The Mafiosa's Thorn

Aftermath

One month later...

With Jian's leadership and Hei's support, the Triad undergoes a trimming process. Casting out those who brought shame to the organization. From those who skimmed the books to mouth breathers who didn't push their weight.

The fat dragon of the Triad shed its weight and began to move more efficiently.

Lord Fenghuang sells away some priceless artifacts of the late Xianmao to cement the Triad's legacy after his future passing. Only keeping her cane sword as a reminder to not become like her. 

Due to the trimming process, more funds were released to keep the heroin and cocaine operations going, but with stricter control. The drugs are only sold to the highest of bidders for consumption only. The lower-income addicts received rehabilitation and money to start new, productive lives. 

He and Fu rub elbows with politicians to improve the neglected Chinese communities. Installing local sports programs to keep them away from crime unless they became adults who wanted to join the Triad.

Those applicants would be pushed through a rigorous program that tested their hearts and wits. Those who succeeded bolstered the eventual manpower needed to keep things afloat.

Jian attends every board meeting with rice wine in hand. Despite being given a ring of his leadership, he thinks about the symbol. A bird rising from the flames beneath it.

From hell to heaven, he thinks rightly.

Meanwhile.....

Signor Luis Romano continues the former Petali's organization. He holds true to staying away from cocaine operations by buying up marijuana pharmacies for new funds. Illegal guns were still being sold and bought across the ocean. He smiles with pride at his new ring. 

An engraved cogwheel representing all the work he had done for the Petalis and the work he will continue to perform.

"Don't get lost in the reflection or I will knock you out," Marco jokes.

Luis chuckles. "You're right. What's on the agenda for today?"

"The Toretto furniture store."

He throws on his charcoal jacket. "Let's go."

---

The duo's presence startles the employees. They ask to speak with Mr. Toretto in private. He leads them to his office with fear jumping on his heart.

He worries that insurance payments will increase.

"I will make this quick. I want to apologize for how you were treated."

Mr. Toretto's eyes widen in disbelief.

Luis continues. "You and other stores suffered from the pandemic, and we shouldn't have ignored that. And you kept it going by slashing your salary so your employees can eat. That deserves recognition."

He pulls out from his charcoal jacket a check and some documents. The store owner has no idea how to feel at this moment.

Signor Romano taps the paperwork with his pen. "This releases you from the insurance payments and this check is to reward you with no strings attached. You can always call on us if someone tries to hurt your business."

Mr. Toretto's eyes almost pop out of their sockets. A 2 followed by six zeroes.

"I-Is this real?"

"It is. From this point on, our security is free. That will also apply to a few others as well. Look over the paperwork. Your questions will be answered."