Chapter 18 - Into the Lion's DenThe old sugar refinery smelled of rusted iron, damp concrete, and rotting wood.
Rico kicked open the heavy iron side door of the abandoned facility, stepping into the cavernous central chamber. Dust motes danced in the pale moonlight filtering through the shattered glass skylights far above.
"I'm here, Dominic!" Rico’s voice echoed off the concrete walls, cold and commanding. "Step out of the shadows!"
From the upper catwalks, slow, mocking applause echoed down.
Dominic Moretti leaned against the rusted iron railing, looking down at his nephew with a triumphant grin. Two armed enforcers dragged Clara out onto the metal walkway, forcing her onto her knees. She looked battered and exhausted, but her eyes met Rico’s with fierce, unyielding defiance.
"Look at you," Dominic mocked, stepping down the metal stairs with a heavy iron cane. "The great capo of Brooklyn, walking like a lamb to the slaughter for a waitress."
"Let her and the boy go, Dominic," Rico said, his hand hovering near his holster. "This is between you and me. Settling a family debt."
"The boy isn't here, nephew," Dominic laughed darkly. "He's safely locked in a trunk in a car heading toward the river right now. You'll join him soon enough."
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Rico’s blood ran cold. For a split second, the mask slipped, and raw, blinding panic flashed across his face.
Dominic raised his pistol, aiming directly at Rico’s chest. "Any last words, Rico?"
