Chapter 6 - The Iron Gate Standoff
The wrought-iron gates of the Costa estate looked like the jaws of a dragon against the blinding white snow.
Outside the gates sat a row of glossy black Escalades,their engines idling,pumping white exhaust into the freezing air.Leaning against the hood of the lead vehicle was Carmine Romano—a flashy,middle-aged underboss with slicked-back silver hair,an expensive mink coat draped over his shoulders,and a smug,predatory grin plastered across his face.
Arthur walked down the long driveway alone,his long coat billowing behind him like the cloak of an executioner.Sal followed a few paces back,resting his hand casually inside his jacket.
As Arthur reached the gates,Carmine pushed off the hood.integrating his arms wide.
"Arthur!"My boy!"Carmine boomed,Flashing gold-capped teeth."I hear congratulations are in order.You picked up a stray from the Hayes family.But business is business.Arthur.Richard owed my syndicate four million in total.Three-point-five doesn't cover the vig.I'm here to settle accounts."
Arthur didn't smile.He stopped two feet behind the iron bars,looking down at Carmine as if he were an insect crawling across a sidewalk.
"Richard Hayes doesn't exist anymore,"Arthur said,His voice is flat and lethal."His debts were cleared when I signed the transfer papers with his legal representation.Nora Costa belongs to this house."
"She's selling defective goods."Arthur!Carmine laughed,stepping closer to the gate."Everyone in Chicago knows she's barren!You bought a broken doll to play house with your brats.Hand her over,and I'll knock half a million off the interest for you."
From the shadows of the driveway just behind Arthur,a sharp click echoed through the cold morning air.
Carmine stopped laughing.
Nora stepped out from behind a towering pine tree.She wasn't wearing her coat.She wore her black velvet dress,her posture ramrod straight,Her chin held high.She looked every bit the queen of a dark,Dangerous Kingdom.
"Mr.Romano,Nora called out,her voice carries clearly over the idling engines."I believe there is a misunderstanding.I was not sold because I am broken.I was sold because my father was a desperate coward who traded me to the highest bidder."
Carmine sneezed,grabbing the iron bars of the gate."You're nothing,sweetheart!You can't even give a man an heir!You're useless!"
"Perhaps,Nora replied,walking closer until she stood right beside Arthur.She looked Carmine dead in the eyes.But unlike you,Mr.Romano,I am not currently standing outside a married man's fortress begging for scraps while my own shipping ports in the harbor are quietly being repossessed by federal marshals."
Carmine's face turned white.The smug grin disappears instantly.What did you say?"
"I said,Nora continued,her voice is sweet and icy."that while you were driving out here to harass my husband over a petty debt,Marcus Vance and the federal grand jury have already seized your primary container ships at Pier 42.You don't have four million dollars,Carmine.You have forty-eight hours before the FBI freezes your personal accounts."
Carmine stared at her in absolute horror.He looked at Arthur,whose face was a mask of cold satisfaction.
"You..."Carmine choked out,pointing a trembling finger at Nora."You set this up.""
"I merely audited your public shipping records yesterday evening,Nora said coolly,adjusting her bracelets."It took me twenty minutes."You really should use more secure offshore accounts,Mr.Romano.It's embarrassing."
Arthur turned his head slightly,Looking down at Nora with a gaze that burned hotter than fire.There was no mockery in his eyes now—only fierce,undeniable awe.
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You have fifty seconds left,Carmine,Arthur murmured,his hand resting casually on the iron bars near Nora's shoulder."And the federal marshals are only ten minutes behind you.Run along."
Carmine didn't say another word.He scrambled backward,dove into his Escalade,and screamed at his driver to hit the gas.Within seconds,the convoy of black SUVs tore down the snowy road,fishtailing in panic as they fled the estate.
