Author: Koslov

“Angelo.” Raphael said. 

“Have a seat.” The patriarch of the diSantiago family said. “We need to talk.”

Raphael sat in the luxurious chair. He was unused to being here without Javier. He had only been here once before alone like this; and that was not a pleasant memory. “What can I do for you?” He asked.

“I need a favor and it’s not the kind of thing that I can really ask you. Well, not anymore.” Angelo said.

He’s going to try and pull you back in; but once you make the break, don’t do it. He could hear Javier’s words ringing in his head. He certainly believed Javier, he just didn’t think that it would be so soon. Even before the team was launched.

Raphael shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “What exactly do you want?”

Angelo slid a file folder across the table to him, but did not remove his hand from it. “You’ve been placed on the Conquistador team – you know that, right?” Raphael nodded that he did. “You know that I put you there over the objections of Ophilia?” Raphael nodded that he did.

“You know that everything you do, once the team launches needs to be above board?” Angelo continued.

“Yes – yes. I know. I understand. We have had this conversation before.” Raphael felt himself growing angry; hated the feeling that Angelo would just as well be done with him now that he wasn’t cleaning anymore. “What do you want me to do?”

Angelo let his hand off the folder, “I want you to try and dig something up or get something on this man.”

Raphael picked up the folder, ‘Code Name: Nemesis’ it read ‘Real Name: Unknown.’ Nemesis wasn’t unknown to Raphael. He was a vigilante and probably soon to be an ex-vigilante. Those types didn’t have a long lifespan in Hudson City. “Why? He’ll likely be dead before the end of the year.” Raphael said casually.

“Hopefully not. He’s your new leader.” Angelo said casually, as if that information was something that his nephew cared nothing about. “And, at some point, like any attack dog, he might turn on us.” Angelo said in a carefully worded phrase.

“Right.” Raphael ignored the insult. “No. I won’t do it.” He answered.

Angelo shook his head. “Why not? You’ve done worse than this before.”

“I don’t do this kind of work for you anymore. That was the deal, right? Everything I do needs to be ‘above board’ – right? Your words.” Raphael shot back.

“Well, the team hasn’t started yet; so the window is still open for you, for all of us. We need something on this guy; something that will give us a handle on him ... should we lose control of him.” Angelo said.

Raphael always knew his uncle was a control freak and this team would be no different. He couldn’t lead it himself; he also couldn’t allow a family member to lead it. He needed to control the leader somehow. Raphael said nothing, wanting to bait his uncle further.

“You think you want this guy getting hold of our records? Your records?” Angelo said, it was the first time Raphael had ever really realized that Angelo had a file on him and everything he had done. That angered him more than scared him.

He let the threat go. “OK. I’ll do it. But, it’s going to cost you.” He said to Angelo.

“How much?” Angelo asked smiling, it was always about money.

“I want the entire team roster; I want secret ids if you have them. I want everything on the team.” Raphael bargained.

It was clear from the look on his face that Angelo had been expecting a monetary request. The team roster was something that only two people currently had access to: Ophilia and himself. He assumed that Ophilia would go over the team with Nemesis; and knew that she would be very upset if she learned that Raphael had the information. Hell, he didn’t want to give the information to Raphael. Despite his personal flaws, Raphael was a resourceful, charismatic and energetic personality. Not the kind of person you just gave information to.

“No. I can’t do that.” Angelo replied.

“OK.” Raphael said, then he stood to walk out.

“Wait – isn’t there anything else you want?”

“No. Not really. What do you have to offer?” Raphael asked. “I have pretty much everything that you could offer me. If you want me to do that, you’ll tell me what I want to know. It won’t cost you that much - I’m going to know anyway in a month. Why not tell me now?”

“We have not set the roster yet.” Angelo answered. “We don’t have a set list, yet.”

“Give me what you have, I can work with that.” Raphael responded.

Angelo shook his head, that was the truth. “OK. But, you can’t tell anyone that you know this.”

“No deal. I’ll do with that information what I want. Just like you’ll play Nemesis anyway you want, should that time ever come.” Raphael answered.

“I don’t have everyone’s secret ID.” Angelo said.

“Don’t give me anyone secret ID, that might make this easier on you.” Raphael replied.

“Done.” Angelo said.