Riko pointed a finger up at his own face and waited. Neil stared back as his brain refused to put the last pieces together. What Riko was suggesting was impossible. The Butcher was one of the biggest names on the eastern seaboard. He made Baltimore his home, but his territory extended from D.C. to outer Newark. He had a fiercely loyal syndicate and a penchant for grotesque executions. No one told the Butcher what to do. But Riko's incensed reaction didn't seem like an act and he had nothing to gain by lying to Neil, especially considering how easily Kevin could set things straight.

Kevin was going to say yes to all of this. Neil knew it, and he wasn't ready to hear that yet. If the Moriyamas really were powerful enough to keep a man like the Butcher under lock and key Neil was so far in over his head he might as well be six feet under.

"I don't believe you," Neil said, but even he heard the dread in his voice.

"Denial is more infuriating than ignorance," Riko said. "You will speak to Kevin at the next available opportunity and have him explain this to you in little words your small mind can understand. Learn your place. I will never tolerate this level of disrespect from you again. Do you understand?"

Neil was already in his coffin. He might as well nail it shut. "Yeah, I understand you're a complete asshole."

Riko took a step forward, expression murderous, but Matt put an arm up between them. "Leave my team alone, Riko. You pick another fight here at banquet and we'll make sure the ERC suspends you. Have fun telling the press why you're benched for a couple games."

Riko didn't even look at Matt. He stared at Neil for half a minute as he got his temper under control. The violent gleam never left his eyes, but his voice was calm and sure when he spoke. "Later you will come to me on your knees, begging for my forgiveness. I cannot wait to deny you."

Riko turned and left. Matt didn't drop his arm until the door slammed closed behind Riko. Then he wheeled on Neil, expression tight with equal parts anger and concern.

"Neil?"

Neil was cold and shaken all the way to the core but his voice stayed steady. He stuffed his hands in his pockets in case they were shaking and held onto his phone for dear life. "I don't think Riko likes me very much. Should I be disappointed?"

Matt looked skyward as if searching for patience. "Coach is going to kill you."

"What he doesn't know won't hurt me."

"This is serious," Matt said. "Riko's got it out for you."

"He's not after just me," Neil said. "He tried getting Dan, too."