"Does everyone know? A strange group of people has come to our territory."
Murphy stared at everyone around him, a suspicious expression on his face.
He was already fifty years old. In their line of work, that was considered quite advanced in age.
In Hell's Kitchen, apart from the biggest boss, Kingpin, the only other people with real power were the few men sitting here.
His gang had been doing quite well. As a special kind of economic organization, it ran several casinos and a loan-sharking business.
Naturally, drugs were part of the package at Murphy's casinos.
If you had money, you could rent a private room to have some fun after gambling wore you out. Spend a little, and a bunny girl would keep you company. Once the mood picked up, they'd even generously offer their guests a little powder to enjoy.
The Golden Spirit was long gone. After the Mafia fell apart, the gangs that came after had cast aside their predecessors' caution. They did whatever made money.
His loan-sharking business also had specialists in every casino, ready to provide cash for gamblers who had none to spend.
Whether those gamblers could pay back their loans had never been a concern. As long as they didn't run, there was always a way to make them pay.
With these businesses and their attentive service, Murphy had made a comfortable life for himself in Hell's Kitchen.
His gang might not have been as big as Kingpin's, but he was still somebody with a name in Hell's Kitchen.
Things had gotten even more amusing lately. The Punisher had suddenly disappeared, and no one knew why.
They were thrilled. These days, there were two things that mattered most in their line of work.
First, don't make Kingpin unhappy. Otherwise, Hell's Kitchen's overlord would show you what cruelty meant.
Second, watch out for the Punisher at all costs. One careless mistake, and your whole family could end up in hell.
As for Daredevil Matt? He was just a clown in a skintight suit. Even if he took you down, you'd only spend a few days resting in jail.
A few days later, you'd be back out, building your gang up bigger and stronger.
It did affect business a little, but it wasn't a big deal.
Murphy was getting old. He just wanted to live off the money from his current businesses, and had no interest in expanding any further.
But lately, a strange group had shown up in Hell's Kitchen to preach.
That was a huge joke. Who in America didn't know what this place was like?
Preaching here? It was hard to believe they didn't have an ulterior motive. Maybe it was a scheme by one of the men sitting here.
As soon as Murphy finished speaking, the noisy meeting room fell silent. Only the occasional roar of cars outside and the distant laughter of street thugs could be heard. The gang leaders exchanged glances, their eyes filled with both confusion and caution.
"Murphy, are you sure they're here to preach?" Carlos, a burly man with a face full of fat, broke the silence from across the table.
"Hell's Kitchen is a breeding ground for crime. Don't they know the rules around here?"
"Absolutely, Carlos."
Murphy nodded, unease showing in his eyes.
"They're dressed strangely, with bizarre crowns on their heads, and they go door to door preaching their doctrine. I heard they even tried to enter some places that weren't willing to cooperate, but somehow they weren't thrown out. They actually managed to preach there.
"Afterward, the managers of those places were even deferential to the preachers. I don't know what kind of witchcraft they used."
"Hmph. Looks like they're tired of living."
A tall, skinny gang leader named Jack sneered. "Hell's Kitchen doesn't need gods. We only need money and power. If those preachers dare to get in the way of our business, we'll show them what we can do."
"That may be true, but we can't afford to let our guard down."
A gray-haired gang leader named Aiden spoke slowly.
"Spend long enough in this world, and you learn that there are often secrets hidden behind things. These preachers might just be the beginning. We need to find out what they're really after."
"I agree with Aiden."
Murphy nodded.
"And even though the Punisher has disappeared for now, he's still a threat. We can't let outsiders take advantage of us while we're fighting among ourselves. We should unite, deal with these unwelcome guests first, and discuss everything else afterward."
The gang leaders were nodding in agreement when a loud crash rang out. The door had been kicked open.
A group of people strode in. They were the preachers Murphy had mentioned.
Kaecilius strode into the meeting room with a group of preachers in strange robes and crowns.
"From the sound of it, you gentlemen seem to be talking about us."
Kaecilius's voice was low and powerful. He stood in the middle of the meeting room and looked around at everyone present.
"Who are you people? And what are you doing here?"
The gang leaders immediately drew their pistols and aimed them at Kaecilius. If he made even the slightest move, they would pull the triggers and turn him into SpongeBob.
"It doesn't matter who we are. What matters is that you give us a little of your time. I'd like to tell you about our Heavenly Lord and Savior Father."
Kaecilius wore a kind expression. Paired with his strange but unmistakably religious garb, he really did look like a clergyman.
In truth, although Kaecilius had come to preach, he didn't believe in their Sovereign Lord. He simply treated Him like a sucker.
He had come to preach only because it was His task.
At least the Sovereign Lord had generously charged no interest and had asked for only this small favor. It would be rather shameless of them to take advantage of Him without giving anything in return.
Besides, if they really angered Him and He stopped lending them money, where else could they find a Sovereign Lord with such generous terms?
"You people? Preaching in this den of sin? What a pipe dream!"
Jack was the first to lose his temper. He stood up and pointed at Kaecilius, fury flashing in his eyes.
"Hell's Kitchen doesn't need your pity or your sermons. Around here, only money and power matter!"
Kaecilius did not get angry. His expression remained kind.
"Mr. Jack, I understand your position and your anger. But allow me to clarify one thing: as long as you believe in the Great Father, everyone can find a path back to the light and salvation. You don't even have to wait until after death. You can enter the Great Father's kingdom while still alive."
"Hmph. Nice words."
Jack sneered, but he kept his grip firm on his gun.
"Do you think a few pretty words can change the rules of Hell's Kitchen? Keep dreaming!"
Kaecilius gently shook his head, a trace of pity on his face. "Since you gentlemen aren't willing to hear us explain the Great Father's doctrine, then I happen to know a little magic."