Page 14 of Letters From Victor

Phil folded his thick arms across his broad chest, straining his jacket seams at the shoulders. “No, sir. You did not.”

“I did not,” I echoed, smoothing Joey’s lapel before sliding my hands into my pockets. “In fact, I didn’t ask you anything. I never said a word about the protection money. But you did. And it’s short.”

A bead of sweat rolled down his temple, trembling on his jaw before dropping onto his collar. His eyes darted to Phil, then back to me, searching for a shred of mercy. But I had none to spare for dishonesty.

“Well, Mr. Cardello, sir, it’s just that…I mean…” Joey stammered, tripping over his words as he fumbled for an explanation.

I let the silence stretch between us, the tension thickening with each passing second. Joey’s breathing grew more ragged. His hands shook as he clutched his hat like a lifeline. I savored his discomfort, letting him marinate in his own deceit.

“You know, Joey,” I mused, keeping my voice mild even as my words carried an undercurrent of steel, “I’ve always prided myself on being a fair man. I give people a chance to prove themselves, to show their loyalty. And when they do, I reward that loyalty. Generously.”

I let that hang in the air for a long moment, watching Joey squirm. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

I leaned in closer, my eyes boring into his. “But when someone betrays that trust, when they think they can pull the wool over my eyes…” I trailed off, letting the implication sink in.

Joey’s face paled. His lips trembled as he tried to form words. “I…I would never, Mr. Cardello. You know I’m loyal. Always have been.”

“That’s twice you’ve lied to me.”

Joey opened his mouth, closed it, and opened it again. No words came out. Just a dry, clicking sound as he tried to swallow past the lump of fear in his throat.

I savored his every twitch, every bead of sweat that rolled down his face. He knew he was caught, knew there was no lie he could spin that would save him now. But still, he tried.

“Mr. Cardello, I swear, I didn’t…I wouldn’t…” His voice cracked, desperation seeping into every word.

“Let’s cut to the chase, Joey,” I finally said, my voice low and measured. “We both know the real reason the protection money is light. And it has nothing to do with anyone threatening to go to the cops. They all know better.”

Joey’s eyes widened, his face going even paler. “I…I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Cardello,” he finally managed. “I would never?—“

“Steal from me?” I finished for him, my voice deceptively soft. “Skim a little off the top, thinking I wouldn’t notice? That I wouldn’t find out?”

Joey shook his head frantically, his hat tumbling forgotten to the floor. “No, no, I swear it! I’ve always been loyal to you, Mr. Cardello. I would never betray you like that!”

I sighed. “That’s three lies.”

“Four, sir,” Phil corrected.

I stepped back, letting Joey’s own terror do my work for me. His breaths came in short, panicked gasps as his eyes darted around the dank basement, looking for an escape that didn’t exist.

“Mr. Cardello, please,” he begged, his voice cracking. “I…I can explain. Times have been lean. I just needed a little extra cash. I was gonna pay it back, I swear!”

“Then you should have asked.”

“I…what?” Joey stared at me, confusion replacing the fear in his eyes. “I don’t understand. You…you would’ve loaned me money?”

I almost smiled at that. Almost.

Instead, I stepped closer, watching the fear rush back into Joey’s face. “You’re a smart man, Joey. Or at least, I thought you were. If you needed money, you should’ve come to me. I take care of my own.”

“I…I didn’t think…I was afraid…” Joey stammered, his voice trailing off into the damp air.

“Afraid of what? That I’d say no?” I cocked my head, studying him. “Or afraid I’d say yes, and then you’d owe me?”

Joey’s silence was answer enough. I let out a long, slow breath, shaking my head. “You disappoint me, Joey. I had such high hopes for you.” I turned to Phil, silent and imposing in the shadows. “Phil, do you remember when your mother was sick a few years back? How she needed those expensive cancer treatments?”

Phil nodded, his eyes never leaving Joey’s trembling form. “I remember, Boss. I was at my wits’ end, not knowing how to pay for it all. The hospital bills were piling up, and I was working every hour I could, but it still wasn’t enough.”

I smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “And what did I do, Phil? When you came to me and asked for my help?”

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