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“I can be so much more. You know I can.”
I keep a measured but assertive tone. “Roles are assigned based on skill and strategic necessity, not demands.”
“I’ve got skills, Vanessa, skills that can elevate this empire to new heights. You should recognize that.”
“I appreciate your skills, Jesse.”
He smirks.
“Yes, all of your skills,” I correct, smirking back, “but decisions about roles are not made lightly. They’re based on what benefits the organization, not personal desires.”
“Maybe it’s time you reconsider your perspective, boss.”
“Jesse, challenges to authority don’t end well in this world. We all have our roles to play.”
Jesse’s domineering nature creates friction, challenging the established order within our criminal empire. Navigating Jesse’s aspirations becomes a delicate dance, where I must balance acknowledging his contributions with ensuring that my leadership remains unchallenged. The dynamics within The Black Lotus, once a harmonious symphony of criminal enterprises, now echo with the discord of conflicting ambitions.
He leans in, his voice low. “Nessa, you know I’ve spilled blood before. I’ll do it again if that’s what it takes.”
Jesse’s words hang in the air like a dark promise, a subtle reminder of the dangerous dance we’re engaged in. As the dim lights in The Black Lotus cast shadows around us, his heavy implication lingers, suggesting a willingness to go to extreme lengths for the sake of loyalty.
“Jesse, we’ve always operated within certain boundaries.”
He shakes his head. “For you, I would do anything. As for boundaries, they’re flexible, especially when it comes to protecting what’s ours.”
“I appreciate your dedication, Jesse, but unnecessary bloodshed can draw unwanted attention.”
He chuckles. “Unwanted attention is just another challenge to overcome, but who I’m referring to… it’s not unnecessary but strictly necessary.”
The weight of his words underscores the precarious nature of our criminal undertakings. Jesse’s willingness to cross moral boundaries in the name of loyalty adds a layer of complexityto our already intricate dynamic. As the leader, I must navigate this treacherous terrain, balancing the loyalty of my associates with the need to maintain control and strategic precision in our criminal endeavors. The line between ally and liability becomes increasingly blurred, and the shadows of The Black Lotus conceal both secrets and potential betrayals.
“Has Foster come around yet?” he asks.
Detective Raymond Foster. I owe him a favor, which Jesse has never liked, and I can’t blame him, considering the detective was the one investigating the murder Jesse committed for the Shadow Syndicate before I convinced Jesse to flee. It had been a terrible time in my life, right after Jesse left.
“Not yet.”
“Just be careful, Nessa. Foster might not be as trustworthy as you believe.”
“I don’t trust him, but his intel so far has proven factual.”
“If he has any idea about your enterprises, he’ll shut you down.”
“Or be bought off.”
He scowls. “Don’t do that.”
“Not unless I have to.”
He turns and gazes off into the distance. “Remember that night, Nessa? The night we pulled off that heist for the Syndicate.”
I grin. “How could I forget? That was the job that put us on the map.”
“Nah. You never wanted any of the glory, but you always were the brains behind our operations.” A subtle grin curls his lips. “I just made sure no one got in our way.”
“Even Mr. Muscles as a teen,” I joke before turning more reflective. “Jesse, we’ve been through a lot together.”
He nods. “Yeah, we have. Some good, some... not so much.”
