Page 283 of Filthy King (Five Points' Mob Collection 7)

It was time to ram that lesson home.

"To the Five Pointers here today, you ought to know you’re only alive by my mercy. I warned you last month what I’d do to traitors, and I consider each of you to be one of those." I allowed that to settle among them: the threat, the dread. I let it fester. Let it rot. Then, I continued, "Letting you live is an act of benevolence, and I will expect twice as much from you as I do a regular Five Pointer."

"I think that’s fair," Keegan rumbled.

"I don’t care if it’s fair or not," I snarled, jerking to my feet and knocking my fists against the table. "However, we have work to do and I need all hands on deck."

Keegan clapped me on the back. "He’s promised us Sparrow blood, my fellowcheiles."

"I have," I agreed. "But first, I want to knowwhyyou’re anti-NWS, and I want to know what plans you have in motion."

"All in good time," Keegan intoned calmly. "Before any of that, there’s the initiation. No brother can be acheilewithout it."

I tipped up my chin. "As you wish."

He smirked. "Oh, I do wish it, O’Donnelly. I do."