Page 63 of Morally Corrupt

"Indeed. I've spent most of my formative years in Sicily, and I've gained a significant understanding of such practice's pros and cons. In fact, I can mostly see the pros."

"Of course, there are pros." My words are perhaps too biting. "For the people offering protection, not those who truly need protecting."

"Alas, that was in the past. It's a new century, a new era. We can learn from our mistakes and make it so that everyone benefits from such a scheme."

"So, what are you proposing, in fact, Mr. Agosti?"

"We can help you with your goals of emptying the streets and keeping the crime rate low."

"We… who is we?"

"At this point, our family has entered a partnership with Gallagher's family. By joining our forces, we can supply enough manpower to ensure the streets are safe and that residents are no longer fearful."

"And what how will everyone benefit from this, exactly?"

"As I've said, the neighborhoods will be considerably safer. We'll gain from the proceeds from the protection fees, while you? Well, you'll certainly benefit from having such a perfect record of keeping your promises."

"But that's not all, is it?"

"Well, we would certainly appreciate it if our businesses stay, shall we say, police-free?"

"That's a lot to ask for meeting for the first time, Mr. Agosti."

"Certainly." Rocco leans forward and takes over. "My son has done a great job of explaining the issue so far. We plan on being most accommodating, should you decide to help us."

"One thing I am not entirely certain of. What is Mr. Gallagher's interest in New York? And what does he stand to gain? So far, he's only been the one supplying in this scenario."

I expect Matthew Gallagher to be the one to take the floor this time, explaining his side. It's still Enzo, however, who does the talking. Again.

"Mr. Gallagher is famous in Boston in the underground fighting scene. He wants to move some of his arenas here, in NYC, and our family has offered up the venues."

"I see…" I say, and I more than see. They are merely scratching the surface with the information they're giving.

"Then you see how beneficial this would be for all of us. Martin's told us about your wife's foundation too. I'm confident that certain allowances can be made regarding that as well," Enzo says, eyeing my wife once more. It also doesn't escape me that he's on a first-name basis with Martin out of everyone here.

"Then allow me to say I have no interest in this scheme of yours," I say, standing to leave. "Bianca, let's go!"

She gives me a questioning look, maybe because what I'm doing is rude and probably because I've never behaved in such a way with her father. I don't know whether she gets it or not, but both men sitting next to her are mobsters. Quinn, I know, and he's a deadly bastard. Enzo, while I'm not familiar with him, I can tell from this short interaction that he's shrewd, maybe too intelligent, and he's the brain behind everything. Bianca stands to follow me when Martin finally speaks up.

"Theodore, Bianca. SIT DOWN." His voice shows he isn't playing around, yet both Bianca and I are still on our feet.

"Theodore, I think you forget who got you your current position." Martin looks at me, daring me to go against him. "You…" His gaze moves towards his daughter. "You forget the shit I buried for you when you were younger." Bianca's face falls.

While I do indeed need his support, I could do without it if it meant going against my principles. I'd done that once in my life, and I'd promised myself never again.

"I don't care about your money or connections," I say, and he smirks.

"Then how about your wife going to prison for murder?"

"Excuse me?" I exclaim. Bianca's face is now blank, devoid of any feelings. Everyone around the table turns to look at her expectantly.

"Auch lass didn't peg you for a wild one," Matthew Gallagher finally speaks, chuckling.

"What do you mean?" I ask him and then look at my wife. "Bianca?" She doesn't react.

"Tell him. Tell him, my darling daughter, how you poisoned your nanny when you were ten. You do remember, right?"

"Bianca, is this true?" I look at her, begging her to say no. She finally raises her head to look at me.

---