Loyalt-ish

While the company activities were booming, the other ‘associates’ seemed happy to go along with Tony’s demands of loyalty. However, the implications of terminal ‘sanctions’ for disloyalty didn’t fit well. Tony achieved loyalty under duress from a group not smart enough to unite and challenge, while Tony exploited their weaknesses.

Paolo needed to think it through before he acted.

He judged that the others might not be so averse to a new leader. The twins’ regime was autocratic, treating them all like shit. Tony blew hot and cold and Terry was a mere gopher. And Marcia was an unknown quantity.