"I'm not as fragile as you think. Go do what you need to do.
Uncle Ricardo will protect me."
"I'll guard our little princess well," Ricardo said, smiling with his shotgun in hand.
He was truly happy, not just because he genuinely liked Emily, but also because over breakfast, Leo had agreed to take over the family's grocery store.
After kissing Emily goodbye, Leo's first stop was Carlo's base in the factory district outside town.
To Leo's surprise, the place was completely deserted. What surprised him even more was running into Sheriff Jonathan there.
"Seems like you really do know who tried to assassinate you,"
Jonathan said calmly when he saw Leo.
"Then, honorable Sheriff, did you manage to catch the culprit?"
Leo parried the question, choosing to stay on his own track.
"Lynchburg PD isn't a city detective agency, Leo.
In a small town, the police's job is to make people feel safe."
He offered Leo a cigarette.
Sensing a shift in Jonathan's demeanor, Leo took the cigarette and lit it with his own lighter.
The gesture between the two men dispelled their past grudges like smoke in the air.
"As for actual safety or murder investigations—those have never been in my job description.
You understand, I'm sure. In America, everyone has a price."
Jonathan took a long drag.
Leo understood. Jonathan clearly followed the two golden rules of being an American worker:
Do what you're paid for. And do it for whoever's paying.
"So, Jonathan... where's Carlo?"
Leo pointed at the now rundown factory.
"Dead," Jonathan said, tone heavy, tinged with resignation and a trace of pity.
Leo's eyes widened. A spark flashed across his mind, and he blurted out:
"His master killed the disobedient hound?"
Jonathan looked at him in surprise—not because of the sharpness of Leo's insight (which he'd already come to expect)—
but because of the way Leo phrased it. In that moment, Jonathan saw in Leo the kind of political instinct he had always envied in Patrick and his ilk.
"Now I understand why Joseph worships you. I see no weaknesses in you."
He was praising Leo's talent, yes—but he was also affirming Leo's guess.
"And the other hound?"
Leo meant Johnny.
"The startled stray ran off. But don't worry about him,"
Jonathan said with a confident grin. He liked Leo's canine metaphor.
"Sounds like you've sent a good hunter after him."
Leo wasn't about to trust a single statement with his safety. He needed to know why Jonathan was so sure.
"If I'm going to play with you young folks, I need some cards in my hand too.
Relax—Johnny's not making any waves."
Jonathan smiled again.
"Oh, and by the way, show up at City Hall tomorrow morning. Patrick wants to see you."
Rock Meyer's Mansion
Lawyer Orison handed a court document to Ben.
"Why are you here? Hyman Ross promised to send Johnny Ola."
Hearing his boss's name spoken so casually, Orison's expression darkened for a brief second.
Still, considering Ross's business in Cuba depended on Ben's family support, he forced a professional smile.
"That was the plan. But an issue came up in Cuba that required Mr. Ross himself.
You know Johnny Ola is in charge of his security."
Ben accepted the explanation and took the document.
It was a court summons—a copy of a lawsuit from a Richmond construction company suing the Brown Lumber Yard for breach of contract and demanding compensation.
"Not bad. But it's not enough.
Unless Michael dies, the profit won't be maximized.
Tell me, did you bring anyone useful?
The country bumpkins here in Lynchburg are completely useless."
Ben made no effort to hide his contempt, ignoring how dark Rock's expression was becoming.
He was in a good mood and confident that with Ross's men, nothing would go wrong.
"Unfortunately, it's just me this time."
"What?!"
Ben stood up in a fury, about to lash out—but thought better of it. Losing his temper on a nobody would only cheapen him.
He stormed over to the phone instead.
"I wouldn't make that call if I were you. Mr. Ross prepared everything as you asked.
But then your family called."
Orison's words froze Ben mid-step.
He slowly turned his head. "What did the family say?"
"Maximize the profits reasonably. The Browns are an old American family.
Don't let Michael's death become an excuse for political backlash.
In this country, everyone has a price. Killing Brown would be a loss-making move.
Also—the chaotic era is over.
Anyone associated with the mafia will only get dirtier."
"Heh. That sounds like Herbert.
If he hates the mafia so much, how is Ross not furious?"
Ben poured himself a drink to suppress his rising anger.
"Quite the opposite. Mr. Ross agrees with Mr. Herbert.
We're going to Cuba to clean up."
Crack!
"Fuck that! Herbert just doesn't want my resort opening first.
Don't think I don't know he bought land to build his own! That thief—he stole my idea!"
Ignoring Ben's tantrum, Orison stood and said:
"I'll be staying at Charlie's Inn in town. The court date is the 18th.
Until this matter is resolved, you can find me there."
Cheers!
At the Pasta Italian Restaurant, Leo and Joseph celebrated the return of Shawn and the others.
The dinner table buzzed with excitement, especially Kevin, who jumped up mid-meal, striking a dramatic pose and launching into a passionate speech.
This trip to New York had completely opened Kevin's eyes.
The once most pessimistic designer was now bursting with confidence.
"If David Realty and Fox Properties stick to their old ways, they'll be crushed.
Using these new materials, we can save 20% on costs with individual orders—
and up to 50% with bulk orders!"
"Yeah, too bad someone already has exclusive distribution rights in Virginia," Daniel added.
"And those small factories aren't keen on signing new agents. They mostly just do subcontracting for the big firms."
"That's what worries me the most.
If we start making money with these materials, David Realty and Fox aren't blind.
They'll find ways to get their hands on them too.
Then our advantage will be gone."
Watching his once gun-happy crew seriously discussing market strategies,
Leo felt like this "New York bootcamp" had been a huge success.
"Leo, boss, aren't you worried?"
Charlie looked at him with a friendly grin and asked.