A Crimson Carol: A Dark Festive Short Story by Rose J

Author:Rose, J [Rose, J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781915987181
Amazon: B0CPBY4Y9G
Goodreads: 203106074
Publisher: Wilted Rose Publishing Ltd
Published: 2023-12-01T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

Christmas is a torrid affair in the Cirillo family. Festive games usually result in death threats and drawn weapons while presents range from new rankings to additional responsibilities in the cartel.

When I was sixteen, I was awarded the honour of arranging a heroin export with our neighbouring allies, the ruthless Spanish mob, for Christmas. Not exactly a stuffed stocking or late-night visit from Santa Claus.

Standing outside in the first swirls of winter snow, I consider the family graveyard at the back of the property. We always bury our dead in a place of honour. Papa’s body has been quietly committed, placed next to my mama’s grave.

“Merry Christmas, Athena.”

I tighten my trench coat, chilled for a different reason. “I came outside for some peace and quiet. It wasn’t an invitation for company.”

Halting at my side, Nico studies the distant graveyard with a solemn expression. He’s dressed in a deep-red, velvet suit with a black shirt. I force myself to ignore my papa’s cufflinks in his shirt sleeves.

“Today of all days, can’t we set our differences aside?”

“Papa should be inside, celebrating with the rest of our family.” I glare at Nico. “You took that from him.”

He sighs, his expression oddly sad. It’s the first glimmer of real emotion I’ve seen from him in the days since I returned. The flicker of humanity almost knocks me off-kilter.

“For years, all your papa wanted was to have you home again.” Nico lights a cigarette. “Every Christmas, he lit two candles with the kids. They left whiskey and a carrot for Santa, while he asked for his family to return.”

In the falling snow, he offers me the lit cigarette as an olive branch. I reluctantly accept, taking a deep drag to keep my tears at bay.

“I don’t want to take anything from you, Athena.” Nico’s eyes meet mine. “Elias was like a father to me, but this land is your birthright.”

The cigarette smoke curls between us, cutting the air of disbelief. I can’t hold in my strangled laugh.

“Is this part of your plan? Kill my papa, send your attack dog to bring me home and then lay on the flattery until I surrender my claim to your kingdom?”

“I didn’t order Drake to get you. That asshole answers to no man, not even your papa. He contrived to bring you home by himself.”

“Why should I believe you?”

Nico grabs me by the shoulders and shakes. “Because we’re blood, dammit! Enough with the suspicion. I did not kill Elias Cirillo.”

“What about your precious pals in the Sicilian mafia? Bet you paid handsomely to use their services, all while keeping your hands clean.”

He scoffs. “You see only what you want to—enemies all around you. I wonder, Athena, if your true enemy lies within.”

I shove him away from me, dropping the cigarette into the snow-dusted grass. Nico steps back like he was burnt.

“Rather than attempt to dig around in my mind, why don’t you just admit it? Tell me that you killed him. Admit the truth, and I’ll leave.”

“This is the truth!” he shouts.

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