Page 15 of Shackled By the Mafia Boss

He runs a hand over his hair. “The Chief needs you in his office. I don’t know why, but it seems pretty serious.”

My heart sinks. Chief Smith is in his early fifties and he’s the grumpiest person I know. No one ever makes it to his office and returns without trembling. I’m afraid of him myself, but I always try to not let it show. “Did something happen?”

“I just said I don’t know why.” He realizes he just raised his voice at me and sighs. “I’m sorry. You better hurry.”

He walks away.

My steps are heavy as I make my way to the Boss’s office. I knock on the double black door and wait for him to yell, “Come in”, before I enter.

He looks up from his computer, but he doesn’t say a word, his dark eyes glowering at me as if I’m a criminal on death row for genocide.

“You called for me, Boss?”

He rests back, threading his fingers together as he stretches his arms out on his mahogany desk. “I did. I heard about the murders in Hell’s Kitchen.”

“Oh, yeah. I’m doing my best to…”

“How about you leave the case to someone a little more capable?”

“Actually…” It takes a minute for me to understand what he just said. “What?”

“You heard me.” He skims his eyes over me and it’s condescending. “Detective Cooper would be a better fit for this case. It involves the mafia and you’re a woman. Too dangerous for you, if you ask me.”

I scoff. “I must have done something wrong in a previous life, if not, why do I always end up working with such sexist men?”

Ugh.

I don’t realize I said that out loud until he asks, “What did you just say?”

I don’t bother to mince my words. “Don’t you think that’s a little sexist? Concluding I’m not fit for the case when I’ve handled other cases like this just fine?”

“Are you questioning my decision?”

My heart races as Chief Smith's stern gaze intensifies. The air in the room feels heavy, and I can sense the weight of his disapproval. I take a deep breath, attempting to maintain my composure.

“Chief, I've successfully handled cases involving organized crime before. I don't see why I should be taken off this one,” I state, my voice steady despite the tension and fury coursing through my veins.

He leans back in his chair, fingers steepled in front of him. “Detective Sullivan, this case is different. It involves the mafia, and it's a dangerous territory. I can't risk one of my best detectives getting hurt.”

I raise an eyebrow, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “With all due respect, Chief, I think this is more about my gender than it is about me getting hurt. I've proven myself capable time and again and there is no reason for you to suspect I can’t handle myself or this case.”

Chief Smith's expression remains impassive. “It's not about your gender, Sullivan. It's about the nature of this investigation. The mafia doesn't play by the rules, and I need someone who knows how to navigate those waters.”

I cross my arms, determined not to back down. “And that would be Detective Taylor Cooper?” I snort. “I've successfully navigated similar waters in the past. I know what I'm doing.”

He sighs, his frustration evident. “This isn't a discussion, Detective. I've made my decision. Detective Cooper will take over the Hell's Kitchen case.”

I clench my jaw, struggling to keep my emotions in check. “So, what? You're sidelining me because I'm a woman? Because it's too dangerous for me? Or is there another reason I’m not aware of?”

Chief Smith leans forward, his gaze piercing. “I'm making this decision to ensure the safety of my team. It's not about you being a woman. It's about mitigating risks, and yes, Detective Cooper is a better option.”

I take a moment, collecting my thoughts. “Chief, I appreciate your concern for my safety, but I joined this force knowing the risks involved. I won't let your concern for me be a reason to pull me off a case."

He leans back, studying me intently. “Sullivan, you're a good detective. But this case requires a different approach. Taylor has experience dealing with these kinds of situations. You’re angry now, that alone is enough reason to pull you off the case. You’re not good at managing your temperament.”

Frustration surges through me. I’m tempted to stride to his desk and give him a punch or two for even insinuating I’m terrible at anger management. But that will prove his point and I really need to convince him to not pull me off the case, so I don’t act on my anger. “Chief, I've dedicated my career to this department. I've faced dangerous situations before, and I've come out on top. This is my case, and I can handle it. Detective Cooper can assist me on this case like he’s always done.”

Chief Smith's expression softens, and for a moment, I think I might be getting through to him. “Sullivan, it's not just about your capabilities. It's about the bigger picture. I need you to trust my judgment on this.”

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