Re: Cosa Nuova: A New Mafia
Ogunquit was the sort of town that almost anyone would want to live in, but that somehow managed to stay largely isolated – primarily because few seemed to know of its existence. This was largely due to the will of its inhabitants. Nestled into the granite cliffs on the Atlantic coast, this town’s name literally meant “beautiful place by the sea,” and those who lived there wanted to keep it that way. After all, who could blame them for not wanting to share the white beaches, colorful rock faces, and sparkling rivers with thousands of disrespectful outsiders? But more importantly, their values included peace, quiet, and their chosen way of life.
Nevertheless, like all towns this one experienced its own comings and goings. Occasionally someone discovered this tiny corner of paradise and managed to gain entrance. Once inside, the populace was actually quite welcoming, and most newcomers simply melted into the community. They were no more inclined to give away the town’s secret than the older residents.
Little did this peaceful town realize the horror that would soon envelop it.
It was on a fine Saturday morning that two of Ogunquit’s most respected members were strolling along the North Beach. Behind them, the sun was rising out of the mists far out to sea. To their left, high granite cliffs rose further inland, while to their right the waves of the ocean crashed against the beach, making their way far up the smooth sand.
The first man’s name was GeneralHankerchief. It was said that his ancestry could be traced back to the original founders of Ogunquit. The Hankerchief family had certainly been in town for as far back as anyone could remember – and for some, that was quite a long time.
The second man, Big King Sanctaphrax, was also an active leader in the community. Although a young man, he had shown great initiative and considerable concern for the town’s well-being. It was thought by many that public service was in this man’s future.
Neither of them had much to say as the ambled along the beach this particular morning. A simple morning walk for two such old friends was not an uncommon thing. Soon they would reach the footbridge that would take them back into town, where coffee and a hot breakfast awaited them.
By chance, GH happened to glance at his friend. He looked away, then sharply looked back – what had he seen? A tiny red dot was dancing around on the forehead of BKS! Shock and alarm crossed GH’s face.
BKS looked back and saw his friend’s alarmed expression. “What is it? What do you see?” he asked. Then suddenly he saw it as well – a tiny red dot moving slowly across GH’s chest!
Simultaneously, they realized what the red dots meant. “Take cover!” shouted GH, who tried to push BKS to the ground. “Look out!” shouted BKS, who simultaneously tried to shove GH out of the way. Needless to say, their attempted heroics interfered with each other, and neither achieved their intended goal.
The well-aimed shots that came from high above made no sound. Both bullets reached their intended targets at the same time. The two men slumped to the ground, killed almost instantly.
The shocking news of the double homicide traveled like wildfire through Ogunquit. This kind if violence was unheard of – things like this happened in big cities, not in tiny coastal towns! By evening, every single townsperson had gathered in the square before town hall. The mayor, looking flustered and overwhelmed, attempted to address the crowd.
“People, please… quiet down… listen to me!” he shouted through a bullhorn. Eventually he got everyone quiet, and began to speak.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he said. “You’re confused, and you want to know what’s happened. It would be easy to jump to conclusions, and to blame this on a vagabond of some sort – perhaps an escaped criminal. But unfortunately, things are not that simple.”
He paused and swallowed. “Our friends have been killed in a manner that is very professional. Sniper rifles of the sort used here are difficult to obtain, and just as hard to use properly. We are looking at the work of an organized criminal syndicate – most likely, the mafia.”
Whispers and murmuring spread through the crowd – confused, skeptical, and frightened. What could possibly have brought the mafia to Ogunquit?
The mayor cleared his throat. “In addition, we believe that the killers have been living among us for some time,” he said. “While I cannot disclose our evidence for this at this time, it is quite likely that the villains are people that we know – perhaps they are even here, listening to this, right now!”
Instantly the uproar returned, and it took the mayor several more minutes to regain the crowd’s attention. “We are taking measures to deal with this crisis,” he said. “I have instructed both of my detectives to investigate the case thoroughly. In addition, the town’s medical staff has been placed on high alert. The best thing you can all do is remain calm, cooperate with the authorities, and keep your eyes and ears open.”
Now there were dissatisfied, impatient grumblings from the crowd. No one liked the idea of leaving the killers at large while waiting for the police to finish the job. After all, were Ogunquit’s police really ready to take on a challenge as fearsome as the mafia?
“…absolutely ridiculous, I know who’s guilty!” came a voice from the crowd, growing louder. “Listen up, people! A guy just moved in next door. Quiet guy, keeps to himself mostly… ten to one it’s him!” There were shouts of approval to this, until someone else shouted, “What about that guy who lives up on the hill just south of town? We never see what he’s up to… I wouldn’t be surprised if the mafia came in and paid him off for this!” More approving voices.
“People, please!” shouted the mayor, trying to calm the angry crowd. “We won’t get anywhere with mob justice! Let the police do their work!” But he was shouted down by the people.
He stood there for a few minutes, looking defeated, as accusations were hurled back and forth. He had to find some way to bring the crowd under control before it tore itself apart.
“Alright,” he said quietly. No one heard. “Alright. ENOUGH!” he shouted into the bullhorn. This got the crowd’s attention, and soon the shouting stopped.
“Here’s how we’ll do things,” he said. “If you are all so certain you can bring the guilty to justice, you’ll get your chance. Each one of you may cast one vote for who you believe is guilty. Whoever receives the most votes will be executed by the will of the people!”
The people seemed satisfied with this. Somehow, many of them seemed confident enough in their own opinions to put someone to death. The mayor gazed at them in stunned silence. How had it come to this?
Nevertheless, he now had to keep his promise. One by one, the people came forward to cast their votes.
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Originally Posted by ByzantineKnight
Re: Cosa Nuova: A New Mafia
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