Introduction

We all had our breakfast and headed towards our own businesses. This is one of the things of my family, I like the most. No matter what, our entire family has the breakfast together in the morning.

The weather was even cooler today, as the sky seemed darker and colder. The floor was chilled against my bare foot, but my palms were warmer which I often use to rub over my arm, in order to calm the chills.

When I entered my study room after lingering around the house for a while, I found uncle Charles sitting on a chair, on the opposite side of my desk. Studying some photographs, which I wasn't getting a clear vision of. The glass window of the room was fogged, which gave a blurred view of snowy white scenery in the unroofed yard.

I sat on my revolving chair, giving him a curious look and waiting for him look up at me and tell me, what is it. As in cue, he whipped his head towards me and gave a how-is-this-possible look. I continued giving him the questioning look.

He then sighed and put the photos on my desk, slipping it towards me. My gaze dropped to an overly zoomed image. It was too blur for my understanding. But I can make out, it is a man, but the features weren't clear at all. Like if he were standing in front of me right now, I wouldn't recognize.

In the photo, the man is hiding behind the bushes. The photo isn't clear, but the backyard was quiet familiar. Looking up at Charles again, I found him staring at his hands, drumming his index finger on the desk.

Who is it? I was going to ask. When he said, "James Verino, it is." My eyes widened at the familiarity of the name.

"James Verino, as in...?" I asked

"Yes, this is the first time he has been spotted near the Verino Mansion. Reporters said, he was present at the time of encounter last night, but didn't participate." He said. His eyes were tensed, which meant this news is anything but good.

"But what is he doing after two years of hiding? When he left his family at the day of his crowning." I asked, scanning the photograph once again, squinting my eyes to get a better look at it. But all was in vain. The man or boy in the picture was still just a ghostly figure.

"Well, nothing is clear at this moment but our reporters are still spying at the mansion, any disturbance and we will be reported." He sighed.

Not knowing what to say I asked something which goes as a ritual after every encounter. "Any news from the police after yesterdays encounter?"

"I got a call from the sheriff, he said, the police as usual needs the accusations and proves against the Verino."

This is usual, after every encounter the police asks for all the accusations of the Verino. We aren't caught held of anything else. The police mind its own business, and doesnt pokes it's nose in the matters of two most infamous Mafia Dynasties.

Knowing, it's a fight between us from centuries, none of us are held guilty or sent for trials, until any citizen except our families are hurt.Any act which would disturb the civilization of the state, will bring us to jail.

"So, when are we questioned?" I asked, stacking the photograph with some others, in my drawer.

"Today 6 pm you need to report to the sheriff's-" He trailed off, by the knock at the door.

"Come in." It was Kevin, my cousin and Charles and Helena's son.

"The weapons have arrived, they are kept in the show-room. And I'm taking the Carbine." With this he slammed the door close.

Kevin never actually was this rude to me. But since I was made the leader, he acts very formally to me. When we were younger, we were best buddies. But then, he wanted equal position to me. He is 16 now. I don't blame him. I agree, he must be given equal dignity. But 2 years earlier, I lost my dad, brother and best friend. I loved him so much, and still do. But he did. I just wish we could go back in time and be 5-year old.

Uncle seemed to notice, that I'm hurt. He cleared his throat and said "I think, we should head to our practices. Evening session have to be cancelled today for your meeting with the cops.

He got up from his seat and left. I nodded and got up to do the same after taking out the file of Philip Verino from the shelves, so that I don't forget to take the file with me while meeting the sheriff.

***

My breathing was fast, as I stared at the silhouette of a man pinned against my shooting board. Still holding the gun, I gaped upon the holes made by the bullets, which made it look like a button down with six buttons. First at the forehead followed down towards the chest.

My concentration broke, when I heard my phone ringing. I lowered the gun and the headphone, and kept it on the table beside me. I picked up my phone and looked at the caller ID.

Violet, my best friend.

"Hello?"

"Hey Rose, you, all right? You didn't call me after you know... what, so I thought I should. All good? You remember school restarts tomorrow, right?" Was her question, or may I say questions.

I cringed at the mention of school, that is the last place I want to be right now. I never liked school after encounters. It makes my day so hard, with constant stares, murmurs and questions.

Initially, my school had objections on me being a murderer. But then again, who can stop something which was happening since centuries? Though it was a long story, but the point is I am in school.

A flash of relief crossed me when I remembered its my last year, but I'll miss it.

"Yeah, I'm fine, and yes, I remember school. So, when are we going to buy the stationery and stuff?" I asked.

"Mmmm. Five?"

"Let's do it at four. I have to meet the police by six. I'll pick you up from your place around four." I replied."

"Okay then, I'll be ready. See you."

"Bye Vi." With this I cut the call.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day.