Page 19 of Legacy Of Ashes
"We've got ourselves a real shit sandwich," Mickey says. "Port authority's threatening a complete work stoppage if we don't play ball with their new rules."
"What rules?"
"Random container inspections. Personnel file audits going back five years. Plus they want a quarter million in 'compliance fees' upfront."
I see the moment she processes the implications. Those files contain men on our payroll who officially work for the city. An audit would expose connections built over decades.
"I see." She leans back in her chair, projecting calm while her mind races. "And if we refuse?"
"Equipment failures. Delays. Accidents that cost us millions in penalties." Mickey's voice carries defeat. "They've got us by the balls, Princess."
Wrong thing to call her. I see her spine stiffen.
"Do they?" She stands, moving around the desk with predatory grace. "Because it seems to me they're offering us an opportunity."
The men exchange confused looks. Mickey frowns. "How's that?"
"They want money. We want efficiency. The solution benefits everyone." She stops in the center of their circle, commanding their attention. "We'll pay their compliance fees."
"Princess—"
"But," she continues, voice turning sharp as a blade, "in exchange, we want guaranteed priority handling for our shipments, advance notice of any federal oversight, andpersonnel files that develop convenient gaps when auditors come calling."
Brilliant. She's turning extortion into partnership.
"They might not agree to that," one of the younger workers says.
Saoirse's smile could freeze hell over. "Then we'll make it very expensive for them to refuse."
The temperature drops. Every man here knows what 'expensive' means when a Kavanagh says it. Not just money—careers, reputations, family safety.
"Here's what's going to happen," she continues. "You'll tell the port authority that the Kavanagh family is willing to negotiate. Mickey, you'll arrange a meeting with whoever's running this shake-down. I'll handle the rest."
"And if they push back?" Mickey asks.
"They won't. Because I'm going to make them an offer they can't refuse." She pauses, letting that sink in. "Literally."
Old-school. Brutal. Perfect.
Mickey straightens, and I see the moment he stops looking at a little girl and starts seeing a boss. "What do you need from us?"
"Business as usual. Let them think they're winning while I work out the details." She moves back to the desk, dismissing them with royal authority. "And gentlemen? I appreciate your loyalty to this family. It will be remembered when we discuss Christmas bonuses."
The men file out, murmuring among themselves. But their posture has changed—they're walking taller, energized by having a leader who fights instead of surrenders.
When the last one leaves, Saoirse slumps against the desk, the mask finally slipping.
"How did I do?"
"You were magnificent."
She looks up at me, and the heat in her eyes nearly brings me to my knees. "Was I? Because I was terrified the entire time."
"They couldn't tell. You commanded that room like you were born to it."
"I felt powerful." She stands, moving toward me with dangerous intent. "It was intoxicating."
"Saoirse." Warning in my voice, but she doesn't stop.
