Chapter 3 - The Confrontation
The Lincoln screeched to a halt at the mouth of a dark, narrow alleyway. Before the car was even in park, Vincent’s bodyguards were out, their hands resting cautiously inside their coats. Vincent stepped out into the damp air, his eyes adjusting to the shadows.
Near the back of the alley, two large men in cheap leather jackets stood over a woman huddled on the wet pavement. One of the men had his hand raised, ready to strike again.
"That's enough," Vincent’s voice echoed against the brick walls. It wasn't a shout, but it carried a weight that froze the men instantly.
The thugs turned, sneering, but the sneers melted into pure panic as they recognized the man stepping under the flickering streetlight.
"Mr. Corleto," the taller thug stammered, taking a hurried step back. "We... we didn't know you were in this neighborhood. She owes our boss—"
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"I don't care who she owes," Vincent interrupted, his tone deadly calm. He stepped closer, towering over the two men. "The debt is cleared. If I ever see your faces in this city again, you won't leave it. Walk away."
The men didn't hesitate. They scrambled past the bodyguards, disappearing into the night.
