Chapter 2: You Don't Know What You Already Walked Out Of
Dante catches Javier's fist mid-air.
Not a block.
A catch.
One hand.
No effort.
The entire yard goes dead quiet.
Javier tries to pull free.
Dante doesn't let go.
"You just made the worst decision of your life," Dante says.
His voice is low.
Almost calm.
That's what makes it terrifying.
He releases Javier's hand and steps back — not in retreat, but in control.
Javier laughs, but it doesn't reach his eyes.
"You think your name still means something?
You think these people still fear you?"
Dante doesn't answer.
He turns slowly and looks at the associates standing near the tables.
One by one, they look away from Javier.
Mia grabs her father's arm.
"Dad.
Don't."
But Leo is staring at Javier with something different in his eyes now.
Not fear.
Recognition.
"Dad," Leo says quietly.
"He was at the warehouse.
Last Thursday.
I saw him."
The color drains from Javier's face.
Dante turns back around.
"What warehouse?" Mia whispers.
Nobody answers.
But one of the associates near the back slowly reaches into his jacket — and stops when Dante raises one hand without even looking at him.
Javier takes a step backward.
"You don't know what you're walking into," he says.
May you like
"No," Dante replies.
"You don't know what you already walked out of."
