“I want you to look around the room at each other. As recently as a week ago, you were at each other’s throats. But now, you stand under one roof, united in hatred. Hatred of my father, hatred of Adrian Gallo, and hatred of your own powerlessness.”
There was no murmur of agreement this time. But in the silence, I could see that their eyes were fixated on me, waiting for my every word.
“I cannot bring back your Dons murdered by my father and Adrian Gallo. I cannot restore the pathway to power that was stolen from you. I cannot do so because I am but a woman with neither the men nor the guns to back her. Not without your help. Your oath. Your allegiance.”
“And why would we give those?” Slick-hair asked through gritted teeth as he struggled back onto his feet.
“Because,” I replied simply. “I can offer you your heart’s desire. Your true desire.”
“And what might that be?”
“Vengeance.” I extended my hand forward, my heart racing as I waited for their response. “Power.” To my surprise, Slick-hair placed his hand upon mine. Then, one by one, the other capos stepped forward and added their hands upon ours. “Honor through blood.”