Chapter 2 — The Race Against Death
Chapter 2 — The Race Against Death
The convoy tore through the rain-soaked streets of Chicago with sirens screaming from hidden emergency lights mounted behind the Cadillacs' dark grilles. Drivers scattered as three black luxury sedans ignored every red light between downtown and the South Side.
Inside the lead car, Sophie sat curled against the leather seat, hugging herself so tightly her small shoulders shook with every breath.
Vincent Torino watched her quietly.
She hadn't stopped crying since they left the Golden Palm.
"What happened?" he finally asked.
Sophie wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
"They came this afternoon."
"How many?"
"I... I think four."
"What did they want?"
"They said Mama owed protection money."
Tony Russo exchanged a glance with the driver.
Protection money?
Vincent had outlawed random extortion inside his territory years ago. Every neighborhood under his influence followed strict rules. Small businesses—especially widows and family-owned shops—were never to be touched.
Whoever attacked Elena hadn't been following his rules.
Or worse...
Someone wanted Vincent to believe they weren't.
"They kept yelling," Sophie whispered. "Mama told them she just needed one more week."
"What happened then?"
"They started breaking everything."
Her voice cracked.
"They pushed all the flowers over."
She looked down at the dried blood on her dress.
"When Mama tried to stop them... one man hit her with a bat."
The words landed like stones inside the car.
Tony slowly turned around.
"Boss... Doyle's crew has been expanding toward the South Side."
Vincent's expression hardened.
"The Doyles don't have the courage."
Tony hesitated.
"They might if somebody's backing them."
The convoy left the downtown skyline behind.
Buildings became older.
Streetlights fewer.
Rain hammered against the windshield as abandoned warehouses gave way to narrow neighborhood streets lined with modest brick storefronts.
Suddenly Sophie pointed through the window.
"There!"
The flower shop came into view.
Its front windows had been shattered.
Bouquets lay scattered across the sidewalk like fallen soldiers.
The wooden sign reading Martinez Flowers hung crookedly from a single chain.
Fresh blood streaked across the front door.
Sophie screamed.
"MAMA!"
Before the cars had fully stopped, Vincent was already out.
His polished shoes splashed into rainwater mixed with crimson.
The front door swung open in the wind.
Somewhere inside...
A woman cried out.
Vincent reached beneath his jacket and drew his pistol.
Behind him, Tony and four armed bodyguards spread into formation.
May you like
No one spoke.
The hunt had begun.
