The Weston Syndicate

As Detective Leo Martin made his second visit to the crime scene, the morning light began to creep into the lane. The fallout persisted even after Michael Romano's body was taken overnight. There was still a sense of dread in the air, like a whisper of something incomplete, and bloodstains marred the moist cobblestones.

Leo lit a cigarette and took a long pull while thinking about what had happened the night before. The Syndicate had been shocked by Michael's murder, but more than that, it had created an opening. There was information where there was vulnerability, and the Syndicate was no exception. One informant at a time, he intended to collect every fragment he could.

Leo began his day at a gritty tavern on the outskirts of South Side, a favorite hangout for the Syndicate, where regulars kept to themselves and outsiders hardly ever left with a spotless record. Eddie, a local informant with ties to half of the city's criminal underworld, caught his attention as he looked around the room. Even though it was early, Eddie was crouched over the bar with a half-empty whiskey glass in his hands.

Leo lowered his voice and slid onto the stool next to him. "Good morning, Eddie. I heard that you could be familiar with last night.

Eddie gave him a cautious glance but didn't look away. Words spread quickly, don't they? After taking a sip, he looked around the bar and then back at Leo. Yes, I did hear some stuff. Digging into this one, though, could end up burying you, I'll warn you.

Leo disregarded the caution. "Who was responsible?" Eddie's eyes clouded as he exhaled. "No one is certain, but... A new crew is attempting to establish themselves. They refer to themselves as "The Vipers."

"The Vipers?" Leo repeated, curious. It was astonishing in and of itself that this was the first time he had heard of them.

Eddie gave a nod. Despite their diminutive size, they are intelligent. They are extremely well-organized and adept at remaining hidden. They are not being led by a two-bit mobster. There are rumors that they have a powerful person inside.