“Well, if you respected me, I’d hate to see what the fuck you do to your enemies,” I drone in a bored tone as I pick at my cuticle. “One hundred grand over three months is nothing to sneeze at, my guy,” I whistle.
“You’re so stinking rich I didn’t think you’d notice!” he spits.
“What’d you need the money for?”
“Does it matter? That bitch already told you everything! And her ass…when I’m finished with her—”
I’m out of my chair so fast it spins in a circle as I jerk Sal from Knuckles’ grasp and slam him against the wall. “You’ll what, Sal? Tell me what you’ll do in excruciating, painful detail because of everything you’ll do to her, so help me, God if I don’t do the same to you.”
His nostrils flare, but he doesn’t speak a word.
“I want my money back, Sal.”
He takes several deep breaths in as his face turns red. Our gaze is deeply connected, communicating things with one another that we’ve never said and will never say again.
“Do you understand me?”
Sal manages a nod, and slowly my fingers relax. I release him and return to my chair.
“You have two nights to return my money.”
“Two nights, DeLuca? How can I get that money in two nights? It took…” he stops when he realizes he’s about to admit his guilt once again.
“Two nights,” I say, holding up two fingers. “Go.”
“Bu…bu…but I can’t get that in two nights,” he sputters.
I say nothing, just stare at him until he turns and flees for the door.
“On second thought, aye, Sal.”
He turns around to see the gun in my hand. “You’re right. There’s no way that you can get that kind of money in two nights. I was a bit of an ass when I suggested it. I’ve changed my mind. I think I’ll be a bit more generous and put you out of your misery now. The world would be a much better place without you in it. You’re a thief and a woman and a child abuser. She didn’t say it, but anyone can look at how little Anthony cowers in fear when you’re around and know that you beat the crap out of that kid.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, the hell I do. And the Rossi’s daughter? She’s only fifteen, you sick fuck.”
Turning his lips up, he says, “She’s got a rep.”
“And that’s your excuse?”
“Hey, don’t judge me!”
I laugh. “Too late for that.”
“You cock sucking bastard!”
I look from Knuckles to Bones, trying to rein in my anger. They both grab him by the arms, dragging him back into the rear room and slamming him onto the table. He’s screaming, cursing, and begging for forgiveness as I step into the room.
I walk to a cabinet in the far corner and unlock it with the keys in my pocket as I hear the locks on the table behind me click into place. Carefully, I select a knife from the cabinet and run it down the side of my suit pants as I turn back to the table.
“He’s secured, Boss,” Bones says.
Using the tip of the knife, I cut a hole in his pants at his crotch. Sal is now trembling, crying, and snot runs down his nose.
“Oh, god! I’m sorry. I swear I didn’t mean any of it. I…I…I need help! I need prayer! I swear I’ll get help. Just give me another chance,” he pleads.
“Give me the knife, Boss. You can’t mess up that suit. The people are expecting to see you,” Knuckles says with an outstretched hand.