Chapter 17: The Shocking Revelation

Billy's world was still spinning from the punch Roy had landed. His face throbbed, and the shame cut even deeper. Roy's deference to Rod confused and infuriated him. How could his cousin, a hardened gangster, bow to someone like Rod?

But Roy's rage hadn't subsided. As they walked away from the alley, he grabbed Billy by the collar and slammed him against a lamppost.

"You're an absolute idiot," Roy hissed, his voice low and menacing. "Do you know what kind of fire you just played with? Rod's not just some punk on the street. He's the boss now. My boss."

Billy's eyes widened, panic flickering in his expression. "Boss? What are you talking about? He's a nobody!"

Roy's grip tightened, and his voice dropped to an icy whisper. "Old Smoke's gone. Rod took his place. And if you'd done your homework instead of running your mouth, you'd know that."

Billy stammered, unable to form a coherent response. His mind raced, trying to reconcile the Rod he had bullied years ago with the dangerous figure his cousin described.

"Do you have any idea what you've done to my reputation?" Roy continued, shoving Billy back. "If he'd decided to make an example of me, we'd both be lying in the dirt right now."

Billy tried to muster some semblance of defiance. "He's just a kid! How did he—"

Roy cut him off with a sharp laugh, bitter and cold. "Doesn't matter how. What matters is that he did. And you dragged me into this mess without a single warning."

Billy hung his head, feeling smaller than ever. "I didn't know," he muttered weakly.

"Damn right you didn't." Roy let go of his collar and turned, muttering curses under his breath. "If you're smart, you'll keep your head down and your mouth shut. Rod's not someone you cross twice."

Back at the Viper gang's headquarters, Rod sat in the leader's chair—a battered but imposing wooden throne in the dimly lit meeting room. He had taken to the role with a natural ease, his every move exuding quiet authority.

Roy entered the room cautiously, his posture stiff with nerves. Behind him, Billy slunk in like a whipped dog, his face pale and still bearing the mark of Roy's punch.

"Boss," Roy said, bowing his head slightly. "I brought him, like you asked."

Rod leaned back, his sharp eyes fixing on Billy. "Good. Billy, take a seat."

Billy hesitated, glancing at Roy, who gave him a warning glare. He shuffled to a chair opposite Rod, his hands fidgeting nervously.

"Let's talk," Rod said, his tone calm but cold. "Roy's already apologized for his part in this mess. Now it's your turn."

Billy swallowed hard, his voice barely audible. "I'm… I'm sorry, Rod. I didn't know who you were."

Rod tilted his head, studying him. "And if you had?"

Billy's silence spoke volumes.

Rod leaned forward, his gaze sharp enough to cut. "You've spent your life picking on people weaker than you, haven't you, Billy? But now you've run into someone who doesn't fit that mold, and you don't know what to do. So, let me make it simple for you: you stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."

Billy nodded quickly, his head bobbing like a puppet. "Yes, of course. I'll stay out of your way. I promise."

Rod leaned back, satisfied. "Good. You can leave."

Billy bolted from the room, not daring to look back. Roy stayed behind, his posture relaxed but his expression serious.

"Roy," Rod said, his tone softer. "I'll let this slide because you didn't know. But next time, make sure your family doesn't cause trouble in my name."

Roy nodded solemnly. "Understood, Boss. It won't happen again."

Rod waved him off, and Roy left the room, leaving Rod alone to reflect.

Billy didn't return home that night. Instead, he spent hours wandering Dustvale's shadowy streets, nursing his wounded pride and trying to come to terms with the day's events. Every step reminded him of Rod's dominance and his own powerlessness.

By the time he reached the edge of town, he was no longer angry—just afraid. For the first time in his life, Billy realized he wasn't untouchable. And that thought haunted him.

Meanwhile, Rod sat in his office, going over plans to strengthen the Viper gang's hold on the city. Billy might have been a minor nuisance, but his antics had reminded Rod of a larger truth: his enemies wouldn't stop coming.

And as he stared out the window at the sprawling city below, Rod made a silent vow. He would not only survive—he would thrive. Dustvale would be his, and no one, not Billy, not Old Smoke's remnants, not even the rival gangs, would stand in his way.

This was only the beginning.