Rocco kept his voice steady.
“I’m just looking into a few things, Vice. Nothing that concerns you.”
“Of course, boss. Just making sure no one caused trouble in my territory. You know how protective I am of the families under my care.”
The audacity nearly made Rocco laugh.
Vice bragging about protecting the very families he had been destroying.
—Speaking of families—Rocco said slowly—, last night I met an interesting woman. Sarah Thompson. Does that name ring a bell?
The silence on the other end lasted just long enough.
—Thompson—Vice finally said—. Should it?
“Apparently, her husband Marcus owed you money before he died. $15,000 plus interest. You personally handled the collection.”
“Ah… right. Yes. That Thompson. A sad case. Her husband left her with a large debt. We had to recover what we could.”
Rocco pulled into the underground parking garage beneath his office building.
“Vice, I need you to meet me tonight. Bring the documentation for Thompson’s account.”
“Tonight? Boss, it’s already late.”
“Tonight.”
His tone left no room for argument.
“My office. One hour.”
The call ended.
The next hour gave Rocco time to prepare.
He called Tony to gather every file on Marcus Thompson. He contacted his accountant for records of all loans issued in the past two years.
He instructed his head of security to pull surveillance footage of Vice’s recent movements.
Then he made one final call.
Detective Maria Santos.
One of the few honest officers left in the city.
“Rocco,” she answered. “This better be important.”
“It is. I need you to document something. Seven families in the Riverside neighborhood have been extorted by someone claiming to work for me.”
“Are you calling the police on your own operation?”
