Don Molsa Martillo, Head of the Martillo family, stared down at Firo and Firo withered at his gaze, nervous beads of sweat trailing down his neck. He gulped.
Though the head was usually a hearty, friendly guy who took his job seriously and punished offenders on his territory justifiably, he seemed upset today.
Firo gripped his fedora and asked timidly, "What is it, sir?"
The Head did not answer immediately, instead whirling around on his chair so that his profile was facing Firo. Slowly, in a drawling voice, he asked, "Firo, why were you absent at that emergency meeting yesterday?"
Firo swallowed and opened his mouth to speak. He couldn't tell a lie and it was a serious matter that he had missed the meeting.
"I, um…My wife was uh, feeling lonely so I um, stayed home," Firo finished lamely.
The Head suddenly sat up straight and turned to face Firo directly, causing him to step back.
A big, wide grin spread on the Head's face. Then, he laughed loudly and slapped his thigh. Firo wondered if he was alright.
"Sir?"
The Martillo Head chuckled. "Why Firo, why didn't you say so? Next time your wife is feeling lonely, I'll gladly let you stay home with her! Of course you two need some time together."
Firo blushed and could not think of anything to say.
The Head stood up and leaned close to Firo.
"Does that mean, you and your wife have finally done it?"
Firo jerked back, reddening furiously and sputtered, "I – I'm not gonna say! I – I'm leaving!"
With that, Firo grabbed his jacket and departed the room quickly, not bothering to shut the door after him.
The Head cackled and stuck his head in the doorway.
"Don't worry, Firo!" He called after the young man, "Your secret is safe with me!"
Firo did not reply as he disappeared around the corner.
Unfortunately, the secret wouldn't remain a secret for long.