The Dockman ushers Francesco through a narrow office door, away from the clang of the cargo line. Salt air, old paper, and lamp smoke crowd the room. Benny Mallory’s ledger lies heavy in Francesco’s hands, and the desk ahead looks like a judge’s bench.
The Dockman
Put it there, Francesco. This is the part that matters.
Lorenzo stays by the frame, shoulders angled toward the hall, scanning for any man who follows. The Dockman’s hand hovers over the desk, not taking the ledger yet, as if waiting for Francesco to choose how far he is willing to step into this.
Lorenzo
If Benny knows this book is missing, he moves fast. We need names, routes, and one clean way to reach the men above him.
The Dockman
Benny hides his worth in schedules and ledgers. He thinks paper makes him safe. If you can read it, you can break him.
The Dockman points to a penciled column near the top page, then to a marked delivery lane. This is no longer just a theft. It is a map of the operation, and the first real path to tearing it apart from the inside.
The Dockman
Show me you can see what the rest of them miss, and I take you to the men who matter.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prove the ledger’s value to the Dockman
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the men above Benny
The member is considered a traitor and will be punished severely by the Family.
Director's note
I point out how the penciled column is linked to the delivery lane
Francesco taps the penciled column, then drags one finger along the delivery lane it feeds, showing the line that turns paper into movement. The Dockman’s eyes sharpen as the connection lands, and Lorenzo looks back from the doorway with a grim nod.
The Dockman
Good. That lane is the throat. Cut it, and Benny chokes.
At the desk lamp, the ledger seems to go still, as if the room itself has accepted the accusation already hanging over Benny and his men.
Quest Complete
Prove the ledger’s value to the Dockman
The member is considered a traitor and will be punished severely by the Family.