Slippery as an Eel #42

As the helicopter touched down on the island, the rotors slowly wound down, and the noise that had filled my head for the duration of the flight began to fade. I stepped out onto the helipad, squinting against the bright sun reflecting off the ocean. Carlo and his wife followed, looking around with a mix of relief and apprehension. Big C, still unconscious, was slung over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

Dugan was waiting for us, arms crossed and face set in a stern frown. The moment I stepped onto solid ground, he marched up to me, his voice raised over the residual noise of the helicopter. "What the hell, mate? Kidnap? We didn't give you this island to turn it into your bloody private prison!"

I couldn't help but scoff at his words. "First of all, you didn't give me this island. You used it as payment in exchange for intel. Second, what I'm doing isn't any worse than the countless black sites SHIELD has all over the world."

Dugan's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "We work for the greater good. Our methods might not always be by the book, but we're out there preventing global threats. We don't kidnap civilians!"

I felt my temper rising but kept it in check. "Tell that to fucking HYDRA. And let's not kid ourselves—Big C here isn't just any civilian. He's working for a notorious criminal who's been terrorizing New York for years. What I'm doing isn't all bad. I'm going to get rid of a threat your people deemed below their pay grade."

Dugan opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off, turning to Carlo and his wife. "Pick a room in the mansion and think about what you want to do in the future. You're safe here."

They nodded, grateful but still on edge. I could see the weariness in their eyes, the trauma of the last few hours taking its toll. They made their way toward the mansion, glancing back at me with tentative hope.

I hoisted Big C higher on my shoulder and looked back at Dugan. "You can lecture me all you want, but right now, I have work to do."

Dugan glared at me but said nothing as I carried Big C into the mansion. The cool air inside was a welcome relief from the heat outside. The interior was just as nice as I remembered—marble floors, high ceilings, and expensive furniture.

I made my way to one of the basement rooms I had prepared for situations like this. The heavy door creaked open, revealing a sparse room with no windows and a single cot.

I threw Big C onto the ground and glared at him. "Stop playing dead."

Big C groaned, slowly opening his eyes. Fear flickered across his face as he sat up cautiously. "Had to. Thought you'd whack me on the head again."

I couldn't help but smirk. "that's a fair assumption, I guess." I pulled a stool from the corner and sat down, ready to start questioning him. Before I could get a word in, Big C interrupted.

"What's really going on here?" he demanded. "First those weird creatures, now a private island and spooks. What the hell have I gotten myself into?"

"None of that is important right now," I said, keeping my tone flat. "What's important is that you have information I need, and you better start singing."

To my surprise, Big C shrugged. "I'll sing, alright. Just set the tune and enjoy my melodious voice."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Just like that? No honor among thieves? Or are you doing this out of the kindness of your heart?"

Big C laughed, the sound harsh and humorless. "Honor among thieves? That's a fairy tale if there ever was one, pal. And Manfredi and I? We ain't exactly thick. As for the kindness of my heart—" He shook his head, the very notion absurd to him.

Vito materialized beside me, his presence a shadowy reminder of my dual existence. "He isn't lying... It's almost an open secret that Big C has been gunning for Manfredi's seat as the head of the family... and he has practically no honor at all..."

He looked at Big C, his eyes narrowing in contempt. "The guy is as slippery as a buttered-up eel, though. I'd trust him as far as I can throw him, and you've seen firsthand what a fat fuck he is..."

I turned my attention to Big C. "You must want something then. Hurry up and spit it out. And make sure it's within reason, because I am more than capable and willing to make you talk."

Big C grinned, his confidence returning. "I don't have any demands, more like a suggestion that can benefit us both."

I remained silent, my expression cold and unreadable, waiting for him to continue.

Big C leaned forward slightly. "My suggestion is simple. I'll give you all the info you need to destroy Manfredi... then once he's gone, his position will be up for grabs, and I happen to--" he said, only to be cut off halfway through his sentence.

I stood up abruptly and buried my foot in Big C's gut. His eyes widened, and he groaned in pain. "What the hell was that for?"

"I already told you to ask for something within reason, and having me put you in charge of the Silverman doesn't fall under that..." I said, my voice low and threatening. "I have no time for games."

Big C held up his hands defensively. "Will you let me finish before you start kicking, at least?"

I gave him a cold look, and he hurriedly continued. "Look, as I was saying before you so rudely interrupted, I just so happen to have a good number of the boys in my pocket...." he trailed off, again trying to gauge my reaction.

Receiving another blank look, he continued. "Considering your lineage and the fact that you've been with the Maggia, no one would complain about you taking the reigns once you take Manfredi out of the picture..." He put on a sly grin. "Granted that someone with the right connections can vouch for you, of course..." 

My eyes narrowed, locking onto Big C's as I leaned forward. "I've yet to hear what you want in return."

Big C shrugged, leaning back against the cold, damp wall. His eyes flickered with a mix of cunning and confidence. "What I want is simple. Make me second in command, let me handle the day-to-day operations like I always have. All I ask is that you put some weight into my word and consider any counsel I offer in a more positive light...."

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest. The idea was laughable. "So, I take over a gang and put you as my second in command so you can stab me in the back just like Manfredi? Sounds like a great plan."

Big C chuckled, the sound low and gravelly, shaking his head. "That's not how the game is played. You backstab your boss once, that's just business. You replace him with a brand new one and do it all over? Now you're just a backstabber..."

He gave me a knowing smile. "The game is about balancing fear, respect, and most importantly, reputation..." he said. "Just look at Manfredi. People gathered around Manfredi because he knew how to make money. They stuck around and did his bidding because they were afraid of him... they knew he wouldn't take kindly disobedience..."

I fixed him with a cold glare, my patience wearing thin. "You don't seem all that fearful of Manfredi to me."

Big C smirked, pushing off the wall and taking a step closer, his confidence growing. "Of course, I'm not afraid of him. Any guy can learn to shoot a gun, handle a knife, and do business. Manfredi is just a man with an eye for business and a steady trigger finger. But you…"

He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing, the smirk never leaving his face. "I've seen you fight Manfredi's boys in the bar. Those strange creatures, whipping out guns out of thin air... you even have spooks in your corner. You're like one of those mutant freaks, and right now, nothing and no one commands more fear than that lot."

I studied him, weighing his words. Big C was a seasoned player in this game, and he knew the stakes. "So, you think aligning with me is your best bet?"

Big C nodded, his expression serious. "Absolutely. Manfredi's losing his touch. He's becoming a liability. You take him out, I help you manage things, and together we control the city's underworld. You've got the fear factor covered. I provide the business acumen and keep the money flowing."

I leaned back, considering his proposition. Vito's voice echoed in my mind, reminding me of the risks. "He's slippery, but sometimes you need a slippery bastard to handle the slippery stuff."

I took a deep breath, my mind racing with the possibilities. I didn't like Big C, or his plan. The very idea of becoming a mob boss was ludicrous to me, but I can't say such a position of power wouldn't be useful to me.

If Big C was sincere, and that's a big if, this could be the opportunity I needed to turn things around and stand on my own two feet without relying on SHIELD. If he was lying, it could be a disaster.

"I'll have to think about it..."