Citizen

Chapter 9 - CLEMENTINE ASKED ABOUT POWER

Clementine was seven when she finally understood Dominic was wealthy.

Not just rich.

Powerful.

She asked Rebecca:

“Is Mr. Falcone a king?”

Rebecca nearly choked.

“No.”

“He has guards.”

“Yes.”

“He has a big house.”

“Yes.”

“People get quiet when he talks.”

Also yes.

Clementine frowned.

“So what is he?”

Rebecca thought carefully.

“A man people are afraid to disappoint.”

Clementine considered that.

“Is that good?”

Rebecca smiled.

“No.”

That answer would have surprised many people.

Dominic heard about it later.

He laughed.

Then became quiet.

“Smart kid.”

“She usually is.”

Over the years, Dominic changed some things.

Less fear-based management.

More legitimate businesses separated from old family operations.

More professional governance.

Rebecca never claimed she transformed him.

He had to choose his own direction.

But Clementine’s question at the pool remained in his office.

Written on a card:

Why are none of you big people strong enough to help her?

He kept it where he could see it.

Not as inspiration.

As accusation.

May you like

Useful difference.

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