[Nicky Corrozzo sat across from Thomas Hunter. Both men glared at each other, occasionally glancing around the room to break tension and to look at each other's suits.]

[Separating them was a coffee table, white marble inlay in a dark wood of sorts. By what really kept Nicky from tossing the table across the room and outright murdering the new acquisition was a conference call on hold. It would beep every now and again to notify that the line was still active.]

[Thomas reached for his empty glass but Nicky's arm jutted out.]

Nicky Corrozzo:
"The Boss said he would be right back... there's no need for another drink."

[Mr. Hunter pulled his hand away, along with the glass.]

Thomas Hunter:
'The Boss said that Thirty Minutes Ago and I've been nursing that gin and tonic like an operating surgeon.

[Thomas picks himself up, straightens out his seams and looks down at Nicky.]

Thomas Hunter:
"Perhaps you should have another drink."

Nicky Corrozzo:
"I'll get it myself."

[Nicky towers over Thomas and makes his way over to the bar, grabbing a bottle of scotch and eyeballing his pour into the Hi Ball glass. Thomas approached the gin and begins to pour.]

Thomas Hunter:
"Nicky, I know we got off to the wrong start. It was never my intention to act as a replacement for Mr. Perez or to act as a mouth piece for Mr. White. If I rubbed you the wrong way, I apologize. Is there anything I can --"

Nicky Corrozzo:
"Quiet, don't say another word."

Thomas Hunter:
"Alright, but if there's anything --"

Nicky Corrozzo:
"When my father was still larger than me, he told me to shut my mouth and not to say another word. I replied with 'okay', do you know what he did, little man?"

[Thomas says nothing.]

[Beep. Beep.]

[Nicky throws his fist down to the bar counter. Thomas doesn't flinch, he keeps steady looking at the Italian now with a smile on his face.]

Nicky Corrozzo:
"... you might be good at talking but there are times when you should allow silence to speak for you.

"You will not replace Hector Perez. You aren't half the man he was. Maybe when you take a quarter of the abuse he has taken in his life, I won't think of breaking you in half.

"Maybe, just maybe if you shut up, do your job and stop jockeying for a higher position I won't make you choose Death."

[The phone beeps once more, followed by the sound of wind moving past the receiver. Nicky goes back to his chair, followed closely by Thomas.]

Edward White:
"Hey guys, you there?"

Nicky Corrozzo:
"Yes, Yes we are."

Edward White:
"Apologies about that... so where are we at with the Jimmy Kort situation?"

Thomas Hunter:
"Not a peep from the guy."

Edward White:
"Good. It's better that way.

"Nicky, you have the week off."

[Nicky glares across the table at Thomas.]

"Same for you Mr. Hunter. I won't be needing your services at the Finale."

[The snarl on Nicky's face turns to a smirk. Thomas nods.]

"Did you guys get that?"

Thomas Hunter:
"Loud and Clear."

[The phone call abruptly ends.]

[Thomas matches Nicky's grin.]

Thomas Hunter:
"What were you saying about me replacing Mr. Perez?"

Nicky Corrozzo:
"... What was I saying about keeping your mouth shut?"
 

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