Chapter 13 - Shadows of the Commission|
The sudden disappearance of Capo Donovan did not go unnoticed by the higher syndicate authority known as the Commission—a council of five powerful families who overseen the city's underworld operations.
On a chilly Tuesday afternoon, a high-ranking envoy from the Moretti family arrived unannounced at the Cross estate.
Salvatore Moretti, an elderly man with cruel eyes and a silver-topped cane, was escorted into Vincent's private study. Fay stood beside Vincent's desk, holding a leather folio of shipping manifests.
"Vincent," Salvatore rasped, taking a seat opposite the desk without asking. "Word on the street is that Donovan vanished into thin air last week. His dock workers are restless, and three shipments of imported luxury cars are sitting uncollected."
Vincent did not blink. "Donovan suffered a sudden breach of loyalty. I dealt with him internally."
Salvatore's sharp eyes flicked over to Fay, scanning her tailored silk blouse and the faint, lingering mark on her jawline that was now nearly healed.
"Intruding on a capo over a domestic dispute with household staff is bad for business, Vincent," Salvatore warned softly, leaning forward on his cane. "The Commission expects stability. Not emotional reactions over kitchen help."
The air in the room instantly turned lethal.
Vincent leaned forward, placing his elbows on the mahogany desk and locking eyes with the old mobster.
May you like
"Salvatore," Vincent said, his voice dropping into a register that made even the seasoned boss flinch slightly. "I suggest you choose your next words with extreme care. What happens within the walls of my estate is under my sole jurisdiction. If the Commission takes issue with my discipline, they are welcome to send their representatives to discuss it with me directly."
Salvatore stared at Vincent, realizing the younger boss was fully prepared to go to war over the issue.
