Filed to story: A Bullied Boy Died: A Mafia King Woke Up In His Body
“What if I say no?”
“You already know what happens.”
Eric weighed the benefits in his head. For years, he had been a professor researching new methods of alcohol production. He had been expelled for no reason due to the sudden and rapid ban on alcohol, forcing him onto the streets in order to make a living.
Too many gangs had tried to recruit him, even with the threat of force, but a simple bribe and a few drops of moonshine were always enough to get the guards to go against their bosses and break away from the gang. That was how he met his current crew, anyway.
However, Kyle had shown him a new path, a chance to regain his old life. The new recipes lured him tantalizingly, and he couldn’t stop thinking about all the types of alcohol he could make with the setup in front of him.
Perhaps I can learn the recipes, then slowly get away as well.
“You have a deal. Let me talk to them.”
Eric was brought to the holding cell, where the other four moonshiners were still restrained. “Eric, you all right? Just agree to whatever they say; we’ll break out soon enough.” Adrian said, worried.
“Yes, I’ve accepted their deal. We will all be Seven Snakes members for now.”
“Great, I’m starving.” Monica’s stomach rumbled loudly. This wasn’t their first rodeo, having escaped a few gangs before. “We’ll be out of here in no time.”
*****
The pub restoration was now underway, with Kyle estimating that it may take two weeks to get it up and running. He had already fired the former bartender, and any existing Seven Snakes members who had a tab running were forced to work extra hard to clean up the messes. It was not any fun cleaning up a place where their own vomit and piss had caked into the seams, but no one dared to go against Kyle any longer, not after his showing of force in multiple fights.
It would still take some time for the new gang members to be accommodated, but Kyle already saw an opportunity for expansion. However, he did not rush anything, instead building a solid, loyal power base and providing enough time for the integration of new members into the fold. It would be foolish to make any major moves or large recruitment campaigns where potential spies from both the enforcers and the Ardent Cretins would enter.
Damian soon returned from the induction of Eric Dicar’s crew. “Sir, the induction is complete, though I get this feeling that they may look for every opportunity to break free.”
“Keep a close eye on them. They are competent in their jobs, especially Adrian.” Kyle had managed to outwit them, not through prediction but by covering all possible hideout locations. Damian, being planted among the squatters, was just one of many members-Kyle had mobilized twenty members, split up to attempt to form a net around them.
If I can entice Adrian to remain with us, it will be of great benefit to my gang.
Kyle was also aware of the seemingly close ties that the crew had with one another, something unusual in criminal groups. Holding one of them in the Seven Snakes would then serve as an additional guarantee against a potential backstab or departure.
“We should begin to appoint vipers to provide a sense of responsibility in order to tie them down.”
Damian nodded in agreement. “Just like the Red Lions’ squad leaders. It would be good to have an inner circle of trusted, competent members.” Kyle had already previously announced the position of viper, but no one had yet to fill that role. All the associates were still gunning for it.
“Only after vetting them for a month or so. Choose the most hardworking ones or those who are competent. For example, Eric Dicar, who will be the new bartender for the pub once it has been relaunched, assuming he sticks with us. And by the way, I’m thinking about changing the name.”
“What?! How can you change a name like Seductive Serpent? It’s a well-known name in the district!” Damian was shocked, his nostalgia for the pub screaming out.
“Well-known for being a hellhole,” Kyle shot back, but he had to admit internally that he currently did not have a better name for it. He was never the best at naming things; his daughter in his former life used to always complain about it.
“What should we do about that woman?”
“Monica? She can handle logistics for the brothel and the pub for now. But do have her and Adrian help out in the free soup kitchen and at public cleanup events as well.”
“Got it. Are we planning on selling the alcohol? I got a few contacts who might be willing to buy from us,” Damian offered, knowing the alcohol recipes by Kyle were bound to be a hit with the locals, especially if sold at an affordable price.
“Not for now. We’ll make it exclusive to the Seductive Serpent to draw in customers and turn them into loyal regulars,” Kyle replied before stopping as he saw a wide, shit-eating grin on Damian’s face. “What?”
“Nothing. Just glad you kept the name.”
“Get out.”
Kyle was soon left alone in the office, pondering over the next steps. There was no doubt the performance of the pub would be greatly improved now, but it remained to be seen whether it would be enough to pay off the Crimson Swords’ debt.
The main two income streams were the potions contracts with other minor gangs and the Red Lions, as well as the Lusty Arcian. Kyle performed a quick calculation, noticing that they were still off target, unable to clear the debt within the time limit provided.
I can’t just sit around and wait for the pub to be completed-I have to look for other options.
It was already abundantly clear that the weapons and human trafficking markets were currently off-limits. Kyle had plans for a public soup kitchen and a regular cleanup event to integrate Seven Snakes into the local social fabric. By showcasing their worth and benefit, they could stave off any lingering hate accumulated by Ulon, as well as garner goodwill and potentially information from the homeless and squatters who would frequent the soup kitchen the most.