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cc&d v179

The Before-Work Ritual

Adrian Ludens

    Lodovico “Vic” Romolo approached the sculpture in the center of the plaza. It was his custom whenever a new job was delegated to him that he stop here first. Vic’s given name meant “famous warrior” in his native tongue, but sometimes his compassion got in the way of his duties. Thus the sculpture in the plaza became an integral part of Vic’s ritual.
    The sculpture was simple. It was a giant head of a dour man carved out of marble. Vic did not know who the man was. He had never wanted to know, and even if he did, who would he ask? The stone subject’s eyes were closed and its mouth was drawn in a tight line. Vic particularly appreciated the attention to detail in the ears carved on each side. The entire sculpture measured twenty-five feet in diameter and a little over thirty feet high as far as Vic could judge.
    He reached out a hand, brushing the marble lightly at first, then more roughly. Vic walked once around the entire voluminous sculpture, his hand never leaving its surface. Upon reaching his starting point, Vic removed his hand, now numb and unfeeling. It was symbolic. He turned and placed his other palm against the stone and retraced his steps. As he walked, Vic closed his eyes and regulated his breathing. Once again he completed his brief but meaningful stroll.
    Vic stood ramrod straight, gazing intently at the sculpture. He felt focused. He was ready.
    He turned and strode purposefully toward the address he had been given. It turned out to be a family owned deli, five months behind on their payments. Others who owed money to Vic’s associates were sure to notice. An example must be made.
    Vic waited for the deli’s lone customer to leave and then stepped inside. Vic turned the “Closed” sign toward the street, drew the blinds and locked the door behind him. The lanky man behind the counter looked up and his face drained of all color as Vic approached.
    Just four minutes later, breathing a bit rapidly, but otherwise showing no evidence of his exertions, Vic emerged from the deli. Another assignment completed.
    Vic had been an immovable force. As he went about his job with lethal brutality, Vic’s heart seemed to turn to stone and the deli owner’s cries for mercy fell on deaf ears.



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