saved my men what kind of man would I be. No, you''re free to go Mr James." Aldiuno motioned towards the door which began to slide open.


    Jack looked towards the door, caution in his heart. "Just like that?" He asked, worry in his voice. Would they really let him off that easy, didn''t he just offend someone with a lot of power?


    Alduino clasped his hands together. "Just like that." The old man answered. Jack turned around and began creeping towards the door, caution in his slow steps. His eyes swapped between the guards lining the walls, looking for any telltale movement, waiting for someone to reach for a gun. Much to his surprise, however he reached the door without any incident. Just as he had left the room, Jack heard a voice from behind. "Mr. James." He froze, just about managing to turn his head. "I look forward to our next meeting." As those words left Alduinos mouth the door slid closed. Separating Jack from the legendary Mafia boss and ending the meeting that would change his life for ever, whether for better or for worse, Jack didn''t know. All he knew was, he shouldn''t have helped those men.

 Chapter 2: Three parts fear

    Three parts fear


    A quiet whirring echoed throughout the room as Jack James disappeared behind the sliding door. Next to his father, Lucas Alduino stood watching the door in disbelief. Even if it irritated him to end, he could at least understand why this man, this Jack James did not recognise his father or Maria, however, he did not even recognise Lucas himself. Lucas who was for intents and purposes the current face of the Alduino family, so to not be recognised by anyone isn''t just an insult to his pride, but an insult to the entire families. However, Lucas stood silent, patient, even with his anger seething, as he knew his father, he knew that his father would have a plan. Even if he himself did not see the point of even keeping this Jack James alive, his father not only wanted to keep him alive, but also offered him a position in their family.


    Lucas didn''t understand, Lucas wouldn''t pretend to understand. He turned away from the door to look at his fathers computer as soon as the car thief had left the room, the man didn''t deserve anymore attention than necessary. He shook his head focusing instead on the holographic display in front of his,though it was a picture of Jack James in his university days that shone on it. He was almost unrecognisable, other than his dark skin and the unusual green eyes that wouldn''t usually be seen with it, he had changed. In the old picture, his hair had been styled short, he had no facial hair and he sported a thin, wiry, weak looking body. Lucas thought he looked like a typical honour student. Now, however, he had bulked up and for some reason he wore glasses despite the fact that eye surgery was a cheap and common practise these days. His black hair had grown long, now folding behind his ears and reaching just below his chin. Finally a well trimmed beard now covered his entire jaw. Despite his overall dislike for the man, Lucas did wonder what made him change so much, was it just a fresh look, or something more?


    Lucas stole a glance at his father, who watched the door with interest. His rebreather the only sound in the room. "Lucas." His voice being suddenly called out almost made him jump, he turned to face his father properly. "Send two men to tail him. Tell them to report to you twice a day and any time Mr. James does anything... interesting." He was given an order by his father, who''s head never turned away from the door.


    Lucas grimaced, but did as his father ordered, pulling up his sleeve to reveal the communicator wrapped around his wrist hiding underneath. He tapped on the names of two men he trusted and sent them a picture of Jack James and their orders. "It''s done father. Two Toes and Marco should get to work immediately." He pulled his sleeve back down and waited for his fathers reaction.


    Don Alduino turned to look at his son, after a few second he let out a sigh. "You''ve never been particularly good at hiding your feelings Lucas. What dissatisfies you?" He asked, no hint of upset in his voice.


    The Alduino Underbosses expression turned troubled, he would never question his father, but that didn''t mean he couldn''t state his own opinion, right? "I Can''t say I understand why you want him so badly father, but he said no. What if he joins another family? What if he goes to the police detailing our meeting? Would it not be smarter to have had him killed as soon as he left?" Lucas stopped himself from saying anymore, something like Lucas stating his own opinion would never bother the Alduino head, but that didn''t mean it didn''t bother Lucas himself.


    Once again, for a few seconds only Don Alduinos rebreather made a noise. A wisp of gas escaped from it''s valves.  "Lucas. I couldn''t have him ended just like that. After giving him my word killing him would only damage my reputation." The old Boss placed his hands together on the desk. "Besides, why do you think we sent men to tail him? If your men see him so much as meet with another family you order your men to terminate him. Understand?"


    Lucas cursed himself. Of course his father would have thought this through, still, that wasn''t all that he was worried about. "Even then father, it''s clear he holds no loyalty, to anyone or anything. Even if he joins us, we can''t trust him."


    His father raised a single eyebrow at his son. After a small pause he turned back to the screen projection hovering over his desk. "Have you seen what''s become of the traitors, Lucas?" He asked his son.


    In reply his son blinked a few times, rather confused by the sudden conversation change. "Um.. Uh, no, I can''t say I have father." He of course knew that they would be tortured before killed, Francis Alduino liked to assure traitors suffered for what they''d done before their life is ended. However, Lucas held no sadism, he did not enjoy watching others suffer, traitors or otherwise. Saying that Lucas had taken many lives himself, but never were the deaths drawn out, an instant shot to the head, a snap of the neck, that was his own method.


    Boss Alduino tapped a few buttons on the device around his own wrist causing an image to flicker in to life on the desk monitor. A group of men, all hung up in chains by their arms in what looked like a large storage room. Their faces contorted horrifically whenever their feet touched a strange green liquid. Lucas leaned in close to get a better look, he could see bone on some of their feet, muscle and tissue, small bit of skin falling and flaking off. As their skin fell lose the liquid fizzled. Acid, their feet were being dipped in some sort of powerful acid. Lucas looked past the torture scene to see a few men in black suits working levers, would they be submerged even further? The recording was silent, but Lucas was certain he didn''t want to hear the sounds those men were making. A sick feeling found it''s way in to his stomach.


    Lucas watched his father, who still stared at the screen unflinching. He never saw his father as a Sadist either, but sometimes he wondered. "That video will accidentally leak out." His father carried on, Lucas snapped back to attention confused. "Somehow, it will leak to every corner of the Alduino family and perhaps outside of it too. Then, as soon as it appears, it will be gone, as if it never existed. But people will remember it." The Alduino Boss spoke softly as he turned to his son. Lucas felt his body turn cold as he realised what his father meant. It would be no accident, was this his father making the best of a bad situation... Or worse? Even if he had worked under him most of the sixty years of his life, Lucas could still not predict his fathers actions.


    He looked over to his Father, who turned away from the image on the screen, the old man leveraged himself out of his chair picking up his nearby cane to rest against, the respirator on his back coming with him. He walked over to the window behind them and stared out in to the outside world. "I do not do what I do out of some sick desire, Lucas. I do it because you need more than loyalty to rule this city." His father carried on, turning back to the window. "Loyalty is all well and good, but some people will disloyal no matter what. No, to rule this city is only one part loyalty and three parts fear." His father raised his hands in demonstration, one finger raised on one hand, and three on the other. He then pointed to the illuminated screen. "With messages like this people with fear us just like we need, people will understand just like we want. People will interpret one simple message, don''t fuck with the Alduino family." He spoke softly, calmly, a wisp of gas escaped his mas sending a shiver down Lucas'' back.


    The Underboss of the Alduino family stood next to his father in silence, unable to reply. Francis Alduino did what he had to to stay in power, whereas Lucas. Lucas could not, he had different methods, for instance he would often be a lot more merciful than his father. However as the Underboss he would one day inherit the Bosses seat, but was he up to that position, was he ready for the responsibilities it gave?


    Out of nowhere the old Alduino Boss chuckled quietly, his eyes still trained on the decayed world outside. "Father?" Lucas asked, it was rare for his father to laugh to any degree.


    Francis Alduino let out a soft sigh closing his eyes. "I just find it funny, somehow, whenever I look out on this landscape it makes me want to see your mother." Already Lucas could feel the anxiety of their previous conversation vanishing.


    The ageing Underboss smiled turning to stare out upon the outside world as well, a similar desires growing in his heart. The sound of an electronic buzzer stole his attention though, he turned recognising the familiar sound. In the back right corner of his father office a wall panel had slid away revealing a hidden lift. Maria stood next to it, swapping her usual business like smile with a genuine one. "There is a driver waiting as usual, Francis." She held her hand out towards the lift door, urging them onward.


    The old Boss nodded. "Thank you, Maria." He bowed his head lightly in gratitude. For a few moments the only sounds that could be heard were the clacking of his cane, and the sounds of his breathing apparatus. Lucas followed close behind standing next to his father in the lift. Maria stayed outside of the lift. "I apologise Maria, I''''ll be leaving the business to you for a few hours." Boss Alduino said.


    Maria shook her head. "It''s fine Francis. See your wife." Her soft smile disappeared behind the closing doors. After a few moments of silence the Lift began to descend. The outside world it wrought with danger, there are very few ways to leave the city, the four main gates are the most well known ones. One other is the hidden lift that only the blood of Alduino and a select few others know about. Being the Alduino family means that they can afford such luxuries.


    Francis placed a hand on the ageing underbosses shoulder. "You seem quiet Lucas, is there something bothering you?" Lucas turned to look at his father.


    He looked past his father and out of the glass window that made up the outside wall of the lift. He stared out at the raging storms in the outside world and let out a sigh. "I''m sorry father, I just don''t think I can live up to your legacy." Lucas forced a smile for his father. He could never do what he had to like his father could, even if he was the heir to the Alduino family, Lucas Alduino did not inherit the abilities of the Boss.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    The Boss in question placed both hands on the head of his cane, an understanding electronic grunt audible under his mask. "My Legacy... Lucas, do you believe I chose you to be my heir because I expected you to be like me? Because you are my eldest child?" Francis Alduino''s piercing gaze locked with his sons. Even in casual conversation, his presence is still kingly, Lucas thought.


    Lucas gently shook his head, "I don''t know why you chose me father." This was not a complaint, or a whine, Lucas still stood a proud member of the Alduino bloodline.


    "Your methods are different to mine, yes, but that has never frustrated me. In fact it makes me proud. You are your own man Lucas, you have your own skills, your own Legacy. When the people and criminals of this city think of this family, they think of you." The Boss of the Alduino family lifted his arm to stroke his songs cheek. "You made your own name, with your own abilities. If I wanted someone who took after me, I would have chosen Patricia." Lucas chuckled, it was difficult to tell, but he was certain his father smiled under his mask.


    Patricia, his youngest sister and the youngest child of Francis Alduino, out of all of his children she takes after him the most, perhaps too closely. They have had to pay more than the police to stop her from getting in to trouble. "Really, she''s fifty two, she should have learnt to behave herself by now." Lucas shook his head and let out a sigh.


    His father nodded his head in agreement "Sometimes, I worry that I might have spoilt my children too much." Behind them, a pleasent ding rang out at as the lift doors slowly opened. Lucas and his father stepped out in to the garage that lay hidden in the shadow of the Alduino tower. Five large vehicles built for the dangers of the outside world lined one wall, opposite them was the thick titanium door. On the far side there was one door and a window built in to the wall, a small guard station rarely used.  "Hmm. Curious, one of the Striders is gone." Lucas looked where his father looked. Indeed, one of the vehicles bays stood empty, this wasn''t anything to worry about of course as there are a few others that have access to this garage.


    Just then to the left of them a door opened and the sound of footsteps echoed throughtout the large room. "Ah, Francis and Mr. Alduino! Are you looking to visit the Mam?" An elderly, wrinkle ridden man walked towards them with oddly youthful vigour. He hid his balding head under a black woolly hat, he wore glasses that held intelligent, but kind eyes behind them. This must be the driver Maria mentioned, and he happened to be an old friend.


    "Horris, you''ve known me since I was in diapers, you don''t need to be so formal." Lucas said as he reached out his hand. The old man called Horris took the hand and shook it back, his robotic arm gripping much stronger than an 113 year old should be able to.


    Horris grinned heartily. "''Tis a sign of respect sir. You''ve more than earnt it over the years." His English accent somehow still shone through, even after ninety years in the US.


    "Horris, I''m sorry I haven''t been down to see you, how have you been?" The Alduino boss reached out his hand, a gesture few get from him. Horris moved past his hand and gripped the Bosses arm.


    Horris grinned. "Same old, same old you grumpy old cunt." Another bonus of being Horris, not many can get away with insulting Francis Alduino, even in jest. The two weren''t just friends, they had fought together in the war from day one and have been close since then. Keeping a friend for over eighty years is no easy feat. How did he wind up being in charge of a garage after being so close to the Boss? He volunteered, that''s how, Horris had had enough of fighting, he lost three of his limbs in the war after all, so who could blame him. So when Lucas'' father was looking for someone to look after his garage, Horris jumped at the chance.


    Boss Alduino let go of his friends arm and motioned his head towards the empty spot. "Before we set off, who took that one." He asked. Horris looked past him and nodded, with an ''ah'' expression.


    He patted the Bosses arm lightly and smiled. "Nothin'' to worry about Francis, it was just Martin." Martin, or uncle Martin as Lucas knew him. The last surviving sibling of his father. Horris walked past the father and son, pressing down a button that stood out on his metal  wrist. The closest Striders engine growled in to life and the doors flew open, a few steps extended themselves downwards from the door. "Now come on, I have plans later so I''d like to get you there as soon as possible." He pointed towards the back doors.


    Lucas waited by the Striders door, he stood only as tall as the large balls used for wheels on the vehicle. As his father made it to the steps, he helped him climb them. To him, it seemed like each new Strider model got larger and larger. They''re the only way to travel the wastelands of the world, enough protection from the radiation, enough armour to protect again mutants and bandits and built perfectly for traversing the devastated terrain. The balls used as the wheels were kept in place with some form of gravitational technology Lucas didn''t fully understand, however it meant that could be adjusted perfectly for any level of cliff, hill or ruin.


    Of course, they''re expensive because of that, only the military or government in general can afford them, in most cases. Obviously the Alduino family have five. Each decked out in luxuries, such as the bottle of champagne his Father happened to be in the middle of opening and the warmed leather seats they sat in.


    An intercom crackled in to life, Horris'' face appearing on a rotating holographic display in the middle of the compartment they sat in. "We would like to thank you for choosing Horris transport services, trademarked, copyrighted and limited, we certainly hope you enjoy your stay. We will reach our destination in around one hour or two, depending on whether Horris stops for a cuppa tea or not. Thank you for you patience, goodbye." The intercom fell silent and the display flickered off. Lucas watched his father roll his eyes and let out a grunt.


    They felt the Strider begin to move, Lucas sat back in his chair. He turned to his father. "How come he calls you by your name, but only calls me Mr. Alduino?" He complained jokingly.


    His father took a sip from the champagne he poured himself moments ago. "The luxuries of surviving a war together. It doesn''t mean he doesn''t respect me." He sat back in his chair loosening his body.


    Lucas lent forward and took a glass for himself. "I know father. I just still see him as someone, above me I guess, it makes me a little uncomfortable." He also took a sip from his glass.


    His father pondered something for a moment, his eyes locked on Lucas. He slowly placed his glass down. "You will have to get used to it eventually my son. I won''t be around forever and even if he happens to be older than me I suspect that man will outlive us both. You don''t want to be feeling like that when you''re in charge."


    The Underboss smiled letting out a scoff. "I doubt that will be for at least another fifty years, you still have a long ways to go yet." He looked his father up and down, ill or not, the old man would not be dying any time soon, he was sure of it.


    His father sat silent for a few minutes, his eyes turning serious. "I''m not so sure, Lucas." He sat forward in his chair.


    Lucas twisted his brow in confusion. "What do you mean?" Sitting forward in reply.


    Francis Alduino looked in to his sons eyes. "Something''s changing in my city Lucas, I''m sure of it. I don''t know what it is, and I don''t know when it''s going to happen, but something was bound to at some point or another. If I don''t make it, you''ll be in charge. I am sure of my choice in you, Lucas. You just need to be ready too." His father stayed looking his son in the eye a few minutes longer. When he was certain Lucas got the message, he turned to watch the world roll by out of the small windows the vehicle provided.


    Lucas looked away, he didn''t know how to respond. His father was not often wrong, if he predicted his own death, then... Lucas did not want to think about it, even if Francis Alduino had told him to. Even if he looked past his personal feelings, to think about what would happen to the city after his fathers death was bad enough, all of the different factions kept in line by the Alduinos influence, the other families, the gangsters, hell even the police. If Francis Alduino were to disappear the city would be become a warzone. It wouldn''t matter if he took over his fathers position or not, it wasn''t just the name that kept them in line, it''s the man himself. It was Francis Alduino.


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    Author notes: Hey, I''m not planning as leaving as many author notes on this work as my other work, I apologise for taking so long with chapter 2. The first chapter was a bit of a test to see how people took to it, so after people liked it I''ve just been planning out the story.


    So the chapters should be a bit more regular now, however remember that this is my side fiction, I put a lot more time and effort in to it compared to my main fiction however, so there won''t be any deadlines or anything.


    Anyway, I was a bit worried about this chapter, people enjoyed the first one and I don''t think this will quite live up to the first chapter, I hope you enjoy it anyway, it will hopefully get more exciting and interesting as it goes on.


    Finally, when I improve as a writer I will go back and edit these earlier chapters to be better written, thanks for reading!