Chapter 5 - Y'all will regret it

Caspian stood in front of his preserved grandfather's lifeless mummified body and felt a surge of emotions overwhelm him. 

 

He could see why he was kept away, it was to be kept safe and somehow he was thankful for that. 

 

“I could have been dead,” he thought.

 

Standing before the lifeless body and preparing the burial meant one thing – he had accepted to lead the household, to become the Baron. 

 

He wasn't forced into it, he wasn't tricked into it; he had reasons to take the power and wealth that being a Baron had to offer and it was mainly because of his daughter, and to cook vengeance for his enemies as well. 

 

Andreas, his loyal right-hand man and cousin stood silently beside him with a map. Caspian took one deep breath before turning to face Andreas.

 

"Prepare the burial," Caspian said. 

 

"We can't, Baron. I am sorry," Andreas answered. 

 

"Why?" Caspian asked. 

 

"You have to be announced as the new Baron before we bury the GrandBaron. That's the mode," Andreas answered. 

 

"What do I need to do?" Caspian asked. 

 

"Call the captains of the outposts, announce yourself, and read the DiMarco Code of Crime."

 

"Is that all?" he asked and Andreas nodded. "Show me the map," he said in a low but firm voice.

 

Andreas nodded and unfolded a large piece of paper with various markings on it. "This, Baron, is the map of our eleven outposts. Each outpost has its leaders and members, but they all follow the DiMarco household. I order and direct them indirectly, through you," he explained.

 

Caspian took a closer look at the map, his eyes scanning every detail. He knew all too well what each outpost meant to their family and the responsibilities that came with leading the DiMarco household.

 

"First things first. The coronation. That's what you need to focus on right now," Andreas continued.

 

Caspian nodded, determined to make his grandfather proud. "Call the captain. Let them gather here."

 

Andreas took out his phone and quickly dialed some numbers, before putting it on speakerphone. They waited patiently as the leaders of the eleven outposts answered the call.

 

"Greetings," Andreas began. "You all don't know but this is the truth, our Baron has passed due to cancer and we must crown a new one. Caspian DiMarco, our new leader, an heir to the DiMarco household is standing on the dais right now, ready to accept his position and lead the DiMarco household."

 

The leaders were shocked but they all understood the importance of following their new leader. They acknowledged the call and promised to come as soon as possible.

 

Caspian took a deep breath and closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself for the upcoming coronation.

 

Andreas and the rest of his trusted men helped to get him into the Baron's suit. The suit had been passed down for generations and the last time it was worn was by Caspian's grandfather.

 

As he stood on the grand dais, he could feel his grandfather's presence all around him. It was his duty to stand there and await the captains which he did. 

 

The eleven outpost leaders walked in, one after the other, and their jaws dropped when they saw the new Baron standing there in all his glory.

 

They couldn't believe their eyes. The rumours were true - Matheus DiMarco was dead and his grandson, Caspian DiMarco was the new leader of their family, their household, and their empire.

 

Caspian looked out at the crowd in front of him and took another deep breath. He knew he had a lot of work to do, from getting to know these men, to leading them, but he was ready for it. He was ready to restore order to the DiMarco household and make his grandfather proud at the same time fight for himself. 

 

As directed, Caspian raised his hand, holding the staff firmly, the atmosphere in the room took on a reverent tone.

 

Andreas, being the first among the group, stepped forward and bowed his head before kissing the ring on Caspian's outstretched hand. "My Baron," he whispered respectfully, his voice filled with loyalty.

 

Riqui and Raquel followed suit and approached Caspian with grace and deference. Each member of the eleven outposts then took their turn, walking towards Caspian, kissing his ring, and introducing themselves along with their respective positions.

 

The room filled with a unified hush as they paid homage to their leader who will of will onward lead them to battle and make them grow in wealth. 

 

With each kiss of the ring, Caspian's authority became more apparent. He exuded a commanding presence that demanded respect and loyalty.

 

Once all the greetings had been offered, Caspian cleared his throat, signalling that it was time to proceed with the evening's agenda.

 

Taking a step forward, Caspian unfurled the DiMarco module, a series of rules and principles that would guide the group's actions from here on. It included the gang's mural as well as Caspian's edition.

 

As he began to read, his voice filled the room, each word carrying weight and significance.

 "We are the defenders of this household, bound by a brotherhood that surpasses any external threat," Caspian proclaimed, his voice steady and firm. "Together, we shall create a mural of strength, resilience, and loyalty that will tower over any opposition."

 

His eyes swept across the faces of his loyal companions, searching for an unmistakable determination to uphold the DiMarco standard. Caspian wanted them to understand the gravity of their task and the importance of their unity.

 

"As Baron, I shall lead our forces with a focus on victory through nonviolent means," Caspian asserted. "We shall seek wealth and prosperity as pathways to peace, but make no mistake, the DiMarco standard shall remain unshaken. No one harbours the right to harm our own and live to tell the tale."

  

The captains of the eleven outposts, along with Andreas, Riqui, and Raquel, who were trusted allies, raised their hands and placed them firmly over their hearts, a symbol of their deepest commitment.

 

"As your loyal servant and general of the forces, I pledge myself to your cause. We will be the very embodiment of honour and justice,” Andreas said.

 

Riqui and Raquel, their hands over their hearts, spoke in unison, their voices blending together as a testament to their unbreakable bond. "Baron, we stand by your side, ready to defend and protect, in wealth and threat, to ensure that the DiMarco standard remains unyielding."

 

As they all raised their hands, Caspian couldn't help but wonder how fast his life had changed. From being a jobless husband and a father to a leader of a wealthy and powerful household.

 

"When do I get to make orders?" he muttered to himself. He wanted to muster armed men and set sail at Wallows Square to get his daughter and end Don Razor and Don Albert. He kept harbouring the feeling that his daughter was going further away. 

 

Caspian gave a sideways glance to Andreas. A look that inquired 'Can I go on?'

 

Andreas nodded and Caspian stood straight on the dais. "The GrandBaron, my grandfather, late Matheus DiMarco has been preserved for days. I bid you all to participate in the burial ceremony," Caspian said. 

 

"You don't bid, Baron. You order," one of the outposts captain said and lowered his head. "We are at your disposal," he said. 

 

Surrounded by the six outpost captains, who also acted as undertakers for the ceremony, Caspian watched as his grandfather's casket was gently hefted across the town to the family tomb.

 

Only then, did the town know that Matheus DiMarco was dead. 

 

The outpost captains, dressed in their full regalia, marched with precision and unity, paying a final tribute to their fallen leader. 

 

As dirt was thrown upon the casket, Caspian felt a mixture of grief and resolve in him. This was a man who kept him safe even though it required being sent away.

 

***

 

After the burial, Caspian retired to a quiet corner of the estate to continue with the rites as directed by Andreas. 

 

"Baron, you need to send a notice to all gang leaders. This will ascertain your position as the head of the house so you'd be accepted in inter-gang trades," Andreas said. 

 

Caspian was tired but he kept on. He was waiting for the moment when he'd satisfy all requirements and would be able to muster the soldiers and go get his daughter. 

 

Retrieving his communication device, he composed a message that would be sent to all of them, ensuring that each one knew exactly who he was and what he stood for.

 

"Threats, taunts, and boasts. You can add all that. We are the wealthiest, but something has been lacking all these years. We are down the league. We hope you'll help restore that," Andreas said with a bow. 

 

Before Caspian pressed the button to record the message, he sighed. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he wanted to try. 

 

He realized that the household depended on him, that they wanted him to revive and restore them. Can I do this? He asked himself. 

 

"Good evening, esteemed gang heads. This is Caspian DiMarco, son of Sean DiMarco and the grandson of the illustrious Matheus DiMarco. I stand before you today as the successor to the DiMarco empire, ready to uphold the traditions, values, and principles that have been passed down through generations. Rest assured that I am committed to our cause and to the prosperity of my household and I look forward to meeting you all during trades.”

 

As the message was sent, Caspian couldn't help but wonder about the personal challenges that lay ahead.

 

"What is next, Andreas?" Caspian asked after Andreas took the device from him. 

"You need to see that vault," Andreas answered. "The captains are waiting, they need to see that you can pay them."

 

"Where do we do that?" he asked.

 

"At the Burry's Central Bank," Andreas answered. 

 

With Andreas, Riqui and Raquel by his side, he took the stairs down the garage and took the ride to the Burry Central Bank. 

 

The fleet of cars that followed him was a bewilderment to Caspian who had never owned a car. To have an armed entourage was a signal to who he was at the moment.

 

At the Burry Central Bank, they were ushered to the vault. Taking a deep breath, Caspian stood before the imposing doors of the family vault, flanked by his loyal associates, Andreas, Riqui, and Raquel and the captains behind him. 

 

This was the time to prove his sonship to Sean DiMarco, to prove that he was the grandson of Matheus DiMarco, the rightful ruler of the DiMarco empire. 

 

Joining his fingerprint with the biometric lock, the heavy doors creaked open, revealing the vast expanse of gold within. 

 

The soft glow of the precious metal reflected in his eyes, creating a shimmering spectacle that captivated his attention.

 

Silently, Caspian marvelled at the wealth that now lay at his disposal. Each gleaming coin seemed to symbolize not only his newfound riches but also the power and influence that came with his role as the head of the DiMarco household.

 

It was a stark reminder of the potential he held, the tools he now possessed to fight against those who had wronged him.

 

"Fortune has smiled upon me," Caspian muttered to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the grandeur of the vault. "With this wealth, I shall reclaim what is mine. I will dismantle Don Razor's empire, sink my father-in-law's gang, and ensure the safety of my daughter. No force, no obstacle shall stand in my way."

 

As he stared at the golds, Caspian became lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and plans. He realized the immense responsibility that being the Baron carried, but he also acknowledged the unyielding strength that coursed through his veins.

 

He turned to face the group behind him and they all bowed. This was proof to them that they would never go bankrupt.

 

"Andreas," Caspian called out. "What's next?"

 

"We await your order, Baron," Andreas answered. 

 

The Don who had taken his wife, the need to rescue his daughter, and the confrontation with his father-in-law who had swindled him were the battles he planned to sort out first. "Y'all will regret it," he said to himself.