Chapter 18 - The Tribunal Showdown
To ensure that no shadow would ever fall over their family again, Alessio insisted on one final duty: attending the formal dissolution council of the remaining Midwest bosses in Milwaukee.
Two days later, in a quiet, high-ceilinged room overlooking Lake Michigan, five veteran syndicate bosses sat around a heavy oak table. Clara walked beside Alessio, wearing a sharp black suit, carrying a leather briefcase containing the federal non-prosecution decrees.
Old Bruno stood at Alessio's right side, fully recovered, wearing his signature dark cardigan.
"The Tribunal is dead, gentlemen," Alessio said, his voice echoing off the stone walls with absolute authority. "Julian Thorne is going to federal prison for the rest of his life. The Iron Ledger has been seized by the United States government."
An old boss from Detroit leaned forward, rubbing his chin. "And what of the Romano name, Alessio? Do you claim the seat of Cicero?"
Alessio reached into his coat pocket, pulled out the silver Capo ring that had belonged to his father, and set it down in the middle of the table.
"The Romano family no longer operates in Chicago," Alessio declared calmly. "Our name belongs to the Indiana valley now. If any man in this room attempts to extend his hand into our district, our clinic, or our family... he will not answer to the Commission. He will answer to me."
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The room fell completely silent. One by one, the five bosses stood up, bowed their heads in quiet respect, and stepped back from the table.
The line was drawn. The past was surrendered.
