Chapter 5 - The Cost of Arrogance
Brenda sobbed hysterically, her expensive high heels slipping helplessly against the icy pavement as the hitman held her in a brutal chokehold.
Her mind fractured in a million different directions, completely unable to comprehend the chaotic warzone that had erupted behind her restaurant.
The terrifying man holding the gun to her head had just called the homeless vagrant "Marchetti," a name that commanded absolute fear in every corner of Chicago.
She stared through her terrified tears at the man in the faded wool coat, finally recognizing the lethal, unyielding posture of an apex predator.
Salvatore stood completely still in the falling snow, his suppressed pistol still aimed squarely at the center of the hitman's chest.
He calculated the exact trajectory of the bullet, knowing he had a clear shot, but the risk of the dying man pulling the trigger via reflex was too high.
Despite the fact that Brenda had cruelly humiliated him and his daughter just an hour prior, Salvatore refused to let an innocent civilian die for his sins.
He slowly lowered his weapon, his cold, piercing eyes locked intensely onto the sweating face of the desperate assassin.
"Let the woman go, she has absolutely nothing to do with our business," Salvatore said, his voice echoing with terrifying authority.
The hitman let out a jagged, nervous laugh, tightening his grip on Brenda's throat until she gagged for air.
"You really think you are in a position to give orders tonight, Boss?" the gunman mocked, his finger trembling on the trigger.
Salvatore deliberately uncurled his fingers, letting his heavy black pistol drop into the thick snow with a soft thud.
He kicked the weapon several feet away, raising his empty hands to show he was completely unarmed.
Brenda squeezed her eyes shut, a wave of profound guilt and terror washing over her as she realized this man was sacrificing his life for hers.
"Who paid you to break the peace in my city?" Salvatore asked calmly, stepping slowly out of the shadows.
May you like
The hitman offered a cruel, victorious smile, completely unaware of the deadly distance Salvatore was subtly closing with every step.
"Your underboss, Vincenzo, sends his deepest regards, and he promised us double if we bring him your head."
