“It’s a confidence game,” Marek said, paring down a jagged thumbnail with his Bowie knife. “I don’t think that’s the right term,” Angelo replied from across the kitchen island. “A confidence game…” Marek pointed the blade, poised for throwing, at his partner. “Don’t contradict me. Ever.”
👏👏👏 Marek is quickly characterized as a tough, violent alpha male—achieved by the symbol of the knife and his gruff dialogue.
I was a bit confused by one word in the last sentence: “The last buddy landed face-first in his own fireplace.” Is 'buddy' supposed to be 'body?'