Charlie’s words sent shivers down the spines of the five, Will Johnson included.
Who could have fathomed enduring Charlie’s torment up until now? They’d hoped he’d release them, but instead, he’d tracked down the Chinese gang’s boss, issuing a deadly command.
Terror gripped them. Will, bloodied, managed, “Mr. Wade… we did as you asked. Spare us…”
Charlie smirked, “Begging won’t cleanse your hands of bloodshed. Did those you killed beg?”
Ignoring Will, Charlie thrust the gun into Casey’s trembling hand, coldly saying, “What are you waiting for?”
Staring at the pistol, Casey’s inner struggle was palpable.
Casey bore a profound grudge against the Burning Angels, yet the prospect of taking a life weighed heavily. He’d fought many times, but never killed.
Charlie’s intention was crystal clear, five bullets, five enemies.
Casey fretted. Would vengeance bring a life on the run, chased by police and the Burning Angels? The Bloom Gang stood no chance, especially against the Italian power behind the Angels.
Yet, Charlie’s words resonated deeply. Chinatown was crumbling under their leadership, devoured by the enemy. Fleeing meant annihilation for the Chinese Gang and Chinatown.
The dead, even the vendors, would bear the cost.
Casey grappled with a conflict he’d never known.
Charlie’s disappointment was evident. “Fearful, hesitant, indecisive. The Chinese Gang and Chinatown deserve a better leader.”
Casey, humiliated, couldn’t commit.
In his quandary, Jordan approached Charlie, resolute. “Mr. Wade, give me the gun. I’ll do it.”
Hogan’s brow furrowed, worried for Jordan’s future. “Jordan, this act may exile you from the U.S.”
Undeterred, Jordan clenched his fists, “Uncle Hogan, enduring their tyranny is worse! They deserve this fate! As an illegal immigrant, I’d rather leave this country after exacting vengeance for our Chinatown brethren.”
His resolve solidified, “Before I go, I’ll fight with all I have. Avenge our fallen comrades.”
Hogan held his words, eyes on Charlie, awaiting guidance.
Charlie regarded Jordan gravely. “Jordan, you have two paths. Firstly, I’ll arrange your swift exit from the U.S., as you suggested, never to return.”
A beat, then Charlie’s tone grew resolute, “Secondly, stay and form a new Chinese gang. Any insult merits punishment. Kill them. Protect your kin and compatriots.”
Jordan stood stunned, then, with determination, nodded. “Mr. Wade, I choose the second.”
Charlie cautioned, “No turning back. Are you certain?”
Jordan affirmed, “Mr. Wade, I’m sure.”
He turned to Casey, resolute. “Casey Vigo means well, but he’s unfit to lead. I’ve seen our gang falter and our people suffer. I won’t stand for it. Leading, I’ll make us formidable, a force none dare challenge in New York, or the U.S.”
Hogan voiced his support for Jordan.
Charlie saw the resolve in Jordan’s heart.
Turning to Casey, favonovel.com asked, “And you, Mr. Vigo?”
Casey hesitated, coughed, “The gang’s dwindling. Jordan alone may struggle to lead…”
Charlie cut through, “Self-doubt and slander only diminish you. Think, what if Jordan succeeds? You could thrive in Chinatown. Be a backbone of the gang. Consider which matters more.”
Casey felt a deep sense of shame.
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