Chapter 6 - A Line in the Sand
Dominick Rossi’s laugh died instantly in his throat. His two heavy-set companions immediately stiffened, their hands drifting instinctively toward the inside of their leather jackets.
"I wouldn't advise doing that," Gino said smoothly, stepping in front of Kane.
Through the alley doors behind Kane, four dark SUVs pulled up, their headlights cutting through the rain, casting long, menacing shadows across the kitchen floor. Over a dozen armed security men in dark coats stepped out, completely blocking every exit in the alley.
Vincent Kane walked slowly into the kitchen, his polished shoes clicking against the clean tile floor. He folded his hands over his silver-headed walking stick, looking at Dominick Rossi with absolute disdain.
"Dominick," Kane said, his voice quiet, calm, and terrifyingly cold. "I didn't know the Rossi family had resorted to shaking down family restaurants for pocket change. Does your uncle know you are operating in my sector?"
Dominick swallowed hard, a slick sheen of sweat breaking out across his forehead. "Kane... we were just... we were just discussing neighborhood security with Mrs. Carter."
"Mrs. Carter is under my personal protection," Kane said, stepping closer. "Her child is under my personal protection. This restaurant is a sanctuary. If a single glass breaks in this building, if a single stove misfires, I will not call your uncle. I will eliminate your entire crew from the Chicago registry before sunrise."
Dominick’s face drained of all color. He knew Kane wasn't making a dramatic threat; he was stating an absolute fact.
"We... we didn't know, Boss," Dominick stammered, taking a slow step backward toward the alley door. "We'll leave. No disrespect intended."
"You disrespect me by breathing the air in this kitchen," Kane replied flatly. "Get out. And tell your uncle that if I see your face north of 35th Street ever again, the truce between our families is permanently void."
Dominick and his two men practically trampled each other trying to get out the back door, sprinting into the rainy alley and speeding away in their sedan.
Gino shut the back door, locking the heavy steel deadbolt.
Mara let out a long breath, resting her hands on the kitchen counter to steady herself. "Thank you, Mr. Kane. I didn't mean to bring trouble to your doorstep."
Kane turned to her, his sharp eyes softening. "You didn't bring trouble, Mara. Men like Rossi are parasites. They search for light so they can snuff it out. You have built a beautiful life here for Rory. I will not let anyone tear it down."
I pushed open the office door and ran across the kitchen floor. "Mr. Kane!"
Kane knelt down, catching me as I threw my arms around his neck. He chuckled softly—a rare sound that made even Gino smile—and patted my back.
"Hello, little star," Kane said warmly. "Did you draw any more purple stars for me today?"
May you like
"I drew a whole notebook!" I said proudly, pointing back toward the office.
"Good," Kane said, standing up with a smile. "Because as long as I am alive, every star in this city belongs to you and your mother."
