His shoulders sag, because we both know it's true.
I unfold my arms. "You're done at the North Boston site."
His head snaps up. "Please?—"
"No. The site's no longer yours." I take a step toward the table. "You're going to repay every cent." He nods rapidly. "With interest." Another nod. "You have thirty days."
Relief flashes across his face, which is a mistake. He thinks he's getting mercy, he's not.
"My father gave you a second chance."
The color drains from his face. Good. Because now he understands exactly how close he came to death.
I hold his gaze. "If this decision had been mine alone, you wouldn't be sitting here explaining yourself."
The room goes completely still; I watch as Sal swallows hard.
"My father believes eleven years of service is worth considering."
I don't, not when weighed against four months of theft.
"Don't mistake his decision for kindness."
His breathing is shallow now, he’s panicked. As he should be.
"You stole from this family once." I take another step toward the table. "You will never get the opportunity to do it again."
A muscle jumps in his jaw.
"If I ever find you stealing from us again, there won't be a meeting."
Understanding settles over him, real understanding, not the relief he'd walked in here hoping for, no it’s fear. "I understand."
I hold his gaze for another second and then point at the door. "Get out."
Sal doesn't need to be told twice. He's on his feet immediately. Within seconds, he's gone.
The door closes behind him, Enzo leans back slightly, and the tension in the room breaks. I don't relax, because I need information.
I look at Enzo. "How's the site?"
He doesn't need me to clarify which part of the operation I'm asking about. "The construction side is on schedule. Concrete goes in next week."
I nod. "And the shipments?"
"Two came through last month."
"Any problems?"
Enzo shakes his head. "None. Everything was moved within forty-eight hours."
Good, the less time product sits anywhere, the better.
"Next month?"
"Three shipments are scheduled."
I consider that. Three is more than usual, but not enough to raise concern.
