[Episode] Burning Bridges

Ebony’s lips turned to a tight lipped frown. If he believed things were as simple as that, then he was deadly wrong. “I can provide for myself.” Ebony remarked. Whether or not her father planned to kill or plot against her, then it would be something she needed to handle herself. Looking to Curtis for help meant she owed him another one. Something she refused to do.

“What I want is to be given control of all of my assets once I leave.” Ebony crossed her long legs as she relaxed into her chair. “My leaving means that you start over.” She’d be more than willing to leave him the mafia’s name. However, that did not mean that all of her work would remain in his hands. “I’ll be taking some of the men with me. I’m not leaving empty handed.”

Curtis laughed at her straight-forward answer. It was one of the reasons he enjoyed having her around. She provided him entertainment with her spirited nature but it was also one of the reasons he wanted her gone. Ebony was unstable when it came down to it. Not something he wanted to deal with once he took control of the family.

“Ebony, dear.” He’d say as if talking to a child. “You know things don’t work that way.” He watched as the woman’s eyes turned frigid which immediately caused him to pick up his guard. However, he would let it down as an idea dawned to him. “However,” He began as he gestured towards the man he had brought. “I’d be more than happy to comply if you took Giancarlo with you.”

Curtis did not wait for Ebony to reply as a grin etched across his face. “As a sign of good faith, of course.” He let the woman process the idea. He knew she would have immediately turned it down if he had continued to refuse her request. However, it would all be worth it so long as Giancarlo provided intel on Ebony. After all, he did not trust the woman in the least.

Ebony remained silent as she processed Curtis’ words. It wasn’t a bad deal but it also meant that she would be inviting a thorn into her group. One that she had planned on killing once the meeting had reached its end. Unfortunately,  if she wanted things to go her way, she had no other choice but to agree with his compromise.

Ebony turned her gaze to Giancarlo with a look of indifference before looking back at Curtis. She finally shrugged as if to show that it did not bother her in the slightest. “I have no qualms with that.” Ebony said. She, after all, could bring him down if it came down to it. “However, that does not mean that my group and I belong to you. You give him to me, then he is mine. Simple as that.”

Curtis threw open his arms in a dramatic manner. “Of course, of course.” He said with a jolly laugh. He paid no mind to the man as he made his way towards the window. “He’ll be a tremendous help. A helmsman to take with you on your journey.” Curtis nodded to himself as he then ignored his subordinate’s remark. He figured it was a good deal. So long as Ebony was willing to cooperate.

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As Curtis gave Giancarlo his orders, Ebony decided to relax somewhat and watch to see if the lackey was able to follow through effortlessly. Curtis, after all, had taken the opportunity to design this show just for her. Not that it mattered in the long run as she knew it would only be a matter of time before she and Curtis jumped into the fray.

“Splendid, no?” Curtis asked Ebony in a manner to continue their small talk. “It’s not hard to rile these idiots up. Rumors, after all, can be a dangerous thing.” He’d look at Ebony with a mischievous grin. “Speaking of which...” He leaned back against his chair. “Your little doctor. How is he?” He made sure to keep his eyes trained for any subtle changes of expression.

Ebony, not liking the way this conversation was going, immediately went stoic. She preferred not to talk about Adonis considering his state of mind at the moment. However, she also knew that there was no way Curtis could issue a command against her or her confidant. Therefore, she needed to see what it was he wanted.

“Just like you’d expect him to be.” Ebony replied coolly. “Nothing more that would be worth mentioning.” Curtis grinned mischievously as he looked at the folder he had given her. He stretched out his hand to take it, sliding it closer to him. He nodded to himself as he mulled over her words. After a brief moment of silence, he would talk.

“Oh?” That single word irked the woman but she kept her mouth shut. “From what I hear, you two seem to be rather close.” He opened the folder and shuffled through the drawings. Had she accepted his aid, he would have let know the true plan her father had for her. However, she had declined his graciousness and so he planned to watch her break.

Of course, he was all the more curious between the relationship she had with the eccentric doctor. It would be a lie if he said he had not seen the way she had let things pass with him. Unfortunately, that also meant that Adonis had the possibilities of being her greatest weakness. He just needed Giancarlo to confirm such rumors as truth.

For now, he decided to make do with Ebony’s version of events. He grinned inwardly as the woman’s tight lipped expression morphed into a scowl. However, he continued to pry on knowing she could do nothing about it. “Unless, of course, they were all simply rumors? Although…” His words trailed off to give the illusion of wonder. “Rumors all derive from truths.”

Needless to say, Curtis was getting on Ebony’s nerves. However, she kept herself calm while shooting him a bored look. “Rumors are over exaggerations of what most could potentially consider as a truth.” Ebony shrugged without a care in the world as she shifted to a more comfortable position in her seat.

Curtis nodded as he took his time to answer. It was clear he would not be given much information on her beloved doctor but that did not deter him from sending his own men to access him. He knew Ebony had never taken an interest in anyone so that, in itself, was enough to gauge his importance to her. If only she would admit it.

“Wise words,” Curtis said as he took a puff from his cigar. He was nearly done with it and so he reached into his coat pocket to pull out another one. He figured that their talk would take a little while longer. “Although I am not so keen to agree.” He shrugged as if to let the matter go. “No matter. Simply consider it as curiosity from this old man.”

Ebony narrowed her eyes. She said nothing but it did not deter the man from continuing to speak. “I’m sure you’ve seen a lot more activity from the Priceps, no?” Ebony graced his inquiry with a nod. “Are you not at all curious as to why that is?” He exchanged his cigar for the new one. Lighting him up, he’d relax in his chair awaiting for her answer.

Ebony, on the other hand, frowned. He had been egging her on since the very beginning but she was adamant in not taking his bait. Especially if it meant he would ensnare her in his web. Curtis seemed to have read her mind. “For you, Ebony, it’ll be free of charge.” He took one of the pictures in his folder and slid it down towards her.

“That man there is Walter Princep.” He motioned for her to take it. “He’ll be a very important figure in the near future.” He watched as Ebony’s lips turned to that of a frown. “Of course, more information in that regard comes with a price. Unless, of course, you would like to exchange something for it?”

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Ebony paid no attention to Curtis’ words as she looked over the image. Her eyes scanned the page as a frown formed upon her lips. Although his name nor his appearance rang any bells, Ebony could tell that he truly resembled the coward she had come to know as Damien. At least, from his appearance. From his overconfident smirk to the way he dressed in the picture, she could already tell she was going to hate him.

However, what Curtis had said bothered her. Everyone knew that the Princeps had been very active in their turf. It had seemed quite strange considering their overconfidence but, if the man Walter was one of their higher-ups, then that proved to be a problem. In fact, it made her feel even more uneasy taking into consideration that she had been closed off from their discussions.

She met Curtis’ eyes. It irked her that he was dangling information but, whether or not it was worth it, was the problem. Ebony sighed as she slid the image back to him.  “I’ll take my chances.” Regardless of what the man had done for her, she knew she could not trust him in the same regard that he could not trust her.

However, she appreciated him nonetheless. He was the only one who treated her like family despite the ulterior motives he had. Not that she could blame him considering the fact that he had been cheated out of his position. Ebony sat back in her chair as she relaxed her posture.


"Very well, then." Curtis replied to her with a shrug. It didn't bother him that she still refused. Instead, it made things a lot more interesting. He turned his head towards the door and signaled her an order before sliding her one of his spare revolvers. Ebony clicked her tongue in disapproval but took it nonetheless.


She nodded towards Curtis as they both stood from their chairs. They headed towards the entrance and took position at each end of the door. The two remained quiet and listened to the approaching footsteps. They waited until a couple of unsuspecting Princeps opened the door.


Upon seeing both men's attire, the two unloaded unto the closest body. The bodies collapsed at the door as their expressions remained forever frozen in horror. Curtis stepped over the fallen bodies as Ebony followed suit. They could still tell there were a few men left but, if Giancarlo hadn't gotten to them yet, then they would step in to clean up.

Having stepped out into the open proved to be quite the unnecessary task given as Giancarlo had dealt with almost all of them. He had, without a doubt, proven himself to be quite the capable man considering he had gone off to handle the remaining men on his own. She inspected his work with mild interest. She’d keep a closer eye on him now that he was to join her.

The fog dissipated revealing the man of the hour. Not that he deserved much praise given the fact that both she and Curtis had to deal with a couple of thugs themselves. However,  she let it go seeing as he had shown her that he wasn’t completely useless. His next words, on the other hand, made her reconsider. "Should I remove the bodies or are we sending a message?"

Ebony raised an eyebrow. Unless he was looking to get the family wrapped up in a disadvantageous situation, he knew the answer to that. “Remove them.” Curtis said. Ebony gave him a nod in agreement. They were in the outskirts of their territory. Seeing as they were already having issues with the Princeps, she wasn’t willing to invite even more.

Curtis took a moment to look around the parameter before turning to go back inside the building. There was no need for him to remain outside. “Come inside once you’re done.” Curtis said without sparing a glance at Giancarlo. However, he made himself clear that he would take the woman with him. “Ebony. Be a dear and follow me. There are still a few things we need to sort out.”  

Ebony did not question Curtis’ judgement. In fact, she had absolutely no problems with it. It was the lackey’s job to clean up, after all. Turning to follow Curtis, Ebony spared no glance towards Giancarlo as she disappeared through the door. Whether or not he followed Curtis’ command was on him.

However, so long as Giancarlo proved himself capable, she decided to allow him to continue living until he was no longer necessary. She was sure Curtis would come to agree. She nodded to herself as she took her seat once more at the table. Curtis took a puff of his cigar and nonchalantly sat back in his chair.

“We’ll be making our way to Paradise soon.” Curtis shrugged as if to show he had no care in the world. “Make sure you attend and...” He let out a sigh. “I hope there isn’t a repeat of what happened there last time.”

Ebony scoffed in feigned offense. Quickly reverting back, Ebony looked straight at Curtis and, in her most unimpressed voice, replied, “That bastard deserved it.” Curtis stared at her before bursting out into a roar of laughter. He could not deny it but, considering what he knew, the same thing would not easily be let go. Especially considering what he knew.

His laughter calmed and, once he had regained his breath, Curtis shook his head in mock disappointment. “Then, be sure to watch out for those two. The Princeps are not people you want to anger. Especially Walter.”  Ebony said nothing. The warning was enough to let her know that something would be going down in Paradise.

However, now that she had been informed that she would play a major role in the scheme, Ebony was unsure of whether to look forward to the event or not. “You’ve grown surprisingly soft today.” Ebony mused. Not that she had any reason to complain. Too bad she had already planned his death.

Curtis grinned mischievously. “All in good fun, my dear niece. You help me, I help you.” Ebony returned his grin in equal measure. “However, do not expect me to step in when shit hits the fan in Paradise. You’re on your own.” Ebony nodded in agreement. It was the way of life in the mafia.

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As the talk between them drew its natural conclusion, Ebony figured that it wouldn’t hurt to poke around for more information regarding the new… recruit. Not that he gave her any reason to care besides the obvious set-up Curtis had created for him

“Giancarlo…” Ebony said in a rather off-handed way. “Are you looking to get rid of him or what?” She gestured towards the door. Sarcastically, Ebony would add in: “Can’t imagine why you’d just send him my way when he seems to diligently follow your orders.”

Curtis shrugged nonchalantly as he gave her a large grin. He knew she wasn’t stupid but it amused him to no end that she was so abrupt about it. Clearly, he was the better option to lead the Golden Wolves seeing as her sarcasm could have gotten her killed.

He also knew that she could not feasibly get rid of his subordinate unless she was looking to declare a war between the two. Not that they both had any means to do so considering how split their faction was.

On the upside, Curtis knew he would enjoy watching Ebony struggle to keep Giancarlo and, as a result, himself out of the loop. Especially if she planned to flee Baterilla at any point in time. His subordinate being a somewhat good shot was an added bonus.

“Ebony, dear,” He said gently almost as if patiently scolding a small child. “He’s been a help to me. I simply wish for him to aid you as he has me.” Curtis nodded in agreement to himself. “Like I said, a sign of good faith.”

Ebony stopped herself from rolling her eyes. She hadn’t expected much but still. “Of course,” She shrugged in an exaggerated manner. “How could I ever doubt your generosity?” This resulted in Curtis giving her an amused laugh.

Taking one last puff of his cigar, Curtis stood up and made his way towards the door. Ebony followed close behind him as they exited the building. Upon seeing Giancarlo, Curtis nodded towards him and then to Ebony.

“It’s settled, then.” Curtis said, clearly satisfied. “I expect you to be useful, Giancarlo. I hope you don’t disappoint.” Not caring to hear an answer, he turned away from the two and walked down towards the road. It was up to them now on how to proceed going forward.

Ebony, however, clicked her tongue as she watched Curtis disappear. Turning her attention towards the added baggage, she’d look him up and down in irritation before gesturing towards the road. “Let’s go.” Whether or not he followed her, she didn’t care.

Hell, if he attempted to attack her, she’d welcome it. It would give her a justified reason to get rid of him as cleanly as possible. After all, no one in Baterilla could best her. “Don’t expect much. We both know why you’re here.”

Better to say it now, she figured, instead of wasting both their times. However, if he still decided to integrate himself, then he would need to work all the harder. She grinned. Of course, it wasn’t like he had a choice. An exploit she was all the more happy to use now that she was given him.