The Iron Waitress
Chapter 8 - A New Ledger
Marco’s hands hovered in the air, his eyes darting between his brother’s frozen, furious face and the cold, unyielding barrel of Sophia’s weapon.
“You sold us out to the federal contractors,” Nicolo said, his voice shaking with a quiet, devastating rage. “You wanted the entire portfolio, and you were willing to turn our own territory into a slaughterhouse to get it.”
“Family business, Nicolo,” Marco spat back, attempting a desperate, arrogant smile. “You were getting soft. You spent too much time worrying about cafes and legacy while the board wanted expansion.”
Nicolo didn't scream.
He didn't throw a punch.
He simply looked at his brother with a profound, chilling detachment, the same look he had given every man who had ever betrayed the organization.
“You’re finished, Marco,” Nicolo said quietly.
He turned to Sophia.
“Call your former colleagues at the federal crimes division. Tell them we have a cooperating witness for their red notice.”
Sophia nodded, keying the satellite radio with her thumb.
As the wire sirens began to wail faintly in the distance, echoing across the rainy docks, Nicolo looked down at the Patek watch on his wrist.
Three-twenty-five.
Time, he realized, was no longer his enemy."
