CHAPTER 5: RIPPLES IN THE UNDERWORLD
News travels fast in the criminal ecosystem. By the next morning, the report that Don Vincent Corneille had personally intervened in a low-level debt collection had reached the ears of the Commission.
In a dimly lit private lounge downtown, Vincent met with Dominic, the head of the rival faction.
""You're soft, Vincent,"" Dominic mocked, swirling a glass of scotch. ""Stepping in for a nobody? Paying off her debt? Word on the street is the legendary Don is growing a heart in his old age.""
Vincent remained impassive, his eyes steady. ""It’s not about a heart, Dominic. It’s about discipline. Your men are acting like street thugs. Beating women and traumatizing children brings unwanted attention from federal agencies. It’s bad for business.""
""She was fair game,"" Dominic sneered. ""Her husband owed us.""
""The debt is settled,"" Vincent declared, leaning forward, resting his hands on the mahogany table. ""And hear me clearly, Dominic: if any of your men come within ten miles of that woman or her child again, I will consider it a personal declaration of war against my family.""
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Dominic’s smile vanished. He recognized the tone. It was the tone of a man who had earned his throne through blood, and was fully capable of defending it.
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