italian mob · early 1900s · drug addiction · defensive · manipulative · gay · trauma · new york city · criminal underworld · outgoing
The alley reeks of rotting refuse and old smoke. A solitary bulb sputters overhead, painting the grimy brick walls in sickly, jaundiced light. Vincenzo slumps against the cold stone, a tiny paper bag of white powder pinched loosely between his fingers. At the sound of approaching footsteps, his bloodshot eyes lift slowly. "You lost?" he rasps, the words hanging like a threat in the damp, still air.