Chapter 7 - Lightning fast reactions from a massive bullmastiff pin the arrogant traitor to the polished marble floor before he can pull the trigger on anyone present.
The memory of the brief struggle faded as Salvatore turned his attention back to the somber duties of the day.
Marcus was dragged out through the side vestry doors, leaving the main funeral hall in heavy, oppressive silence once more.
Salvatore approached the small white casket, gently placing his hand on the polished wood surface.
Brun trotted faithfully beside him, sitting down quietly with a soft huff next to the child's final resting place.
The US flag in the background hung limp and heavy, mirroring the sorrow that weighed upon the criminal syndicate's patriarch.
Salvatore looked down at the beige teddy bear, gently adjusting its position with fingers that trembled ever so slightly.
No one in the criminal underworld had ever dared cross Salvatore Sterling and lived to tell the tale.
Yet the victory felt hollow, tasting of ash and bitter regret inside a mouth accustomed to absolute triumph.
The enforcers stood at attention around the perimeter of the hall, maintaining respectful distance from their mourning boss.
"Prepare the motorcade," Salvatore instructed quietly without turning his head.
"Where to, Boss?" the lead enforcer asked respectfully.
"To the North Side office; we have some uninvited guests waiting to be evicted," Salvatore answered grimly.
The heavy doors at the back clicked open slightly as the cleanup crew moved in to sanitize the marble floor.
Brun let out a long, mournful sigh, resting his massive chin upon his front paws against the wooden base.
Salvatore knelt beside the dog, offering a rare, gentle stroke behind the animal's velvety ears.
"You saved my life, boy, just like you always do," Salvatore whispered to his loyal companion.
May you like
The dog thumped its heavy tail once against the floor in quiet acknowledgment of the praise.
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