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After Enzo defeated the strike leader and secured the quarry payment, we rode to a local town to meet Don Galante. Learning that government inspections delayed his payment due to impounded goods at the customs warehouse, Luca tasked Enzo, Cesare, and Leo with infiltrating the docks to retrieve the cargo.
That union leader kept striking back without understanding who he was dealing with, forcing me to teach him a harsh lesson in hand-to-hand combat until he finally yielded and backed down on the quarry floor.
With the strike leader knocked down, the surrounding quarry laborers returned to their stations. The foreman emerged from his office to express his gratitude and hand over the money owed to the Don.
We mounted our horses and departed the quarry. Along the trail, Cesare praised Enzo's blade skills, admitting there might be potential in him yet as we began racing each other along the open path.
Following a long ride filled with conversation, we arrived at a nearby coastal town. We brought our horses to a halt at a hitching post to continue their next objective on foot.
I followed Luca and Cesare toward Galante's bar. Before entering, Luca asked Enzo to wait behind while he handled the initial greetings with two men playing a game of chess outside.
Don Galante, an elderly figure, greeted Luca warmly. Upon completing his chess match, the Don stood up, and Luca formally introduced Enzo to him.
Stepping inside the bar, Don Galante handed over his tribute money, apologizing that the sum was slightly light. A companion explained that the local guards had increased inspections, making operations difficult across the region.
Don Galante explained that the new chief brought in fresh personnel, causing the former guards to step back. The payment shortfall was directly caused by a recent shipment being confiscated and moved into the customs warehouse before his men could retrieve it.
Luca assigned Enzo and Cesare to partner with Don Galante's associate, Leo, to handle the warehouse situation, while Luca remained inside to conduct further business with Don Galante.
While walking toward the warehouse alongside Cesare and Leo, knowing armed guards were stationed ahead, I paused to open photo mode to appreciate the detailed environment and scenic dockside views.
To be continued.
