The ground was sparkling. Shards of glass, ranging from wide slabs to thin slivers, covered the floor of the restaurant. Light reflected from the soft lamps above, turning the dark floor into a starry sky. Tables and chairs lay toppled, unmoving, caught in the moment. Not even the blood dared to trickle, the beads and trails waiting motionless over the tablecloths.<\/p>\n
Ferris took a step forward. The broken glass crunched beneath his sole, the only sound in the frozen room. He stepped gingerly over a body, avoiding eye contact as he moved. Each corpse lay exposed, their limbs bent and draped, scattered between the rows of dining sets. There was only one thing that caught his eye \u2014 a body across the room, its length covered by a single white sheet.<\/p>\n
He moved forward, his shoes nudging bullet shells aside as he walked. A noise began to fill the stale air; static \u2014 a police radio. He paid it no mind \u2014 it wasn\u2019t important. The only thing that mattered was the sheet before him and the single hand peeking out from the hem of the cloth. Kneeling, he let his fingers stop on the corner of the sheet. The static was growing louder, but he continued to ignore it.<\/p>\n
Ferris swept the sheet free.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In an instant, he awoke, gagging on his own breath. It rushed into his chest, arching his back as his eyes locked on the ceiling. He could still hear it \u2014 the static, its hush distant and muffled. He could see her face, her eyes dull and cold beneath him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlex,\u201d he mouthed, his body paralyzed beneath the sheets.<\/p>\n
A minute passed before his arms would move. Hesitantly, he lifted his hands, bracing them on the mattress as he forced himself upright. His head swayed as he placed his feet on the cool wooden floor, then unsteadily crossed the room.<\/p>\n
He avoided his reflection in the bathroom mirror, only tugging it open for the cache concealed behind the glass. The medicine cabinet was perfectly arranged, its color-coded bottles and tubes kept in neat rows on the shelves. He groped for the bottle on the lowest shelf, the pills rattling inside the transparent orange plastic.<\/p>\n
For a moment, he stared down at the pill in his hand \u2014 an inconspicuous pink oval.<\/p>\n
\u201cShit,\u201d he muttered, then tilted his head back to swallow.<\/p>\n
Upon arriving, Ferris was glad to see that Giorgetti\u2019s was in one piece. Though its ruin would mean he had gained powers of precognitive dreaming, the last thing the restaurant needed was a second round of destruction. They had a meeting to hold, after all. He was greeted by a forest of upturned chairs, their seats resting neatly on the tabletops. Though the establishment was closed for the evening, there was still business to attend to.<\/p>\n
Ashtrays and whiskey glasses covered the long table in the back room. Smoke drifted lazily from a cigar stub, curling in the air as it burnt itself out. At the head of the table sat Gino, his blue eyes creasing as he laughed beneath the painting of the Palinuro. Flanking him were Victor and Roberto, his two sons and highest ranking captains.<\/p>\n
In the past, Demos had been resigned to stand against a wall during the rare meetings he was allowed into. In the last year, however, he had been given an increasing number of responsibilities, taking his place as a member of his uncle\u2019s crew. Though Victor had practically raised the boy, he had shown no bias towards his nephew, often burdening him with the messiest of tasks. Eager to impress, the Ghost had uttered no complaints, carrying out even the most tedious requests with total focus. For now, this had earned him a seat.<\/p>\n
Perhaps, if he\u2019d been on time more often, his chair would not be at the far end of the table.<\/p>\n
Ferris took his place behind Demos, resting a hand on the back of his chair. Demos glanced back, giving the other a faint smile before turning his attention back to the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis name was Shaffer,\u201d he said, continuing his explanation of the tapping incident. \u201cNot sure if he\u2019ll try again, but we\u2019re watching him either way.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bug, which had been set up in that very room, had since been removed. This was only after subjecting the two policemen to the entire Godfather trilogy \u2014 twelve times.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou get the judge?\u201d Victor asked, setting his glass down on the table with a clink. Sal, his top crew member, watched warily from his side.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot yet,\u201d Demos replied, shaking his head. \u201cLee\u2019s working on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, tell him to work harder. We need that name,\u201d Victor growled.<\/p>\n
\u201cMinding policemen is not our job,\u201d Gino said, his voice low. \u201cRoberto \u2014 I\u2019d like you to meet with Blakely. Nothing serious \u2014 just a friendly reminder of his responsibilities. It seems his\u2026 memory is slipping.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d his son replied with a nod. Blakely, Southport\u2019s police commissioner, was currently serving his second appointed term. Fortunately, the man\u2019s foul private life had given them a perfect source of blackmail to puppeteer him with. Unfortunately, no police chief could serve forever.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what did you get on the Marianis?\u201d Victor asked, turning his attention to Sergio.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not going to like it,\u201d he answered, looking back at his father with a knit brow.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? What am I not going to like?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the Arabs\u2026 they never left.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what does that have to do with the Marianis?\u201d Victor asked, tightening his hold on his glass. Sergio didn\u2019t reply and in a moment, it clicked.<\/p>\n
\u201cFanculo<\/i>,\u201d he spat. \u201cYou\u2019re fucking kidding me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey signed up with the Marianis. Don\u2019t know how big of a deal it is yet, but they\u2019re probably going to rake it in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you, Ash,\u201d Alonzo said from his seat next to Demos. \u201cI told you<\/i> we should have taken this deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Victor\u2019s attention snapped towards his cousin, his eyes burning as he opened his mouth. Before he could speak, however, Gino silenced him with an outstretched hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlonzo,\u201d he said, his tone even. \u201cYou know why we had to say \u2018no.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, and it\u2019s bullshit<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a problem with the way I run things,\u201d Gino replied, his head lowering ever so slightly, \u201cI would be happy to hear your thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The room was silent as the men waited for a response. Alonzo refused eye contact, only managing to stare at the far end of the table. The lines on his face twitched, yet he said nothing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see,\u201d Gino said, raising his head once more. The entire room seemed to collectively exhale. Victor finished his drink, then cleared his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything else, Sergio?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, one more thing. Since we\u2019ve got most of Southport, they\u2019ve started going out of town for deals. The new head, Jimmy \u2014 he\u2019s got a real business mind. He knows how to make money.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOut of town?\u201d Demos asked, his interest piqued. \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know that casino upstate?\u201d Sergio asked, gesturing with a hand. \u201cThe Indian one\u2026 Buncha Pines, or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSix Pines,\u201d Ferris said, speaking for the first time since he\u2019d entered the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, Six Pines. You know it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re one of our clients,\u201d Ferris said hesitantly. \u201cI\u2019ve been up there a few times. It\u2019s a three hour drive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, the Marianis want in on the casino racket. They went up once, but I don\u2019t think it worked out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo let it go,\u201d Roberto said with a shrug.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Demos said, his hands laced tightly on the table. \u201cThey\u2019re stubborn \u2014 they\u2019re going to try until they get what they want.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we\u2019ll get to them first,\u201d Victor said. \u201cI heard this place is big \u2014 bigger than the one we\u2019ve got by the airport. Could be worth it. If those assholes get that much green coming in, they\u2019re going to be a much bigger pain in the ass than they are now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow the hell are we supposed to do that?\u201d asked Sal, who had been uncharacteristically quiet the entire meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cGhost,\u201d Victor said, locking his eyes on his nephew. Demos swallowed, unsure if he was reading his uncle correctly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMe?\u201d he asked carefully, his skin beginning to prickle in anticipation.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can bring Fish up there, see what you can get. Think you can handle it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos took a breath through his nose, his chest rising beneath the collar of his suit.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know I can,\u201d he said, meeting Victor\u2019s eyes as he spoke. \u201cI\u2019ll\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n
A sharp clatter cut through the air as a fist hit the table. The glass ashtrays shifted on the surface, their carefully balanced cigars toppling into the bowls.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re fucking kidding me. Him. You\u2019re sending him<\/i>?\u201d Alonzo seethed, gesturing at the young man beside him. \u201cI\u2019m<\/i> the one that was right about the fucking Arabs. This kid\u2019s barely dropped his balls and you\u2019re giving him the casino? If this little finocch\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n
Alonzo was unable to finish his slur. Demos\u2019 chair had scraped back, nearly toppling as he grasped the man\u2019s shirt in his fist. His fingers were white, twisting the fabric between his knuckles as he brought their faces together.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t call me that,\u201d he hissed, his voice only loud enough for Alonzo to hear. \u201cEver<\/i> again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on,\u201d Sergio said, firmly taking his cousin by the arms. \u201cLet him go.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fabric around Alonzo\u2019s neck tightened, digging against his throat as he glared back at his assailant. Demos didn\u2019t look away, only sucking in his next breath through his teeth.<\/p>\n
\u201cDemos,\u201d Gino said gently. \u201cLet go.\u201d<\/p>\n
A moment later, his fingers uncurled, releasing the older man\u2019s wrinkled collar. Alonzo coughed, shoving Demos off before turning away to rub his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow sit down,\u201d Gino continued.<\/p>\n
Demos complied, doing his best to keep his head upright. The corners of his eyes remained tight with ire, but his mouth sat obediently closed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m backing Victor\u2019s decision. Demos will go,\u201d Gino said, directing his words to the far end of the table.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen, kid,\u201d Victor said, gesturing to his nephew with a pointed finger. \u201cI don\u2019t want any roughhousing \u2014 no messes. You\u2019re just going there to talk. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstood,\u201d Demos replied. His tone was flat \u2014 it was all he could do to hide the shiver in his voice. Beneath the table, his hands clenched his own knees, digging tight to keep from shaking.<\/p>\n
It was past midnight when the meeting ended. Ferris had said little else, more content to listen than to speak. It was only when he was secure in the privacy of Demos\u2019 car that he opened his mouth again.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou okay?\u201d he asked, giving his friend a sideways glance as he drove.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d the Italian murmured. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, because I\u2019m about to yell at you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat, you don\u2019t want to do the casino?\u201d Demos asked, emphasizing the hurt in his voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Ferris snapped. \u201cI don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. No, no, no. And no<\/i>,\u201d he said, each \u2018no\u2019 more spiteful than the last. \u201cI\u2019ve helped you do a lot of stupid shit in the past, but I\u2019m not going to help you do this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy the hell not?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t even know where to begin. I\u2026 I just\u2014 okay, first of all, they\u2019re my clients. This could hurt my career. Hello, Sterling LLP? Yeah, one of your trusted accountants just came over here with a mafia goon demanding money, is that part of the contract?\u201d<\/p>\n
Demos opened his mouth to protest, but was immediately cut off.<\/p>\n
\u201cSecond, it\u2019s an Indian casino. These people go through enough shit on a daily basis without more<\/i> fucking white guys running in there making demands.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, I get it. I get it,\u201d Demos said, holding his hands up defensively. \u201cBut you\u2019re forgetting one important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Ferris hissed, momentarily forgetting his driving to shoot Demos a glower.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s not us, it\u2019s going to be the Marianis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris said nothing, only returning his attention to the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you know they don\u2019t play nice,\u201d Demos continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, like you<\/i> do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, you heard Uncle Vic. We\u2019re not going to hurt anyone. Just talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris squinted at the road, unable to think of a response. Street lamps streamed over his face as they drove, rhythmically draping him in light and dark.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, what\u2019ll it be? Us, or the Marianis?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ferris sighed, his breath slow with the weight of his answer. For a minute, he struggled with his own voice, wishing he had some other \u2014 any<\/i> other choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine. I\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d Demos kept his voice soft, not wanting to rub salt into Ferris\u2019 wounded pride. They drove in silence for another minute before the other spoke once more.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026You sure you\u2019re okay? With\u2026 with what Alonzo said.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMhm,\u201d Demos replied, not entirely convincing as he turned to gaze out the window.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think he knows?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he murmured, watching as neon-lit bar signs flickered past. \u201cBut I sure as fuck hope not.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The ground was sparkling. Shards of glass, ranging from wide slabs to thin slivers, covered the floor of the restaurant. Light reflected from the soft lamps above, turning the dark floor into a starry sky. Tables and chairs lay toppled, unmoving, caught in the moment. Not even the blood dared to trickle, the beads and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fishbones-book-02"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4oWx8-4y","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=282"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":585,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/282\/revisions\/585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.fishbonescomic.com\/novel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}