Chapter 6 - The Fight Vincent Couldn’t Win
Three weeks changed everything.
The evidence Patrick Gallagher collected triggered investigations into the old shipping network.
Mercer and two former executives were arrested on conspiracy, fraud, and racketeering charges.
Salvatore agreed to testify.
Kelletti Maritime lost contracts.
Vincent sold several companies tied to his father’s hidden operations.
Newspapers called it weakness.
His enemies called it opportunity.
Vincent called it cleaning house.
Cassidy returned to the Brass Lantern.
On her first night back, Vincent sat in his usual booth.
Alone.
She approached with a tray.
“Whiskey?”
“Water.”
Cassidy stared.
“Are you sick?”
“I’m training.”
“For what?”
Vincent smiled.
“Rematch.”
Cassidy laughed.
“You cannot be serious.”
“You embarrassed me.”
“You challenged a boxer.”
“I didn’t know you were one.”
“You knew exactly what I was.”
“I underestimated you.”
“That sounds like a personal problem.”
Vincent leaned forward.
“Friday night.”
“No.”
“Ten thousand.”
“No.”
“Dinner.”
Cassidy paused.
Vincent smiled.
She narrowed her eyes.
“That was manipulative.”
“Did it work?”
“No.”
“Saturday?”
Cassidy stared at him.
“Are you asking me on a date?”
Vincent considered the question.
“Yes.”
“That looked painful.”
“It was.”
Cassidy placed his water down.
“Why?”
Vincent’s humor faded.
“Because you’re the first person in years who talks to me like I’m just a man.”
“You are just a man.”
“Exactly.”
Cassidy looked toward the bar.
“Vincent…”
“I know what people say about me.”
“Some of it is probably true.”
“Most of it.”
“And you think dinner fixes that?”
“No.”
He stood.
“I think changing what I do next matters more than defending what I did before.”
Cassidy studied him.
That answer surprised her.
“Saturday.”
Vincent blinked.
“What?”
“Seven-thirty.”
His smile appeared slowly.
“Dinner?”
“Don’t make me regret it.”
“Impossible.”
“Vincent?”
“Yes?”
“Wear shoes you don’t mind getting whiskey on.”
He laughed.
Cassidy walked away.
Dominic appeared from another booth.
Vincent glared.
“How long were you sitting there?”
“The entire time.”
“And?”
Dominic grinned.
“She scares you.”
Vincent picked up his water.
“Dominic?”
“Yes?”
May you like
“Leave.”
Dominic laughed all the way to the door.
