Chapter 2 - The Son's Proposition
Emily gripped the heavy handle of the kitchen knife until her knuckles turned completely white.
She slowly unlocked the deadbolt and pulled the door open just a few cautious inches.
The young man wore a tailored black suit that looked entirely out of place in her crumbling, impoverished building.
He did not try to push his way inside or act aggressively.
He simply looked at the deadly weapon in her hand and offered a smooth, confident smile.
He introduced himself as Leo Moretti, the eldest son of the man she had just insulted.
He told her that news traveled incredibly fast within his family's vast criminal network.
He already knew a broke waitress had just publicly humiliated the most feared mafia boss in Chicago.
Emily told him to leave the premises immediately before she called the police.
Leo laughed, a dry, chilling sound that lacked any genuine humor or warmth.
He informed her that the local police captains all worked directly for his father.
He also informed her that Vincent was currently planning to have the diner burned to the ground tomorrow morning with her locked inside it.
Emily felt the warm blood completely drain from her face.
Leo stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous, conspiratorial whisper.
He offered her a highly lucrative way out of the impending fire.
He revealed his secret plan to overthrow his tyrannical father and seize absolute control of the syndicate.
To accomplish this, he desperately needed someone Vincent would never suspect to plant a listening device in his private office.
He needed the brave waitress who had strangely captivated his father’s dark curiosity today.
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In exchange for this massive risk, Leo promised to pay off her eviction notice and cover her mother’s expensive medical bills for life.
Before Emily could outright reject the insane, suicidal offer, the oxygen machine in the living room began to emit a shrill, terrifying alarm.
