Alessio has never minded staining his hands with blood. After all, sharks are addicted to the scent of said red liquid, and it sends them into a frenzy, making them perfect soldiers and bodyguards. Some of his consigliere tasks involve getting his hands dirty: defending the Don, dealing with the corpses of victims, and taking part in some interrogations, amongst other things.
This time, though, he decided to sit the bloody part out and leave it all to Deathslinger and Chazwick.
The plan was simple: go into the stable to get the package and deliver it to Flotz's bedroom without anyone knowing. Meanwhile, Alessio would wait outside with the car in case they needed a quick escape— through knowing Deathslinger, a quick getaway wouldn't be necessary, so all he had to do was wait.
Alessio leaned against the side of the car, silently watching the Wrathian villa just beyond the hedge. While not fond of hellhorses, he felt terrible for this one. But, well, business is business.
Alessio closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Wrath's air was so much cleaner and pure than the heavily-polluted Greed. If he weren't part of the Mafia, he would have considered moving his family—the real one—to this ring.
With nothing else to do for the time being, Alessio checked his phone. He had a message from Crimson asking for a progress report, some reminders of tasks for the next week, photos of the Family members recovering at the hospital, and other notifications.
He noticed one of the messages was from Pietro. He'd sent a photo of a rebuilt Loo Loo Land… in Mammon's terms of 'rebuilt.
Pietro
Look, papa! They're opening Loo Loo Land next week!
Alessio
Interesting. I figured it'd take a bit longer to reopen after the fire.
Pietro
Could we go? It's been a long time since we went there.
I promised Giulia I'd win her a thing!
Alessio
A what?
Pietro
I don't know what that thing is, but it's cute, and Giulia likes it.
Alessio smiled and typed back.
Alessio
I'll think about it, figlio.
How's Giulia doing?
Pietro
We made biscotti with nonna today. The ones you like.
Alessio
Is that so? Do leave some for me.
It's not every day that your nonna makes them.
Pietro
Hey, papa. Since you're at Mr. Brisont's place, could you send us a pic of Cinnamon Boots?
We haven't seen him in months.
The consigliere sighed. His children knew he had to travel to Wrath, but they didn't know the real reason. He'd told them he would run an errand for Crimson at Gustav Brisont's ranch.
Unlike most people, Alessio didn't begin to type a message unless he was sure what he would say. When talking via phone messages, writing and erasing could give the impression that you were trying to make up a lie.
After pondering for a minute, he finally typed.
Alessio
I'd have to ask Mr. Brisont about it. The pony got sick and had to be sent to the vet.
Pietro
Noooo!
Is he okay? What happened to him?
Alessio
I'm not sure—something about colic.
He won't be at the ranch for a while.
Pietro
Daddy, could we go with you to Wrath the next time you visit Mr. Brisont's house?
We want to visit Cinnamon Boots to make him feel better.
He knew Giulia was messaging him when he saw the word 'daddy' on the screen. Sighing sadly, he typed again.
Alessio
I promise you I'll talk with Crimson about it, bambina,
I'm sure it'll do him well to see you both.
Pietro
Thank you, Daddy!
Thanks, papa!
Alessio
Alright, children, go back to bed.
When I get home, I'll take you to that pizza place you like so much. How does that sound?
Rather than respond with words, the kids responded with many happy emojis. Alessio chuckled.
Alessio
Sweet dreams.
I love you.
Pietro
Good night, papa!
Love you too, Daddy!
Alessio sighed. He put the phone back in his jacket with a squirming in his heart.
He hates lying to them, but it's for their own good.
The unmistakable sound of Chaz's panicked voice and Deathslinger's irritated hiss distracted him from his thoughts. Alessio started the car just as the two climbed over the hedge.
The scream from the main villa building let him know their job had been completed.
