A woman who makes her living selling fish is pulled into the criminal underworld, where she discovers a talent for power and survival. As she climbs from the market stalls toward the top of a mafia empire, she must decide how much of herself she is willing to sacrifice to rule.
In the filthiest docklands of City A, everyone shivered at my name. I was twenty-six, gutting fish for a living in a blood-soaked stall meaner than any thug on the pier. That day, I slammed my heavy cleaver onto the chopping block, blood spraying across rubber apron. Suddenly, a filthy little hand tugged shyly at my hem. She was skin and
wearing a frayed, oversized winter coat, her arms patterned with terrifying purple marks. Auntie, I can give you all my money. Can you be my mummy?
My eyes then slowly crouched down, steel blades still dripping red. Do you know who I am? I know.
Everyone on the street says you're a viper even thugs are terrified of. I raised an eyebrow. I was amused by the absurdity.
If you know what I am, you still dare bring your money to me? Because you look just like my mummy. My mummy was beautiful and you're just as beautiful.
Then I caught the subtle mafia mark embroidered on her collar. Flattery won't work, kid. I don't have time for stupid pranks. It's not a prank!
Her eyes welled up. Mummy died. Daddy is overseas handling dangerous family business and hasn't been home in forever. Grandmother hates me and my brother, calls us useless burdens. If I get taken away, my little brother will die alone in that dark room.
Looking at this child standing tall despite it all, heavy weight pressed onto my chest.