The black SUV veered sharply onto the curb, blocking the two men from reaching Leo.
The doors flew open, and three of Marcus's security guards stepped out smoothly.
The two thugs stopped in their tracks, looking surprised and intimidated by the uniform presence.
Marcus stepped out of the vehicle, his presence easily commanding the entire sidewalk area.
Sarah ran past him, threw her arms around her brother, and pulled him back.
Sarah: Leo! Are you okay?
Leo: Sarah? What is going on? Who are these people?
Marcus: Stay behind me, kids.
Marcus walked directly toward the two leather-jacketed men with steady, slow steps.
The taller thug tried to act tough, folding his arms across his chest.
Thug: Back off, old man, this kid owes our boss money.
Marcus: Your boss is Victor Vance's old business rival from six years ago.
The thug froze instantly, his eyes widening in total disbelief at the name.
Thug: Vance? You are... Marcus Vance?
Marcus: Tell Victor that his old debt to me is still open.
He stepped closer, his shadow completely covering the trembling thug.
Marcus: If I see your faces near this boy again, I will buy Victor's entire operation.
Marcus: Then I will hand every single record over to the federal prosecutors.
The thug swallowed hard, unable to find a single word of defiance.
Thug: We... we were just delivering a message, man.
Marcus: Message received. Now run back and deliver mine.
The two men turned on their heels and quickly scrambled away toward their car.