Chapter 5 - THE ALLIANCE IN THE SHADOWS
The dimly lit underground parking garage smelled of damp concrete and exhaust fumes.
A sleek black SUV waited near the exit pillar.
Sarah pulled her trench coat tighter against the chill.
The passenger door opened, and an older man stepped out into the shadows.
It was Don Salvatore, the aging patriarch of the rival syndicate.
Alessandro’s greatest enemy.
“You’ve caused quite a stir in the city, child,” Salvatore rasped, leaning on his silver-headed cane.
“I came to finish what my husband started,” Sarah said steadily.
Salvatore chuckled, a low, gravelly sound.
“Alessandro thinks he owns the docks. But his shipping licenses were all under your father’s name.”
“I know,” Sarah said. “And I’m transferring them to you.”
Salvatore’s eyes narrowed with sudden interest.
“In exchange for what?”
“Protection,” Sarah said. “And complete control of the Italian quarter.”
Salvatore smiled, showing gold-capped teeth.
“You are much more dangerous than your father ever was.”
“Desperation breeds ambition, Don Salvatore,” Sarah replied.
“Done,” Salvatore said, extending a weathered hand.
Sarah shook his hand firmly.
As she turned to leave, a flash of light caught her eye from across the parking level.
A camera lens clicked in the darkness.
Somebody was watching them.
Sarah didn’t run.
She turned directly toward the hidden camera and smiled.
May you like
Let Alessandro see who was coming for him.
THE END OF CHAPTER 5
