Chapter 4 - The South Side Legacy
While the twins began to adjust to their new life at the estate, Riker turned his attention to restoring Thomas Callahan’s ruined legacy.
The next morning, Riker drove down to the South Side of Chicago to visit Callahan’s Auto Repair—the body shop where Thomas had worked and lived before his death.
The neighborhood was rough, marked by abandoned warehouses and cracked pavement. The repair shop was surrounded by a chain-link fence bearing a bright red sign: PROPERTY OF VANCE DEVELOPMENT CORP. DEMOLITION SCHEDULED.
Riker stepped out of his car, flanked by Marco and Anton.
A sleek black sedan was parked near the bay doors. A tall, portly man in an expensive suit was standing near a group of construction foremen, holding blueprints.
It was Victor Vance—the predatory real estate developer who had purchased the shop from Diana Harlo for a fraction of its market value.
“Riker Steel,” Vance said, turning around with a sneer as Riker approached. “What brings the great crime lord of Chicago to my humble construction site?”
“This shop isn't yours, Vance,” Riker said smoothly, stopping three feet away.
Vance laughed arrogantly. “I bought it fair and square from Callahan’s widow. The deed is registered with the city. In two weeks, this whole lot gets flattened for a luxury condo complex.”
Riker pulled a golden lighter from his pocket and flicked the flame, watching the small light burn against the gray morning sky.
“Thomas Callahan was a friend of mine,” Riker said quietly. “His grandfather built this shop fifty years ago. His children were raised in the apartment above the garage.”
“Thomas Callahan is dead,” Vance scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. “And his widow took the cash and ran. Business is business, Steel.”
“The sale was fraudulent, Vance,” Riker said, his voice lowering into a dangerous rumble. “Diana Harlo did not have the sole legal authority to sell an asset tied to Thomas’s minor children. My legal team filed an emergency injunction an hour ago. The land is frozen.”
Vance’s expression darkened instantly. “You think you can bully me in my own city, Steel? I have judges in my pocket!”
“And I have the deed to your development firm’s primary debt portfolio,” Riker revealed, stepping closer until Vance had to tilt his head back to look into his eyes. “I bought out your bank mortgages this morning through an offshore entity. If you take one sledgehammer to this building, I will foreclose on your entire company by noon tomorrow.”
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Vance went completely silent, his jaw trembling with rage and disbelief.
“This shop belongs to Owen and Lily Callahan,” Riker stated firmly. “And it will remain standing as long as I breathe.”
