"My Dilemma," Part I: "Intersection"

The Aurelius coffee shop is a well known establishment throughout the entirety of the underground crime ring within the city of Los Angeles. The morning after Nero and Marcus had visited Beatrice in her final resting place, they decided to have a coffee in celebration of their recent accomplishments and fortune.

Publius is a frequent occurrence within the cafe since he’s a young employee who is gaining more and more traction within the criminal underworld. Making contacts with all different branches of the family, Publius has become a favorite among all who come to meet him for his quick and diligent service and his knowledge of everyone’s favorite orders.

“Morning Nero, morning Marcus.” Publius states while he diligently cleans the counter with a towel.

“Morning Publius,” Marcus begins, “we’ll have our regular coffees, but go light on the creamer for my boy Nero here, he’s having gastrointestinal issues.” Marcus laughs after expressing his order.

“Shut up Marcus.” Nero puts an end to Marcus’ laughter, “In all seriousness, go light on the creamer from now on with my coffee.” Nero tells Publius.

“You got it sir.” Publius then turns around to work the brewing machines that are located just within the counter of the cashier’s counter.

While Publius is at work making the two men their coffee, Nero opens up conversation, “So I was speaking with Leon the other day.” Nero states.

“Oh yeah,” Marcus begins, “Is he having another issue?” Marcus chuckles.

“No,” Nero says firmly, “He’s planning another heist.” Nero states with seriousness in his tone.

“Will we be getting involved this time as a distraction for him?” Marcus asks.

“Not this time Marcus,” Nero says menacingly, “This time where will be no distraction-”

At that moment Publius returned with the two coffees the men had ordered, “Here you guys are, that will be seventeen dollars and sixty eight cents.” Publius says.

Marcus then reaches into his pocket for his wallet, “Christ, the prices are still rising I see.” Marcus then pulls out two ten-dollar bills and places them on the counter in front of Publius.

Publius soon grabs the bills from the counter and works the register, “Competition has been destroying business here.” Publius explains as he pulls two bills and some coins from the register.

Publius returns the change to Marcus, “I see,” Marcus says as he grabs the change and places it in his wallet, “Well you have a good day now.” Marcus gives his goodbye.

Marcus and Nero then walk outside of the coffee shop and look for a nearby bench to continue their conversation while they share their caffeinated drinks. The perfect bench is placed nearby, perfectly out of sight and out of mind for the average person who might be walking around downtown this time of day. The two men eye the bench and head straight for it. It’s a wooden bench with a metal handle that emplants it into the concrete.

The two take their seats not too close but not too far from each other in order to speak more softly than typical, “I told Leon that we would divert police attention.” Nero opens with, “However, upon discovering that Aaron and Travis are members of Leon’s heist crew, I have other ideas for our role in this upcoming heist.”

Marcus looks at Nero with intrigue, “What ideas do you have?” Marcus asks softly.

“I plan to knock out Aaron and Travis with one blow, get back at Aaron for killing Lavernius, and take out Travis for that time he thought he was so inclined to jeopardize my career.” Nero explains with a grin on his face.

“What did Travis do again?” Marcus asks with genuine ignorance.

“You idiot, you don’t remember?” Nero looks at Marcus with disappointment and Marcus shrugs his shoulders. “He was the one who nearly got me exposed during that casino heist that Leon pulled. He shot at me because he had something against me, so I had to shoot back at him in order to avoid looking suspicious.” Nero explains.

“This is our chance to get rid of both of them for good then.” Marcus concludes.

“Exactly.” Nero affirms, “This is our chance to rid them from ever interfering with our goals.” Nero explains while Marcus nods in agreement.

Marcus then changes his face to concern, “What about Sirius or Bosphorus, how do you think they will feel about us killing Aaron and Travis.” Marcus asks.

“Leave that to me,” Nero explains, “I know that Sirius has no need for Travis or Aaron’s services any longer. It’s why they are working with Leon for cash instead of him. Additionally, Aaron killed Lavernius for Epoetah not for Sirius since Sirius did not want him dead yet. Aaron and Sirius have a strained relationship with each other at the moment, I doubt he would care too much about his demise.” Nero concludes to Marcus.

“What about Bosphorus?” Marcus asks again, “Isn’t he concerned about protecting any bank robbery a member or associate of the family commits?”

“You’re right about that, however, Bosphorus cannot have a say in the matter if I get Roman involved.” Nero states with confidence while Marcus looks at him petrified.

“Roman?! Are you mad Nero?!” Marcus exclaims, “You know how terrifying Roman Aurelius is, how are you supposed to get him to be on your side, and how are you even going to have the chance to talk to him.” Marcus raises his voice at Nero despite the initial desire to be secretive about the conversation.

Nero shines a smug grin on his face, “We kill James.” Nero states hastily and with little remorse or emotion.

“Kills James?” Marcus asks with confusion, “How and why are we killing James?” Marcus is more concerned than ever at Nero’s plans.

“James is the representative of the Los Angeles Police Department for the Aurelius family. If an ‘accident’ were to happen to him, then I am next in line of succession to become the representative.” Nero explains while not even making eye contact with Marcus.

Marcus has a stunned expression, “I usually follow through with your plans but-”

Nero interrupts Marcus, “You are worrying too much Marcus. We are more powerful than you imagine. Stick with me and everything will be alright.” Nero states in a softer voice before checking his wristwatch, “Well, it’s time to go,” Nero rises from the bench, “We have a date with our lovely misses.”