Chapter 16
Elias eventually asked what happened to the people who paid Merrick.
Nothing automatic.
Some had been embarrassed.
Some apologized.
Some insisted they thought the arrangement was legitimate.
A few clearly knew better.
I judged each by conduct.
Not one group punishment.
Elias seemed disappointed again.
“You really don’t solve everything with threats.”
“Terrible branding problem.”
He laughed.
Good.
Then he became serious.
“I spent six months thinking you’d hurt Nerelle if I came back.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
“That wasn’t all Merrick.”
Interesting.
“What else?”
“My own idea of you.”
Fair.
I had cultivated fear.
Cold voice.
Controlled rooms.
Men waiting for my permission.
Useful in my world.
Collateral elsewhere.
Elias continued:
“People hear Mafia boss and fill in the rest.”
“Yes.”
“You like that.”
I almost smiled.
“Yes.”
Honesty.
Then:
“Until it keeps the wrong person silent.”
There.
Balance.
I would not become harmless.
That was fantasy.
But I could become more legible to the people under my roof.
Rules clear.
Consequences tied to actual conduct.
No fiancée speaking for me.
No cousin selling my time.
No employee wondering whether reporting abuse itself looked disloyal.
Power works better when people know where its edges are.
Elias nodded.
Then asked for his coat again.
Nerelle, who happened to be entering with coffee, said:
“No.”
He looked at me.
“Boss?”
I raised both hands.
“Not my jurisdiction.”
May you like
Nerelle smiled.
For once, I was happy to possess no authority at all.
