Born of the Storm

Chapter 12

In the heart of a decrepit warehouse, Lorenzo orchestrated a bloody transaction. The space was lit only by harsh, flickering fluorescent lights, casting eerie shadows over the scattered remnants of a violent altercation. The air was thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder and blood, mingling with the metallic tang of fear.

        He stood confidently amidst the chaos, his tailored suit now streaked with grime and splattered blood. Around him, a dozen men, some from his crew, others from a rival gang, lay in varying states of injury or unconsciousness. The concrete floor was slick with a mix of spilled liquor, blood, and shattered glass.

The table at the center was cluttered with piles of cash and neatly stacked packages of weapons. Lorenzo faced a hulking man from the rival gang, whose face was marked by a deep gash across his cheek. Despite the man's apparent pain, Lorenzo remained calm and commanding.

"Prendi i soldi e le armi, o li lasci tutto alle spalle." (You take the money and the weapons, or you leave it all behind) Lorenzo said, his tone icy and authoritative. His voice cut through the tension like a blade.

The rival leader, his eyes darting between Lorenzo and the gruesome scene, took a deep breath before nodding reluctantly. "Abbiamo un accordo, ma ricorda, se ci incroci di nuovo, verremo a predenti." (We have a deal, but remember, if you cross us again, we'll come for you)

Lorenzo's lips curled into a thin, humorless smile. "Non mi aspetterei niente di meno." (I wouldn't expect anything less) He gestured dismissively as the rival leader and his men collected their share and exited the warehouse.

As Lorenzo watched them leave, his phone vibrated violently against his leg. He pulled it out, glancing at the phone number. With a sharp exhale of frustration, he answered.

"Che cosa?" (What)

The voice on the other end was urgent and strained. "Lorenzo, we have a problem. Teresa, she is on to you. She knows about your involvement with the Silver Serpent and is digging deeper."

Lorenzo's expression darkened instantly, his eyes narrowing into a dangerous glare. "Moretti? Why the hell is she involved?"

"She knows you disrupted their shipments, she's been asking questions, and she's getting closer to uncovering something significant. She's not working alone; she's got connections," the voice reported, tension evident in every word.

Lorenzo's jaw tightened as he surveyed the room, his gaze falling on the bloody aftermath of the deal. "You're telling me she's a threat? How much does she know?"

"Not sure yet. But she's persistent."

Lorenzo's eyes turned cold and steely. "Find out what she knows, and if she gets close, mi occuperò di lei." (I'll deal with her)

The voice hesitated. "Capito. But she's not just a loose end; she's determined and resourceful."

Lorenzo's expression hardened further. "Non me ne frega niente. If you don't want her to end up bad, handle it before it escalates. We can't afford any disruptions." (I don't give a damn)

As he ended the call, Lorenzo's fury was palpable. He glanced around the warehouse, his eyes cold and calculating. The Silver Serpent's grip on him was tightening, and Teresa's interference was a complication he couldn't tolerate. He turned to his men, his tone sharp and commanding.

"Pulisci questo," (clean this up) he said, gesturing to the bloody scene. "We've got more pressing issues to address. And make sure our operation stays under the radar."