As Sean observed the terrified expressions on their faces, a wicked smile spread across his lips. The laughter echoed in Carpenter and George's ears, heightening their fear.
Noticing their fright, Sean called Jonas over with a wave of his hand.
"I've given you time to think. Now, tell me your answer," Sean said coldly.
Carpenter and George leaned in, eager to hear what the kidnappers had in store for them.
"What I want to do—, what I want to do," Jonas stammered, his voice shaky. "But I can't do it! Trust me!"
"I believe you, but they don't," Sean replied, pulling out his gun. He fired three shots in quick succession, the sound echoing ominously in the room.
Carpenter and George froze in terror. "Was this all part of the plan? Were they killed?"
Holding back a smile, Jonas picked up a blood bag from the floor and splattered it across the ground. Sean approached, snatched the bag from Jonas, and drenched the area with the remaining contents.
"Drag him away," Sean ordered, waving his hand dismissively.
Another member of the group grinned as he dragged Jonas, who was pretending to be a corpse, creating a long streak of blood on the floor behind him.
Turning to Carpenter and George, Sean said, "I have information on both of you. Listen closely."
As Sean recited their details, Carpenter and George trembled uncontrollably. When Sean finished, they instinctively pulled off their headgear, momentarily blinded by the sudden light.
In an instant, fear washed over them, and they shut their eyes tightly. "I didn't see anything! I swear!" Carpenter exclaimed, drenched in cold sweat. "Just let the bosses tell me what they want. I'll do anything!"
"I haven't made a request yet," Sean said, a smile playing on his lips.
"No matter what it is, I agree! Just tell me!" Carpenter pleaded, desperation evident in his voice. He remembered well what had happened to the last person who defied Sean.
"Are you sure?" Sean pressed.
"Absolutely!" Carpenter replied, his voice firm. He had never been more certain in his life.
"I'm a reasonable person," Sean continued, his tone devoid of emotion. "I never ask for anything impossible. The last guy tried to bargain with me and wasted my time. I can't stand that."
The two men, their eyes still covered, nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Since you both agree, I'll remember that. Bill, explain the details to them," Sean instructed as he turned to leave.
Outside, Jonas, now clad in a different outfit, gave a thumbs up, chuckling to himself at the absurdity of it all.
Once Sean was gone, Bill addressed Carpenter and George, "Alright, the boss is out. You can lower your hands now."
"Uh, we'd rather not," they both stammered, shaking their heads.
"Come on, if I tell you to watch, then you damn well better watch! The boss hates wasting time," Bill barked, his voice sharp.
Finally, Carpenter hesitantly lowered his hands and caught sight of the blood-soaked floor. A chill ran down his spine, and he felt a warm trickle against his leg.
"They killed someone..." he whispered, horrified.
"Carpenter, you make glass products. Here are a few bottles. I need you to replicate a thousand of each—the same," Bill commanded.
Only then did Carpenter fully lower his hands, staring at a box containing five wine bottles.
"Neki Ryan, you produce cardboard boxes. Here are some templates. I need 2,000 of each, with no variation in color or font. It must be perfect," Bill continued, directing his attention to George.
Neki looked at the cardboard laid out beside him, which featured labels for various wines. The two men exchanged helpless glances, both acutely aware of the precarious situation they were in.
"Just say it, just say it..." Carpenter muttered, his voice shaky.
"We won't agree to this!" Neki protested, panic creeping into his voice. "We can't take this risk without proper compensation!"
"This is extortion," Carpenter added, his mind racing. If they made a fuss, they would likely face legal consequences.
Yet, the dried blood on the floor served as a stark reminder of the consequences of defiance.
"How long will it take?" Bill asked again, his tone impatient.
"The production speed is fast, but opening the mold takes time. I'd need ten days," Carpenter replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
"My main issue is color matching, which requires some adjustments. That could take at least seven days," he added.
Bill's eyes narrowed in thought. "Then let's say eight days. After that, I'll call you with delivery details." Car Carpenter hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "If there are difficulties, we'll handle them. If there aren't, we'll make sure there are none."
Everyone seemed to have forgotten about the payment issue. Carpenter and Neki were too terrified to bring it up, and Bill didn't mention it because they didn't have any money to pay upfront. Sean knew it would be better to settle payment later, creating a sense of gratitude rather than resentment.
This tactic has proven effective countless times, particularly with people desperate to avoid danger.
Carpenter and Neki, still reeling from the ordeal, didn't dare question the arrangement. They were just grateful to be alive. Money was the last thing on their minds.
Five minutes later, Carpenter climbed into Neki's car, and they drove off toward the county seat. As their car disappeared into the night, Bill refrained from sharing any bad news that might push them over the edge.
Sean was deeply concerned about their mental state and didn't want them to make any rash decisions they might regret.
After addressing the packaging issue, Sean and his team headed back to New York overnight. Sean had selected five popular wines from New York and New Jersey to replicate. The blending process was far from complete, and this task fell squarely on his shoulders.
No one else could handle this particular job, and Sean knew he would have to endure the painstaking process alone.
Meanwhile, Bill and the others were learning the ropes of gang life from Yuri. Their training would soon be put to the test as they took on new roles in Sean's operation.