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With a sigh, SIlvermane got up from his seat, grabbed the bag leaning against it and dropped it on the table before you. He gestured for you to open it and check its contents. You did exactly that…and gaped at the sheer amount that the bag contained!
$1 Mil up front! What did you do to earn this in a single job’s worth of work!? Was it for beating Typhoid Mary? Or maybe for fighting through the city to put the suit in SIlvermane’s hands. Whatever it was, you’d clearly done something to impress him.
You looked up to meet Silvermane’s smiling eyes, momentarily at a loss for words.
<span class="mu-s">“It’s nice, right? I threw in a little extra for your troubles. Late fees included.”</span> he said, glancing at you hopefully. <span class="mu-s">“Think of this as an act of goodwill. If possible, I’d like to…maintain this relationship that we’ve cultivated.”</span>
The delicate way with which he phrased that statement tipped you off immediately. Silvermane’s trying to ensure your loyalty, knowing full well that someone like Nefaria could, and will make a bigger offer in order to impress you.
<span class="mu-r">“Well, I appreciate the gesture, Silvio. And…I’ve got some good news for you if you haven’t already heard.”</span> you declared.
The crime boss leaned in closer, clearly intrigued by your words.
<span class="mu-r">“Tombstone's empire is taking a fall, and either Kingpin is gonna move in and get too big for his own good, or a new fish is gonna try and muscle their way into his old territory.”</span>
Silvio’s eyes widened, and he steepled his hands before his face in order to house the growing smile that was forming behind it. “Is that right?” he said, his eyes fixed on you intently.
<span class="mu-r">“And you know what I think?”</span> you continued. <span class="mu-r">“By the time you’re ready to start rebuilding, I think you’ll be able to find plenty of opportunities.”</span>
Silvio lowered his hands, not even trying to hide his expression anymore. <span class="mu-s">“Well…that’s probably the best news I’ve heard all week. It’s gonna be hard to top that one.”</span> he said, leaning back and nodding in a self-satisfied manner. <span class="mu-s">“I knew he was having a rough time, but to think that he’s out of the game for good…”</span>
You could already see the ideas swirling around in his head. The possibilities through which he might expand and gain new territory. Sometime very soon, the Maggia was going to make a comeback in a big way.
—-------
>$1,000,000 has been added to your account!
After stopping home to drop off the cash, you were pleasantly surprised to see that Felicia had already beaten you there. You raised the bag triumphantly and was about to call out to her, but something about her troubled expression gave you pause, and your own mood began to falter.
<span class="mu-r">“What’s wrong, Cat? How’d the appraisal go?”</span> you said, glancing between her and the case on the table. She’d likely sold off the chest as an antique for an additional payout.
<span class="mu-b">“There were…complications.”</span> she admitted.
(Cont.)
