"I didn't expect the Bratva's tech queen to be quite so... captivating," Lorenzo's voice dripped with irony as he observed Galina, who was absorbed in deciphering a web of encrypted data.
Galina's gaze remained fixed on her screens, her expression a...
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I leaned back in my chair, the worn leather creaking under the pressure of my weight as I scanned the latest shipment manifest. The cabin was quiet, save for the crackling of the fire and the occasional rustle of paper as I shuffled through the documents spread across my desk. It was a cold night, and the thick wooden walls did little to block out the howling wind outside. Tomorrow I have to leave for Camorra, and I don't think I'm mentally prepared for whatever that's waiting for me there.
"Signore Marchetti, we have a situation that requires your immediate attention," Antonio's voice cut through the silence, his tone urgent. He stood in the doorway, his face shadowed by the dim light from the hallway.
"What is it, Antonio?" I asked, not bothering to look up from the ledger I was reviewing.
"It's about Senator Rossi. He's been asking questions about our latest ammunition deal. Seems he's gotten a bit too curious for his own good."
I sighed, rubbing my temples with my fingers. "Damn politicians. Always sticking their noses where they don't belong." I pushed the ledger back into the drawer, and allowed Antonio to let that fool enter my office. "Let's see what this fool wants."
As I waited patiently taking mental notes of the upcoming events and duties, the chill of the AC seeped into my bones. I heard footsteps come closer to the door, and three hard knocks. I finally allowed him to enter and the door swung open, revealing Senator Rossi, his face pale under the harsh fluorescent lights.
"Ah, Lorenzo, so good of you to join me," Rossi said, his voice dripping with false cordiality.
"Cut the bullshit, Rossi. What do you want?" I replied, leaning my back against the chair.
"I just need some assurances, Lorenzo. About this... business you're involved in. It would be unfortunate if any of it were to become public knowledge."
I leaned closer to the desk, my eyes narrowing. "You're threatening me, Rossi?"
"No, no, nothing of the sort. Just a friendly reminder that we're all in this together," he stammered, his confidence faltering.
I smirked, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it with a flick of my lighter. "You forget who you're dealing with, Rossi. You think a few whispers will scare me? You're playing with fire, old man."
Rossi swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly. "I just want to ensure my safety, Lorenzo. That's all."
"Your safety?" I laughed, the sound harsh in the huge silent room. "You'll get your safety when you learn to keep your mouth shut and your eyes closed. Understand?"
He nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. Satisfied, I turned towards my work, but paused for a moment. "Oh, and Rossi? One more slip-up, and it won't just be your career that goes up in smoke."
As he is guided out of my cabin by Antonio, I pour myself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid burning its way down my throat. I needed to focus on the paperwork, to bury myself in the details of the organization, but my mind kept drifting back to Rossi's frightened face.
