It's an extreme example to say the least. But people read it and their imaginations take over. And that's exactly what the mob wants.

The truth is, debtors rarely get seriously hurt. And almost NEVER get killed. But the threat of it happening is the great motivator here.

There are a million brokesters and beats walking around the Bronx. You see them walk into a bar and you say to yourself, How is that guy still walking around? But it happens. He knows how to play the game. Beg Peter to pay Paul, etc.