Chapter 7 - The Interrogation
Two nights later, Victor returned to the safehouse dragging a bloodied, terrified man by the collar of his coat. It was one of Leo’s street-level enforcers, a kid named Marco who had been at the hospital the night Gabriel was shot.
Victor threw the man onto the hardwood floor in the living room.
Clara stood near the kitchen, her heart pounding. She had seen the aftermath of violence in the ER, but she had never witnessed the brutal reality of the mafia up close.
Gabriel sat in a leather armchair by the fire, nursing a glass of scotch. He looked relaxed, completely in control, despite the bandages wrapped around his chest.
"Marco," Gabriel said softly, the calm in his voice more terrifying than a shout. "I hear you've been working for Leo."
Marco scrambled backward, trembling violently. "Boss... I swear... I didn't know he ordered the hit! He just told us to clear the hospital!"
"Where is Leo operating from?" Gabriel asked, taking a slow sip of his drink.
"The underground casino in the meatpacking district," Marco sobbed. "He’s hosting a massive gala tomorrow night. He’s inviting all the rival bosses to announce that he’s taking over the Thorne syndicate. He thinks you're dead, Boss. Everyone does."
Gabriel nodded slowly. He looked at Victor. "Put him in the cellar. We leave for the city tomorrow."
Victor dragged the screaming man away.
Gabriel turned his gaze to Clara. She was pale, her hands gripping the edge of the kitchen counter. He stood up and walked over to her, his expression softening instantly.
"I scare you," Gabriel stated quietly.
"You are a very dangerous man, Gabriel," Clara whispered. "I save lives. You take them."
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"I protect what is mine," Gabriel corrected, stepping closer until his chest almost brushed hers. "Leo broke the code. He put you in danger. He brought violence into a hospital. I will not apologize for eradicating a rabid dog."
He reached out, his knuckles brushing her cheek. "I am a monster to the world, Clara. But I will never, ever be a monster to you."
