Chapter 7 - THE DEBT COLLECTOR'S MISTAKE
Vinnie Gambino arrived at Tony's Chicago office expecting a business opportunity.
Instead, he found Dominic Russo waiting beside a conference table.
Tony sat at the head.
Vinnie smiled nervously.
“Mr. Moretti.”
Tony looked at him.
“Sit.”
Vinnie obeyed.
Tony placed a file on the table.
“Arthur Thorne.”
Vinnie's smile faded.
“What about him?”
Tony leaned back.
“How much did he borrow?”
Vinnie swallowed.
“Twenty thousand.”
Tony nodded.
“And how much does he owe now?”
“Fifty.”
Tony looked at him.
“Interesting.”
Vinnie shifted.
Tony continued.
“According to your records, you've already collected thirty-eight thousand.”
Vinnie froze.
Tony tapped the file.
“So you've received more than the original principal.”
Silence.
Vinnie swallowed.
“Interest.”
Tony smiled without warmth.
“Predatory interest.”
Vinnie looked down.
Tony continued.
“You threatened Arthur.”
Vinnie said nothing.
“And you threatened his daughter.”
Vinnie went pale.
Tony leaned forward.
“Clara Thorne works for me.”
Vinnie's expression changed.
He understood.
Tony placed another document on the table.
“You will cancel the remaining debt.”
Vinnie stared.
“Mr. Moretti—”
“You will stop contacting the Thorne family.”
Silence.
“And you will provide written confirmation.”
Vinnie swallowed.
“Yes, sir.”
Tony stood.
Then looked at him.
“If you ever threaten another employee's family, you will be answering to law enforcement with every record we've collected.”
Vinnie nodded rapidly.
Tony watched him leave.
Then turned to Dominic.
“Make sure Arthur receives the paperwork.”
Dominic nodded.
“And Clara?”
Tony hesitated.
May you like
Then answered.
“Let her decide what she wants to know.”
