Chapter 10 - Julian Confronts The Dangerous Men Threatening Maya's Life
The glass display case rattled violently under Sal’s heavy hand, sending a small crack spreading across the surface. Rosa raised her hands defensively, her voice shaking as she tried to find the courage to speak.
“She... she doesn't work here anymore! And her debt is already gone!” Rosa lied frantically, hoping to scare them off. Sal laughed harshly, a dry, grating sound that lacked any amusement.
“Debt doesn't just disappear because a bakery worker says so, lady; now where is the girl?” Sal snarled, stepping around the counter toward the back kitchen door. Before he could take another step, the front bell chimed again with a crisp, authoritative ring.
Three men in identical charcoal suits walked into the bakery, moving with the cold, synchronized precision of military operatives. Derek Vance led the group, his expression carved from stone as he stepped between the two debt collectors and the terrified baker.
Sal stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes darting to the broad shoulders and hidden holsters beneath the suits. “What is this? Back off, pal; this is a private business matter,” Sal warned, puffing out his chest to mask his rising unease.
Derek didn't blink, his voice cutting through the chilly air like a razor blade. “The only business matter here is that you two gentlemen are trespassing on Croft property,” Derek stated flatly. Vince reached instinctively for his jacket pocket, but a subtle click of a safety catch stopped him cold.
“We don't work for Croft; we work for the Syndicate out on the West Side,” Sal bluffed, though his voice wavered slightly. Derek stepped closer, invading Sal’s personal space with intimidating height and absolute composure.
“Your former boss on the West Side received a very explicit phone call from Mr. Croft this morning informing him that your division has been liquidated,” Derek whispered coldly. Sal’s face lost all its color, the bravado draining away in a single second.
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“That's impossible... nobody crosses the Syndicate like that,” Sal stammered, taking an involuntary step backward. Derek pulled a small encrypted burner phone from his breast pocket, dialing a pre-programmed number before handing it directly to Sal.
“Why don't you ask him yourself?” Derek suggested mildly. Sal took the phone with trembling fingers, holding it to his ear as a cold, terrifying voice answered on the other end.
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