Chapter 25: The Empire’s Circle
Chapter 25: The Empire’s Circle
Alberto crossed one leg over the other as he lit a cigarette. Lowering his head, he inhaled deeply before leaning back and exhaling a plume of smoke toward the ceiling.
“So…”
Lance picked up where he left off. “So, I plan to find some locals with legal status—maybe some homeless folks—pay them a few bucks, and have them dine at Mr. Anderson’s restaurant. Then, I’ll involve a few journalists to frame it as a human-interest piece. Something like... ‘The Restaurant Most Loved by Homeless People.’”
Alberto froze for a moment, then slowly nodded in approval. “That’s a brilliant idea, Lance.”
“No one wants to share a dining space with a bunch of stinky homeless people. It won’t take long before his restaurant’s reputation is ruined.”
He tapped the desk enthusiastically. “What about using our own people?”
Lance politely declined. “Mr. Coti, it’s not that I don’t want to give our guys something to do, but I’m certain Mr. Anderson will call the police. If we use our own people, it might cause complications.”
Alberto thought it over seriously before a smile spread across his face. “You’re absolutely right, Lance. This is why I admire you so much.”