Crimson Duty

Chapter Twenty-Three - Luca [ACT ONE]

The next day, Shingle, Jack, and Tony were on edge, each of them keenly aware that today could determine the future of their operation and their lives. They had no idea what to expect from Luca, and that uncertainty gnawed at them like a festering wound. It was late afternoon when they heard the sound of a car pulling up outside the warehouse. Jack peered through the dusty window and saw a sleek black sedan idling in the alleyway. The driver's door opened, and a large, imposing figure stepped out. Luca. He was a stark contrast to his brother Rocco. Where Rocco was all smooth charm and subtlety, Luca was raw and menacing, like a coiled spring ready to snap. His dark hair was slicked back, and he wore a sharp black suit that seemed almost out of place in the rundown surroundings. As he approached the warehouse, his eyes were hidden behind a pair of mirrored sunglasses, reflecting the grimy exterior of the building. The door creaked open, and Luca strode in, his presence immediately filling the space. He took off his sunglasses, revealing a pair of piercing grey eyes that seemed to drill straight through the three men standing before him. He opens his mouth, and a thick northern Congeranian, almost Brooklyn-esque accent resonates through the silence.

Luca: So... you're the ones causing all this trouble, eh?

His voice was deep and gravelly, carrying an edge of barely concealed aggression. He looked them over, one by one, his gaze lingering on each man just long enough to make them uncomfortable. 

Jack stepped forward, trying to keep his voice steady.

Jack: We're here to talk business, Luca. Rocco said you'd be—

Luca held up a hand, silencing Jack with a dismissive wave.

Luca: Ahh, Rocco talks too much. I'm not here to talk business, I'm here to lay down the fuckin' rules, alright?

He took a step closer, and the tension in the room ratcheted up a notch. Shingle could feel his heart pounding in his chest as Luca's eyes locked onto him.

Luca: See, my brother might have a soft spot for you boys, but I don't. I don't care about your little operation. What I care about is loyalty, and I need to know that yous are loyal... to us.

He took another step forward, closing the distance between himself and Shingle. Shingle fought the urge to back away, standing his ground even as Luca loomed over him, his eyes cold and calculating.

Luca: Which brings me to my first question... What makes you think you can handle working for us, huh?

Shingle swallowed hard, his mind racing. He knew this was a test, and he had to say the right thing. But before he could open his mouth, Luca suddenly grabbed him by the collar and yanked him forward, his face inches away from Shingle's.

Luca: You think you're a tough guy, huh? Think you can just waltz into our business and play gangster? Let me tell you something, kid. You're nothin'. You hear me? Nothin'!

The words hit like a sledgehammer, and Shingle's breath caught in his throat. He could feel Luca's grip tightening, the man's strength terrifyingly real.

Luca: And if I get even a hint of disloyalty... I'll put you in the fuckin' ground. No questions, no second chances.

Jack took a step forward, his fists clenched.

Jack: Luca, this isn't necessary—

Luca's head snapped around, his eyes blazing with fury.

Luca: Take a walk! I don't want to hear a fucking word from you.

He turned back to Shingle, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper.

Luca: You want to work with us, eh? Prove it. I wanna know you'll do whatever it takes to keep this operation running smoothly. And I mean anything. Because if you don't...