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Most of the men in our employ used the term, realizing good and well that I was ready to take command at a moment’s notice.
The thief’s head jerked up once we entered, the look of terror on his face a clear indication he knew what was about to happen.
“Not bad, Gio. Good to see you,” I told him. We weren’t friends or drinking buddies, but the level of respect was required in the dark world.
Max walked closer and I remained behind, unbuttoning my jacket so I’d have access to my weapon if anything should go wrong. With my background in the military, the soldiers Max employed had learned early on that I had no issue handling business when necessary. The four soldiers who’d remained inside gave me a nod of respect as required by my position. They already knew better than to fuck with me.
Max wasn’t the kind of man to waste time, preferring to remain close to the love of his life. Plus, he knew I had a plane to catch.
“Ralphie,” Max said, addressing the shaken man. “You surprise me.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Powers.”
“You didn’t think I’d notice?”
Ralphie paled, swallowing several times then raking his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry. I needed cash.”
“Why?”
When the guy didn’t answer, Max looked to me to supply one. “To pay off his bookie. You fucked up, Ralph, my man.”
“Ah, yes,” Max mused. “Gambling on horses again. Haven’t I told you that it’s not in your best interest to do so?”
“I’ll pay you back. I swear to God I will.” Ralphie shifted from foot to foot. At least he wasn’t begging. I loathed when they begged for forgiveness. In this line of work, everyone knew what they were getting into.
Max and I had successfully negotiated two lucrative business deals over the past two days, both legitimate operations. While criminal activities were still underway given the large portfolio the previous Don had undertaken, we were attempting to move into even more lucrative ventures that were completely legal.
It was the dirty side of operations that was the most taxing. Like this one.
“Yes, you will, Ralphie. However, as you might imagine, I can’t allow your misstep to go unpunished. I’m certain you understand that.” Max always kept his voice even, his years inside the Marines affording him patience where I had very little time for rats and assholes. “How much does he owe?”
He was asking me. I also handled oversight of the financials, dabbling in trading stocks when appropriate. “Thirty K.”
“Hmmm… Not significant but I see a pattern developing. Didn’t you pay back twenty Gs the last time you were caught?” Max queried. Ralphie shifted his gaze from one to the other.
Max acted as if he was still thinking about the man’s punishment. His acting skills had certainly improved over the last few months.
“I did pay it back! Plus interest. I’m good for it. You know I am.” Ralphie looked into my eyes, obviously begging for help. He wasn’t going to get a goddamn thing from me. The truth was the worthless degenerate had almost fucked up an arms deal that been in the making when Tony took over. I’d recommended he be terminated then. Now Ralph Montego was a liability we couldn’t afford.
“Suggestions, my friend? I’m thinking three digits for three.”
I walked closer, studying the guy. “What does he do when he’s not fucking up in our operations?” I knew exactly what the pinhead did. He sat behind a computer all day breaking into high security computers.
“He’s a glorified hacker.”
“An eye for an eye. That should serve as a reminder.” In truth, I was glad these kinds of infractions didn’t occur on a regular basis. It was vital for us to keep a firm hold on our empire while making transitions or the streets would be a warzone. That didn’t mean I enjoyed the experiences. I’d seen enough carnage during my stint in the Marines to last a lifetime.
“So be it. Gio. Handle it for me. Will ya?” Max directed, immediately walking toward the door.
“Yes, sir, boss.” Gio craved using his favorite switchblade. I’d been forced to see him in action more than once. I would give him an A for creativity.
“No. No!” Ralphie screamed. “I’ll do anything.”
“You should have thought of that before,” Max said in passing, taking long strides toward the door. He slammed his hands on the metal surface, moving outside without looking back.
By the time I exited the building, I’d heard enough of Ralphie’s pleas. Max had already donned his sunglasses, staring straight up at the sun as if doing so would provide him answers for an unknown question.
“That shit gets old,” he said in a quieter tone.
