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Price of Freedom	By : Venka Category: +G through L > Hazbin Hotel Views: 85 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own or claim any rights to Hazbin Hotel or its characters, settings, and storyline. All rights to the original series and its intellectual property belong to VivziePop and its respective owners.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Chapter 2
The bustling streets of Pentagram pulsated with neon lights, casting colorful hues across the lively scene. Laughter intertwined with the hum of activity as people strolled past. The Hazbin Hotel stood proudly amidst the vibrant chaos, its bright lights beckoning those in search of redemption.
"Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel, where redemption is just a check-in away!" announced Charlie, her voice carrying over the bustling crowds. In the foyer, amidst the throngs of people, Vaggie and Husk extended warm greetings to the arriving guests.
"Are you weary of your afterlife's trajectory? Ready for a change?" Lucifer's voice interjected, seizing attention. "Look no further than the Hazbin Hotel! Here, we offer luxurious accommodations and a chance for Sinners to better their lives here in Hell."
Various demons, sinners, and lost souls streamed into the hotel, warmly welcomed by Husk, Niffty, Vaggie, and Charlie. Lucifer reclined on a parlor chair, while Angel and Cherri engaged in conversation on a nearby couch, enveloped by the lively atmosphere. Frank, the lone survivor of Sir Pentious's Eggbois, joined them. Rosie, the Overlord of Cannibal Town, gracefully sought permission to join their conversation.
"Whether you were a sinner in life or feel misplaced in Hell," Charlie continued, "our dedicated team is here to facilitate your improvement." Cherri was handed a key to one of the bedrooms, which instantly responded to her presence, the door adorned with a decal image of a lit bomb with a heart. Inside, the room glowed with burgundy carpets and pink-and-gold bedspreads, adorned with posters and illuminated signs of fireworks.
Guests meandered through the public areas, enjoying drinks at the bar or indulging in meals in the dining room. Some, like Angel Dust and Cherri, partook in redemption activities or admired a portrait of the late Sir Pentious.
"Interact with fellow guests," Lucifer proclaimed grandly. "Indulge in delicious meals by our creative chef, and engage in immersive discussions about redemption and improving your Hellish experience."
"Thanks to the Hazbin Hotel," Angel proudly declared, lifting Niffty into his arms, "I've forged meaningful friendships with both guests and staff."
"I once thought redemption was for nerds," Cherri admitted, "but this place changed my way of thinking. Hell can be more than chaos and violence. Plus, I get to be neighbors with this bitch." She draped her arm around Angel's shoulders in a playful embrace.
"So why hesitate?" Charlie urged, standing at the hotel's entrance with open arms. "Join us at the Hazbin Hotel today and pave the way for a better tomorrow in Hell! Our rooms are pet-friendly, affordable, and all residents enjoy the protection of Hell's royal family as long as they're part of our facility. Join us at the Hazbin Hotel: Where every soul matters!" Charlie was joined by Vaggie, Husk, Niffty, Angel, Cherri, Lucifer, and Frank as they waved, the Hazbin Hotel logo blazing against the blood-red Pride Ring sky.
An exuberant cheer erupted from all the hotel's members as the commercial reached its conclusion. Laughter and excitement filled the air as they watched the new advertisement for the rebuilt Hazbin Hotel.
"Thank you, everyone," Charlie said, her eyes shimmering with happy tears. "Your support in creating this new commercial means everything to me."
"At least I wasn't dragged into this television charade this time," Alastor remarked, his smile carrying a hint of slyness. "Although I could whip up a catchy radio ad for this establishment as well."
"I believe the TV commercial will be enough," Charlie replied. "It offers a visual glimpse into what we have to offer here, and it still will be some time before people come around to the idea of joining the hotel."
"Do you honestly believe people will buy into any of this?" Cherri questioned, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "Sure, you're not peddling the same 'ascend to Heaven' shit, but convincing folks to embrace redemption in Hell? That's still iffy."
"I understand there are still skeptics among us," Charlie began delicately. "During my time in Heaven, I encountered individuals like Emily and, of course, Vaggie, who embrace the idea of redemption and how it could benefit both worlds. However, Heaven, for the most part, remains closed to such possibilities. While I've promised Heaven to all of you, I can't make that a reality, and for that I apologize." She paused, her gaze shifting to the portrait of Sir Pentious in his British Navy uniform, surrounded by his loyal Eggbois. "In our battle against Adam's assault on the hotel, we lost friends who were dear to all of us. If we abandon the our goals of redemption here in Hell—if not for the promise of Heaven, then for self-improvement in Hell—then the sacrifices of those we've lost would be in vain. I need your help, all of you, to make this vision a reality."
As Charlie finished speaking, a solemn hush fell over the room, the weight of her words sinking in. Then, one by one, the hotel's members nodded in agreement, determination shining in their eyes. They were ready to embark on this journey of redemption, not just for themselves, but for those they had lost along the way.
The hotel's front door suddenly burst open with a resounding crash, jolting the quiet lobby into sudden chaos. Mimzy rushed inside, her breaths ragged, and slammed the heavy door shut behind her, the sound echoing through the entrance hall. Her face was a mask of panic and desperation.
"ALASTOR!" she cried out, her voice trembling with urgency. "YOU'VE GOTTA HELP ME!"
Alastor, seated in one of the lobby's plush armchairs, glanced up nonchalantly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Ah, Mimzy," he said in his smooth, velvety voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"There's a group of guys after me," Mimzy explained, her words tumbling out in a rush.
"Now, now, my dear," Alastor replied, his smile masking a simmering anger beneath the surface. "I warned you last time about dragging me into your messes. Intentionally bringing danger to this establishment and its residents is unacceptable. However, if you truly seek redemption and are willing to contribute positively to this place, I might reconsider. Alternatively, you could seek assistance from someone else here."
"You still believe in that nonsense!" Mimzy squaked, her tone tinged with frustration. "I know you, you smug bastard. Your belief in redemption is as real as your mother being the Queen of Hell." Alastor's crimson eyes widened slightly, resembling glowing radio dials at her insensitive remark.
"Please don't tell me it's more loan sharks," Vaggie groaned, her expression weary.
"Well, they're not exactly loan sharks," Mimzy admitted sheepishly, her gaze falling to the floor. "But the ones I had trouble with last time were unfortunately tied to a Mafia family. I sort of 'borrowed' few grand from them, and now they want it back, along with the fifty grand from before." Angel winced visibly at the mention of the Mafia.
"When you say 'borrowed'," Angel interjected, his voice laced with skepticism, "you mean you stole it, right?"
"Do I even want to know who you borrowed from?" Husk sighed, his patience wearing thin as he awaited her response. He knew it wouldn't be good news, regardless of how Mimzy tried to spin it.
"Arackniss and his crew..." Mimzy confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You what...! That's it!" Husk exploded, his frustration boiling over. "Mimzy, you better pray that Niss is feeling merciful, because we don't need trouble from him or, worse yet, his father."
"Hold on," Charlie interjected, stepping forward with a determined expression. "We can't just hand her over without attempting to resolve this peacefully."
"Charlie," Vaggie cautioned, her brow furrowed with concern, "Mimzy brought loan sharks who attacked and nearly destroyed the hotel months ago. We can't risk other residents being harmed for her mistakes."
"It goes against the purpose of this hotel if we turn away a soul in need," Charlie argued passionately. "Maybe... maybe if we negotiate, no one has to suffer."
"Sorry to burst your bubble, princess," Husk said bitterly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Arackniss isn't exactly known for being reasonable. He's straightforward and brutal, we don't want that kind of trouble on our doorstep."
"Well, it's good to know some things haven't changed," Angel muttered under his breath, his frustration palpable. "Luckily, he won't directly attack the hotel. Unlike the Loan Sharks, he does considers collateral damage and how that would affect things. Though he can certainly make it clear that handing Mimzy over or covering her debts are the only options he will peacefully accept."
"These drongos don't look so tough," Cherri remarked with a smirk, her gaze fixed on the gathering group of demons outside the hotel window. Their menacing presence seemed to have little effect on her confidence. "I bet you a dozen rounds at 'Consent' that Angie and I could handle them, no problem at all."
Charlie sensed the tension in the air, a palpable weight that seemed to press down on everyone present. She interjected cautiously, her voice calm yet tinged with concern, "Let's, uh, not resort to a fight if it can be avoided, alright? There might be other ways to deal with this situation." Her words were carefully chosen, hoping to steer the conversation away from confrontation and towards resolution. Angel hadn't agreed to Cherri's suggestion, but he also hadn't disagreed. Instead, he approached Mimzy and had knelt down so he was more eye level with her, a gesture of empathy and understanding.
"Something can be worked out," Angel said, his tone firm and resolute, ensuring that everyone present could hear his proposition. "But I am gonna need somethin' from you though."
"Anything," Mimzy replied, her Brooklyn accent betraying her desperation. "You have any idea what that bastard will do to me?!"
"I'm gonna need ya to promise to join the Hotel," Angel stated plainly.
"Right," Charlie chimed in, grasping the implication of Angel's request. "Anyone who resides within the walls of the hotel is under the protection of Hell's Royal family. I can guarantee they will not harm you if you are with us."
"Then why didn't you say so in the first place," Mimzy exclaimed, a mix of relief and frustration evident in her voice. "Of course I'll join up...just get me outta this mess!" An authoritative knock at the door caused Mimzy to jump out of her skin. "Oh no...what do I sign, is there anywhere to hide?"
"Everyone, please head to your rooms calmly," Vaggie commanded the other residents of the hotel, her voice steady and commanding. "Mimzy, since this concerns you, you need to be present."
"What..." Mimzy squawked, her anxiety mounting. "You never said anything about being involved in any sit-downs!"
"You're going to need to talk to someone who can speak business on Niss's level," Husk suggested, his tone pragmatic yet decisive, as Cherri, Alastor, and Angel started for the guest floors. "Let me do the talking." Alastor casually requested that he be informed about the outcome of the meeting, though there was a nonchalant hint that suggested he would be listening in. Niffty continued to sweep the room oblivious to everything.
"Sure," Charlie agreed, acknowledging Husk's expertise in handling delicate negotiations.
"I'll remain close," Lucifer said. "Incase things become to much to handle."
"I'll be alright, Dad," Charlie said, her tone decisive as she turned towards the door to open it. "I believe I can handle a meeting like this. Vaggie, Husk, I will meet you at the office in a moment." Husk, and Vaggie escorted Mimzy to Charlie's office in the back of the lobby, their movements deliberate and cautious, ready to act if necessary.
Charlie didn't know what to expect when she opened the hotel door, until she found herself face to face with a Spider Demon, his body broadly built like a wall. His deep brown fur bushed around him, making him appear much larger than his body suggested. His face was set in a deep frown as he looked down at Charlie, his presence imposing yet restrained.
"Oh, you must be," she started to say in greeting, her hand held out in a gesture of welcome.
"I'm Umberto Andreioli," The large spider demon introduced himself, his voice deep and resonant.
"Uh, I thought you were Arackniss." Charlie said, confused.
"I'm Arackniss," A much smaller dark-furred spider stepped from behind Andreioli's wall-like frame, his demeanor sharp and calculating. His voice, while not deep, carried a raspy tone that sent shivers down Charlie's spine. His scrawny frame was twig-like, dressed in a pair of white trousers and a dark jacket that flared out in the back. The charcoal gray fur that hung in front of his face was frowsy and unkempt, adding to his aura of menace. The most unsettling thing to Charlie was the sharp and cold gaze of Arackniss's eyes, far too cold. Though subtle there were some physical resemblances that did seem uncannily similar to Angel, sparking even more of a sense of unease within her.
"Oh right," Charlie said, trying to maintain a welcoming demeanor despite her unease. "I understand you are here about Mimzy."
"You could say that," Arackniss replied cryptically, his eyes scanning the hotel's foyer as though assessing for any potential threats.
"Ooo," Niffty squealed in delight upon catching sight of Arackniss from where she was sweeping the lobby, her excitement palpable. "He's a really, really bad boy!"
"Hey woah," Angel was heard yelling from overhead. He had to have been staying close, just out of sight as he swiftly rushed down the stairs before taking an acrobatic leap to intercept Niffty before she could glomp onto Arackniss. "Trust me, Niff, you don't want that one."
"Aww," Niffty whined as she scrambled to get out of Angel's arms. "But I wanted the bad boy!"
"So," Arackniss said, his voice laced with disgust and disdain, "You've actually have set up a whores nest here."
"And I was just going back to it," Angel commented as he headed briskly toward the second floor. There was more than just annoyance in his voice; Charlie noticed a deeper, pained undertone that hinted at unresolved emotions.
"You and Angel know each other?" Charlie asked, her curiosity piqued by the potential for positive change in the the Spider's life, though her optimism waned after witnessing their tense interaction.
"Unfortunately," Arackniss replied coldly, observing as the taller spider demon ascended to the second floor. "Though we're not actually here for pleasantries, at least not with rejects who lack the spine to actually serve the family. This is strictly for business." Charlie noted the harsh edge in Arackniss's tone, as if the mere sight of Angel was offensive. Andreioli on the other hand watched Angel return to the second floor with a neutral expression. Cherri Bomb had emerged to see what was happening, but Angel swiftly placed a hand on her shoulder, ushering her away. Charlie observed silently, keenly noting each reaction that unfolded. Her gaze shifted from Husk to Vaggie, who both displayed shared concern yet opted not to intervene immediately. Husk had noticably brought out his cards incase an intervention had been required, while Vaggie stood virtually unarmed. Mimzy, appearing nonchalant, fidgeted restlessly, betraying an underlying unease.
"Please, take a seat," Charlie requested as she escorted the two spider demons to the office and settling behind her desk. Vaggie positioned herself to Charlie's right, with Husk to her left, encouraging Mimzy to sit close beside him. Arackniss and Andreioli took their places opposite Charlie, with Arackniss subtly nodding in recognition to Husk.
"Do you require counsel?" Andreioli inquired, addressing the assembled demons.
"Vaggie," Charlie explained, "co-founded the hotel with me and serves as manager. Husk is associated with Alastor, the hotel's host, and has been invited due to his experience with situations like this."
"Let's cut to the chase," Husk interjected. "Mimzy admitted to taking money from your family."
"It was about ten grand," Andreioli stated with a hint of displeasure. "She breached our security at the Stygian Dream Casino and pilfered from a secured room." Husk shot a disapproving glance at Mimzy, who responded with an innocent smile and a tap of her fingers. Vaggie muttered Spanish curses under her breath upon hearing the news, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.
"I, uh," Mimzy stuttered, "may have taken a bit more than I initially stated, but their games are rigged. You know that, right? You've gambled with them before."
"What's your take on this, Husk?" Arackniss said, his voice calm yet carrying an underlying menace. "You're a gambling man, used to be one of the best in this city in fact. Would you have called them rigged before you got involved with the Radio Demon?"
"There's always more than just sleight of hand with anything involving your family," Husk replied cautiously, refusing to take the bait. He was well aware of Arackniss's manipulative tactics, knowing he could dig deep into someone's psyche to find ammunition for humiliation or discrediting. It was one of the ways he was known to be dangerous. "But my personal history isn't the focus here. I'm familiar with the kind of trouble Mimzy brings, when she's in hot water, she looks for someone to bail her out."
"Are you considering handing her over?" Vaggie asked Charlie pointedly. "It would simplify matters for everyone."
"Alastor wouldn't allow that," Husk interjected firmly. "While he's chosen not to assist Mimzy due to the danger she's brought here before, he won't stand by and let her be harmed."
"Mimzy has agreed to stay here," Charlie stated diplomatically. "I can't allow anyone within the walls of this building to be harmed or forcibly removed. As long as they're welcome here, they're under my protection, regardless of the troubles they've caused."
"Then we're back to square one," Arackniss remarked solemnly, his voice tinged with a barely contained irritation. "While my family has no issues with yours, I can't return to the Don empty-handed. There's no disrespect intended toward this establishment or Hell's royal family. But dames like Mimzy... they don't change. She's the type to exploit your goodwill and revert to her old ways."
"I'm familiar with that," Husk admitted, his tone tinged with resignation. "She arrived a few months ago with loan sharks on her tail, expecting Alastor to bail her out."
"As if you haven't sought Alastor's help yourself!" Mimzy retorted with a hint of defiance. "That's why he treats you like his pet."
"You're in no position to criticize," Vaggie shot back sharply. "Those loan sharks endangered everyone here."
"Well, maybe I did you a favor by demolishing part of that old dump," Mimzy retorted cheekily, prompting Charlie's horns to emerge in irritation, though she maintained her composure.
"If I were to surrender Mimzy," Charlie inquired, her tone indicating that Mimzy's fate rested in her hands, "what would happen to her?"
"She'd repay her debt," Andreioli explained matter-of-factly. "I can't say what would happen, but our organization doesn't take theft or failure to make repayments lightly. Whatever happens, depends on the what the boss decides."
"I've been paying off the interest," Mimzy protested, her voice tinged with desperation. "Doesn't that count?"
"Skipping payments doesn't cut it," Husk countered firmly. "Deadlines exist regardless of interest."
"So, what's your decision?" Arackniss asked expectantly. "We can take her off your hands, and our business will be concluded."
"No," Charlie declared after a brief pause. "I'll honor Mimzy's agreement to stay here, and I'll cover her debt. However, her debt will belong to the hotel, and she'll work to repay it during her stay. Do we have an agreement? "
"So you're gonna become her garantor," Arackniss remarked, his tone laced with surprise as he processed the Hellborn Princess's unexpected offer to shoulder Mimzy's responsibilities. "Well, that's acceptable, as long as we receive the money we're owed."
"I will ensure you receive it," Charlie affirmed, rising from her seat with a sense of resolution. "I'm glad we could reach this understanding. Vaggie, please accompany Mimzy and inform Alastor that she will be joining us as an employee."
"Hold on a moment..." Mimzy interjected with a protest. "I agreed to join this hotel for your assistance, not to clean toilets like Niffty."
"It is still possible to have her taken off your hands?" Andreioli stated.
"No," Charlie responded firmly, her confidence unwavering. "I'm certain Alastor will find a suitable position for Mimzy at this Hotel."
"Then let me leave my card with you," Andreioli said, retrieving a business card from his coat pocket as Arackniss made his way to the hotel's foyer to attend to other business matters. "In case you encounter any difficulties."
"Thank you," Charlie accepted the card graciously, though she harbored doubts about actually needing it. Once everyone else was out of earshot, Charlie broached a lingering question. "May I ask something? What did Arackniss mean when he called Angel a 'reject'?"
"Oh," Andreioli glanced briefly towards Arackniss, who had lit up a cigarette despite the 'no smoking' signs present in the hotel's loobby. Vaggie was escorting Mimzy upstairs to meet with Alastor. Seeing Niss smoking, the former exocist appeared poised to comment but thought it was better to just bring Mimzy to meet with Alastor. Andreioli then refocused on Charlie. "Arackniss and... he calls himself Angel, correct?"
"Angel Dust," Charlie confirmed. "I'm aware that's not his given name, but it is the one he chooses to go by here."
"Ah," Andreioli nodded knowingly. "The name Angel actually suits him. However, our family business is involved in a number of things that are best left undiscussed. All I can really tell you is those two knew each other when they were alive. As children, both boys were raised to meet their father's expectations. Arackniss embraced our lifestyle. Angel, however, didn't fit that mold. He was too soft-hearted for that sort of life, but his father wasn't one for things he sees as weaknesses."
"I understand," Charlie responded with empathy. She now felt she could grasp a better understanding of why the two spiders interacted the way they did.
"I hope he hasn't caused any trouble for this establishment," Andreioli inquired. "I know he can be a handful."
"Oh no," Charlie assured him. "He's been quite helpful, I see Angel as a bit part of the family that this hotel has created and he is someone I can count on."
"I see," Andreioli contemplated thoughtfully.
"I'll have the money for Mimzy's debt shortly," Charlie reassured him. "If you'd like, Husk can prepare drinks while you wait."
"I appreciate the offer," Andreioli declined politely, joining Arackniss in the foyer. "Though we should be going, I don't think it would do your organization any good if anyone saw you getting too chummy with the likes of us."
Arackniss and Andreioli approached the imposing double doors leading to Don Ragno's office, their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor. This was a ritual etched into the fabric of their existence, a routine that spanned the ages—from the days of their mortal lives to their eternal present. Yet, despite their seasoned familiarity with the process, the unpredictable nature of Don Ragno's disposition always kept them on edge.
As they reached out and pushed open the heavy doors, a wave of cigar smoke greeted them, thick and pungent, announcing Don Henroin's presence. The shadows within the dimly lit office shifted, revealing the figure of Don Henroin himself, seated in his ornate executive chair. Arackniss paused respectfully before the large wooden desk, while Andreioli deftly circled around and leaned in close to the aged spider.
"So, my son," Don Henroin's voice emerged, raspy and weathered from decades of smoking. Yet, beneath the wheezy timbre, there remained a chilling edge that commanded attention. Though his speech bore the unmistakable rough cadence of Brooklyn, echoes of his Calabrian roots could still be discerned beneath the gruff exterior. "You've returned. I trust your mission was a success."
Arackniss inclined his head slightly, his many eyes fixed respectfully on Don Henroin. "Yes, Don Ragno. The task is complete," he replied evenly, his voice a low hiss resonating in the quiet room.
Andreioli, ever the loyal confidant, nodded from his place beside the desk, his expression a mix of deference and assurance.
Don Henroin's gaze lingered on them both, his cigar smoldering in the ashtray. "Good," he murmured, a hint of satisfaction underlying the gruffness. "You've done well. Now, let us discuss what comes next."
Arackniss silently slid an envelope filled with cash, a gift from Princess Morningstar, onto the desk. "Mimzy is currently under the protection of the Hazbin Hotel," he began. "Andreioli and I negotiated an agreement with the Princess herself. She has covered the debts owed by Mimzy, provided that 'Fat Chicken' settles her debt with the hotel." The room fell into a tense silence as Henroin processed this development.
"With all due respect," Andreioli interjected, "this arrangement is advantageous for us. Mimzy has an association with the Radio Demon, this would make her a valuable asset to him. Alastor may not be known for altruism, but he takes personal interest in those he deems important. Remember those Lone Sharks from months ago? They still tremble at the mention of the Radio Demon, especially after what happened to some of them."
"Considering I had to erase with more than a few of them," Arackniss added cooly, "and the rest were devoured by that Overlord freak." Henroin paused, his gaze piercing.
"What kind of protection does this Hotel offer?" he asked.
Arackniss hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "The place has been rebuilt, so its... um," he faltered.
"I didn't inquire about its reconstruction," Henroin interjected sharply. "I want to know about its defenses."
"That's what I don't quite understand, Pops," Arackniss remarked, his many eyes fixed on his father. "On the surface, the Hazbin Hotel appears completely defenseless because it's open to the public. But with Lucifer and Alastor involved, not to mention the Princess herself declaring protection for anyone associated with the hotel... Plus, there was that major battle against the exorcists some time ago. Tony called me, telling me they were preparing to defend the place back when it was that rundown dump. One of the Overlords apparently had taken out an exorcist, showing that Heaven's supposedly unbeatable army isn't invincible. Considering how long the exterminations have been targeting sinners, you'd think someone would've tried something a long time ago."
"So your brother's still mixed up in that place," Henroin observed, a skeptical look crossing his face. "I thought Valentino was handling that situation."
"I can't believe he'd risk our ties with an Overlord for his childish antics," Arackniss replied with disdain.
"What are you talking about?" Henroin turned towards his eldest son, his tone sharp. "Our association with Valentino and the Vees is solely because of Anthony. I never thought I'd say it, but that faggy slut has actually proven himself useful for the family."
"Huh?" Arackniss responded, taken aback by this unexpected revelation.
"Yeah," Henroin continued, a chilling grin crossing his face as a Vees commercial appeared on the TV in the background, muted. He paused on a shot featuring Angel Dust in a suggestive pose, a coy expression on his face. "Of all the guys who've left our family, the only ones we haven't taken out are Luca Celani and your brother Anthony. Luca has his singin' gig at Club Incognito, paying us $500 a month in tribute to keep us off his back. Your kid brother, he's been slippery, but he pays protection money to avoid getting whacked like the others. His connection with Valentino started when that porn studio became profitable. Now our family is linked to big-name Overlords like the Vees, thanks to Tony making a name for himself in that world."
"But if Angel Dust the Pornstar is traced back to our family," Arackniss said cautiously. "Wouldn't that... raise unwanted attention?"
"Who's going to connect that slut to us?" Henroin scoffed dismissively. "Besides, he looks more like your mother than he does you or me. And even if a few mooks do manage to connect the dots, who's going to believe them? The notion is laughable. What does bother me is Tony's involvement with the Princess's hotel. Our connection to Valentino is only advantageous as long as Tony remains under his employ. If he's entertaining ideas that could jeopardize our ties with the Vees... that's a different story. I'll have a word with Val about this. Can't have Tony thinking he can just up and walk away from the family because he doesn't fancy our line of work."
"From what I've observed of the Hotel," Andreioli chimed in thoughtfully, "Anthony has been maintaining Omertà, so we don't have to worry about him exposing the family. Even if he were tempted to break his oath, he has nothing to gain from it."
"He hasn't broken his oath yet," Arackniss remarked grimly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But whether or not he's involved in this whole redemption affair, sooner or later it will become apparent that he's one of us. It might not be because Tony divulges anything; there are certainly individuals there who can piece together the connections, and that will eventually circle back to our family."
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Price of Freedom