Page 78 of Prince of Vice
"About how you got into cleaning," I reply, still marveling at the decision that set him on such a different path from mine.
Teddy laughs, a genuine, warm sound that cuts through the lingering haze in my mind. "Yeah, that sure was an interesting time, huh?"
The van comes to a stop outside an old, abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. The sun is just beginning to cast its first rays of light, painting the sky in a mix of orange and pink. My heart sinks as we step out of the van and I see the warehouse door slightly ajar; this was a place where death seemed to linger, like a specter waiting for another soul to claim.
"Stay sharp," Teddy warns me as we make our way inside. The warehouse is dim, the morning light barely creeping through the cracks in the walls, casting long shadows across the large space. My eyes adjust quickly, and I'm immediately confronted with the sight of three gunned-down bodies lying next to a pile of ammunition. Their lifeless eyes stare into the void, faces frozen in expressions of shock and horror.
I swallow hard, suddenly understanding the gravity of Teddy's job. It's not easy dealing with so much death, yet he manages to maintain his upbeat attitude – something I find more impressive now than ever.
"Keep watch by the entrance," Teddy instructs as he pulls out a pair of headphones. "And don't let anyone in."
"Those don't go in your ears?" I ask, trying to distract myself from the grisly scene before me.
"Ah, these are the new bone-conducting headphones," he explains, beaming with excitement. "They let me listen to my tunes without blocking out any important sounds. Pretty neat, huh?"
"Definitely. So, what song do you start with for a cleanup job like this?" I inquire, curious about how he copes with such grim circumstances.
"Steal My Sunshine, always," he replies, grinning. "Gotta keep that '90s pop vibe alive, right?"
I chuckle, remembering how much Teddy loved that kind of music growing up. As he gets to work, meticulously rolling the bodies in plastic with practiced precision, I find myself deep in thought. My loyalty to the family and my desire for a life with Isabella are at odds, and I find myself opening up to Teddy about it.
"Teddy, I feel torn between the family and wanting a life with Isabella," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "It feels impossible to have both."
"But maybe it's not," Teddy replies, pausing for a moment as he considers his words. "Giovanni taking over might actually give you the chance to have both worlds. If you support him, you can still be a part of the family business without losing everything you've built with Isabella."
I watch Teddy work, contemplating his words. It's true that Giovanni wants to steer the family away from things like this – the violence and death that taints our legacy. As I look at Teddy, I realize how wise he truly is, despite his laid-back demeanor.
"Stop being a simp for me," he teases, catching my gaze. We share a laugh, the sound ringing through the warehouse and temporarily relieving the tension that hangs heavily in the air.
"Alright, alright," I chuckle, shaking my head as we finish loading the bodies into the van and make our way to the funeral home we own to cremate them.
* * *
As the last body is consumed by the fire, I find myself entranced by the dancing flames. The heat prickles my skin, and for a moment, it feels as if all my sins are being burned away with them. A bitter taste fills my mouth as I realize that I don't want this life of crime anymore. The anger toward Constantino still rages within me, but deep down, I know that Charlie would be more disappointed if I threw away the freedom I had just reclaimed, all for vengeance.
"Teddy," I say, swallowing down the lump in my throat, "I've made up my mind."
His eyes widen a fraction before he asks, "What's that?"
"I'm going to take your advice," I continue, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions brewing inside me. "I'll support Giovanni in his bid to turn our family business legitimate."
Teddy studies me for a moment, then nods slowly. "It won't be easy, you know."
"I know," I concede. "But Giovanni hasn't been involved in the criminal side of things, and he'll need someone who knows that world to watch his back."
"Hey," Teddy says softly, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I'm proud of you."
"Thanks," I murmur, clapping him on the back before turning away from the fire. We leave the funeral home behind us, each step feeling lighter than the last.
* * *
The weekend sun casts a golden glow over the city as I drive toward the office building where Teddy said I'd find Giovanni. Towering glass windows reflect the sunlight, bathing the sleek, modern structure in a warm radiance. I marvel at the clean lines and minimalist design as I make my way through the expensive building. It's like stepping into another world – one defined by power and wealth rather than blood and violence.
As I ride up to the top floor, I realize how little I know about Giovanni's business. When the elevator doors slide open to reveal an entire floor owned by him, I'm taken aback. A sense of pride swells within me as I step into his lavish office, finding my brother standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out at the sprawling city below.
I knock on the door, my knuckles rapping against the glass. Giovanni whirls around, his hand instinctively reaching for the gun at his belt. I'm surprised to see him armed; it's a testament to the seriousness of his decision to take over our family's empire.
"Whoa, easy there," I say, raising my hands in surrender. "I come in peace."