Chapter 4 - The Boardroom CoupUpstairs in the executive suite—Lorenzo’s private office—Vincent Romano sat comfortably behind the massive mahogany desk.
The heavy leather chair molded to his posture as if it had always belonged to him. He was currently reviewing the signed deeds for the Long Island shipping terminals, a smug smile playing on his lips.
Knock, knock.
“Enter,” Vincent called out smoothly.
The heavy oak door swung open, and Marco Bruno stepped inside, flanked by two armed capos. Marco didn't close the door behind him. He walked straight up to the desk, slamming a heavy folder down onto the leather blotter.
“What is this, Marco?” Vincent asked, feigning surprise and mild irritation. “Can’t you see I’m trying to keep the family from falling apart?”
“The family isn't falling apart, Vincent. It’s just getting rid of the rot,” Marco said, his voice dangerously low.
Vincent’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second. “Careful whose tone you use with me, Marco. Until a body is found, I am acting head of this syndicate by unanimous consensus.”
“Unanimous?” Marco scoffed, pulling a small plastic evidence bag from his coat pocket and tossing it onto the desk.
Inside the bag lay a pair of pink plastic craft scissors with one broken blade.
Vincent stared at the scissors. The color drained entirely from his face. His carefully constructed mask of confidence cracked wide open.
“Where... where did you get those?” Vincent stammered, standing up so abruptly his chair rolled backward into the wall.
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“Found them in the east wing cellar,” Marco replied, stepping closer, his hand resting casually near his shoulder holster. “Along with a very alive, very angry Don Lorenzo DeLuca, who would like a word with you.”
Panic seized Vincent’s chest. He bolted toward the private side door leading to the balcony, but before his hand touched the brass handle, the main office doors swung wide open.
