Chapter 29 - The Family DecisionSterling looked at Roman, then at Celeste, and gave a slow, respectful nod.
"I expected that answer, Mr. Vascari. Which is why I didn't come here to draft a mandatory recruitment order," Sterling said quietly. He slid a small business card across the counter, embossed with a direct, secure satellite phone number. "The Atlas Group isn't just targeting government supply chains anymore. Last month, they expanded their operations into New England regional timber and maritime shipping routes."
Roman’s jaw tightened.
"Your timber mill, Mr. Vascari," Sterling added softly. "And Marco Bellini’s boat repair shop down at the harbor. Both have been marked for hostile corporate acquisition and forced liquidation by shell companies tied directly to Atlas."
The silence in the bookstore became absolute. The only sound was the distant, muffled laughter of little Maya playing with her picture books in the back room.
Sterling turned toward the door, touching the brim of an imaginary hat.
"You chose this quiet life, and no one has the right to take it from you," Sterling said over his shoulder as he pushed open the front door. "But if you don't break them first, they are going to come break this town. Think about it."
The bell chimed, and the lawyer stepped out into the bright Maine afternoon, leaving the manila folder resting alone on the counter.
Roman looked down at the folder. He didn't touch it. He looked at Celeste.
"He's baiting us," Roman said, though his voice lacked conviction. He knew the brutal reality of the underworld: when you leave a game, the pieces don't stop moving; they just find new targets.
May you like
Celeste reached out, her fingers gently tracing the edge of the closed folder. She didn't open it immediately. She looked toward the back office door, listening to her daughter's sweet, innocent voice singing a nonsense song to her dolls.
"They're threatening our home, Roman," Celeste whispered, her eyes flashing with a cold, terrifying brilliance. "And nobody threatens our home."
