Chapter 14 - The Clean Up
The fallout from the slaughterhouse massacre was swift and brutal, but perfectly contained. Matteo’s political fixers and bought cops worked overtime to scrub the scene. The media reported a "gas explosion" at an abandoned meatpacking plant.
The remaining Moretti lieutenants, terrified by the ruthless execution of their boss, quietly surrendered their territories to the Rossi syndicate. Matteo’s empire doubled in size overnight, completely uncontested.
Julian was moved into the Rossi estate, treated by the best private doctors money could buy. He was placed under around-the-clock protection, though there was no one left in the city stupid enough to target him.
Matteo sat in his private study, the room where the betrayal had first unraveled. He looked at the vintage globe on his desk. He reached out, spinning it slowly. The silver transmitter was gone, destroyed.
There was a knock on the door. It was Leo, the housekeeper’s son. He was back from Sicily, looking tanned and happy.
"Mr. Rossi?" Leo asked timidly, peaking his head in.
"Come in, Leo," Matteo smiled warmly.
Leo walked over, looking at the globe. "Is the bad thing gone, sir?"
Matteo reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a solid gold pocket watch, an heirloom of immense value. He handed it to the boy.
May you like
"The bad thing is gone, Leo. Because of you. You are a brave young man. When you grow up, if you ever need a job, a favor, or protection, you show this watch to anyone in my family, and it will be granted."
Leo beamed, clutching the watch. "Thank you, sir!"
