Chapter 20: A Few Solid Punches
Manny coughed and grunted each time Ransom’s fist struck his midsection. He hit him four or five times in the gut before pinning his forearm against Manny’s throat and holding him against the wall. He didn’t like to be this guy. He didn’t want to be violent, but sometimes, especially in the mafia, that was the only way you could elicit fear and respect, which were essentially the same thing.
“You’re not going to say another word about her,” Ransom spat. “So help me God, if you do I will see that they’re the last words you ever speak!”
He shoved Manny against the wall and stood before him huffing angrily, out of breath and not quite content with the beating he’d given.
“I swear, Boss,” Manny wheezed. “I swear I won’t.” He sank to his knees and spat up some blood on the floor of the basement.