2025-05-04 16:02:26
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The Killing Mindset
“Well, anyway, I’m going to take my leave. You just enjoy your time on the ship,” Dane said.“Don’t worry about that. I’ll soon be going to break the news to my men,” Carlos replied.“You mean your hoodlums? Or thugs? Whatever you call them,” Dane said.“Well… you can call them whatever you want,” Carlos shrugged. Then he turned, stepped out of his room, and walked away.Dane stood there for a moment, watching the door close.This guy… Carlos.I’m not sure we can trust him or not. Even if Butcher showed him his power—what he can do with the police and everything—in the end, that alone might not be enough. A man like that can’t be trusted so easily, Dane thought.But then again… Butcher isn’t someone who makes wrong decisions.“I think I shouldn’t be worried about that right now,” Dane muttered to himself. “There are bigger things to focus on.”Richard might attack tomorrow. And when Butcher predicts something, he’s rarely wrong. That meant Dane had to be ready.His injury had healed.
Arrived
The contract—Butcher gave it to him. It stated everything: Carlos’s life, his men, his loyalty—everything was now tied to the mafia.As Carlos finished reading it, he paused and prayed. He was a Christian. He usually went to a Catholic church. He had tattoos all over his body. He was a big sinner. But still, before doing anything serious, he always prayed.He touched his forehead, then his chest, then each of his shoulders—making the sign of the cross. When he was done, he folded his arms. Then he looked at the contract once again. Finally, he signed it.After signing, he looked up at Butcher.“Butcher, do I need to cut my hand? Like, my blood—for a fingerprint signature? I hear they usually do that in the mafia,” Carlos said, lifting the paper off Butcher’s desk.Butcher looked at him.“No need for that. In my mafia, we don’t do that. And you… you’re a big sinner. You’re a killer. And here you are, praying,” Butcher said.Carlos looked at him and smiled.“I’m sure you’re also a sinne
I’m Not Here to Beg
Carlos stood still, looking at Butcher. A slow smile spread across his face. Then, he opened his arms wide and said, “It’s a pleasure for me to meet the great Butcher. You’ve shown me what you can do, and I thank you for that.”He took a step closer.Butcher was seated in front of him, calm and silent. Carlos reached forward, offering a handshake.But Butcher didn’t move.He looked at Carlos for a moment, then slowly brought his own hand up—not to shake, but to return it to his pocket.He kept staring at Carlos without a word.Carlos lowered his hand.“Thank you,” he said quietly.The air between them was heavy—respect, tension, and something else neither of them spoke out loud. He stayed seated, unmoving, until Carlos finished speaking. Then, slowly, Butcher reached his hand back and slipped it into his pocket.“I’m trying to be nice,” Carlos said calmly. “You’re the one who wanted to give me a contract. And I’m here now. You’ve shown me what you can do. I’m ready to be part of your
Fortress Ship
After a one-hour drive, Dane and Carlos finally reached the ship. As Dane stopped his bike in front of it, Carlos got off and stared at the massive vessel. Without saying a word, he stepped closer, eyeing the structure with quiet curiosity.Dane got down from the bike too, adjusting the collar of his suit. He buttoned it calmly, then walked toward Carlos and stood beside him.“I haven’t seen him in person before,” Carlos said, turning his head slightly toward Dane, then looking straight ahead again. “I’ve only seen him once on TV. Back then, he wasn’t painted as a mafia boss—he was shown donating to charity, helping orphans and the less privileged.”Dane didn’t respond. Instead, he moved ahead of Carlos and started walking onto the ship.Carlos followed closely behind.As they stepped aboard, the men stationed on the ship—Butcher’s men—looked directly at Carlos. Some of them watched in silence, while others exchanged glances, sizing him up. There was no hostility, but the air was heav
A Deal
“Well, well, well. Carlos Sylvester,” Butcher said, his voice low and steady. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you… speak to you. Anyone—anyone in the underworld, every criminal—would kill for the chance to talk to you.”“Butcher,” Carlos replied calmly.“Okay, go on,” Butcher said. “What are you trying to say? I was speaking to my boy, and you interrupted. That’s rude. Apologize.”“Okay, I’m going to apologize. I’m sorry for interrupting your call,” Carlos said.“Good. Now go on,” Butcher replied.“Are you really sure you have the connection or the power to give me that kind of offer?” Carlos asked.“Who do you think I am?” Butcher said. “You know damn well I’m one of the most ruthless mafia bosses in the underworld, so don’t take me for granted. I told my boy to speak with you. So, what’s your reply? I don’t go back on my word, and I don’t lie.”“Thank you,” Carlos said. “Our conversation is finally going somewhere. Alright, let’s do this. If I accept your deal this instant—because
The Offer
He dialed Butcher’s number. The phone rang once before Butcher picked up. “How did it go?” Butcher asked. “He accepted,” Dane said, then paused. “But—” “But what?” Butcher cut in sharply. “He said he agrees… but he has to consult someone first before taking the offer,” Dane replied. “What do you mean by that?” Butcher’s voice turned cold. “I told you—either he accepts the offer or you kill him. If he doesn’t agree, he dies. Do you understand?” Dane stayed silent. “Listen carefully,” Butcher continued. “The person Carlos wants to consult is a man who worships money. If Richard offers him enough cash, he’ll join Richard’s side without hesitation. And once that happens, they’ll provide Richard with the manpower he’s desperate for.” “Butcher…” Dane muttered, but Butcher kept going. “Richard is already dangerous. He’s not just a mafia boss—he’s connected to other syndicates. He’s strategic. He doesn’t want to waste lives unnecessarily, but if he’s cornered, he’ll sacrifice thousan
