Blurred Lines

CHAPTER FIVE: CAGED

The cold steel bars weren't new to Marius. As teenagers, he and Bishop spent considerable time with police for various misdemeanors. But today felt different. He couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness when that garrote wound around his neck—realizing all the family's power meant nothing if he couldn't wield it constantly.

But first, he had to get out of jail.

The holding cell at this hour contained only the worst characters—anyone with loved ones wouldn't be here. The moment Marius entered, dark glances described his situation vividly.

"Hey, fancy pants!" called a tattooed man. "Hunting accident?" He pointed at Marius's bloodied shoulder.

"You deaf?" another smaller man shot at him.

Marius met their gaze with a smile that made his features look pulled by strings. "I see you're the guv'nor."

"You got that right. And this is his concrete jungle," said the smaller man, now on his feet.

He slithered toward Marius until he could hear him breathe. "When he asks a question, you answer clearly and monosyllabically—or that shoulder wound will be the least of your worries."

"Is your minion going to read me my rights, or—"

Before Marius finished, the small man slapped him hard across the face.

Marius grabbed the man and flung him against the steel bars. The room erupted into a frenzy of jeering and cheering. Marius raised his palms to pacify, but his opponent wasn't interested. He lunged at Marius, who turned him over and planted a vicious knee to his belly.

Before Marius could finish him, a heavy punch cut open his right ear, sending hot liquid down his cheek. He turned to see who struck, then got rocked by a powerful fist to the chin. The world became shadowy figures in a brightened abyss. A barrage of punches, kicks, and slaps reduced him to an embryonic mass on the cold floor.

"Marius Profacci, you're free to go," an officer announced, clearly unsympathetic.

Barely able to stand, Marius was led to the processing area, where a man in a black button-up shirt waited.

"Mr. Profacci, I'm Ari. Sorry I'm late. Let's get you out of here."

Marius hobbled toward the exit, clutching his shoulder. Before leaving, he turned to Detective Anissa, flashing an evil smirk that revealed his blood-stained teeth.

Outside, Marius confronted Ari. "What took you so long?"

"The wife was in the mood tonight. I wasn't skipping that for anything—definitely not for you."

"You think this is a joke?" Marius raised his voice.

"No, but seeing as you're not delivering on your deliverables, and with daddy freshly dead, I'm wondering if you're worth it at all."

Marius's steps slowed. "You can't exactly deliver a crime family on an express platter."

"Better find a way, or it's your ass and everyone else's on the line. No f*****g exceptions. Need I remind you that I've got your balls in a vise?"

Ari opened the car door with a sarcastic smile.

"Welcome, your majesty, to the rest of your life."