Chapter 9 - The Ultimatum
The romantic bubble of the safehouse was violently popped the following morning. Dante’s encrypted satellite phone rang. It was Salvatore Falcone, the head of the rival family.
“Dante,” Salvatore’s voice was slick with arrogance. “I see you survived the little traffic incident. But we both know you can't hide forever. Marco Silva is sitting right next to me. He says he wants his wife and child back. Legally, he has the right. Imagine what the press would do with a story about a mafia boss kidnapping a working-class family.”
Dante gripped the phone so hard the plastic casing groaned. “If Marco breathes in their direction, I will peel his skin off while he watches.”
“I’ll make you a deal,” Salvatore offered. “Give up the south-side shipping routes. Sign the territory over to me. Do that, and Marco takes a permanent vacation to the bottom of Lake Michigan, and I never look at your new family again.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then I leak Marco’s location to every hit squad in the city, tell them he’s the key to your weakness, and let the wolves tear you apart. You can't protect them from everyone, Dante.”
The line went dead. Dante stared out the window at the snow falling over the forest. He could give up the territory. It would cost him millions, weaken his empire, and invite further extortion. But it would keep Maria and Elena safe.
May you like
He walked into the living room, where Maria was braiding Elena’s hair by the fireplace. He looked at the family he had accidentally built. He wasn't going to give up his empire, nor was he going to surrender them.
He was going to clear the board entirely.
