The mansion had a distinct aroma of cigars, smoke, and leather. Victor Santoro lounged in his office, one booted foot propped up on the mahogany desk while the other swung lazily. His hand rested on a crystal glass of whiskey, the amber liquid catching the light from the chandelier above.
Adam, his right-hand man, stood firmly in the doorway. The tension in the air was palpable, almost thick enough to cut with a knife.
"Everything is clear, boss," Adam said, his voice short and precise.
Victor didn't bother to look at him. "Clear? Clear doesn't mean anything. List it out."
Adam swallowed hard. He was anxious; one mistake could cost him dearly with Victor.
"All shipments arrived on schedule."
Victor's eyebrow twitched. "Go on."
"The men are accounted for, and security is tight at every checkpoint. There are no loose ends and nothing unverified."
Victor tilted his head. "What about the contacts in the district?"
"Yes, they are confirmed. All in line. No surprises."
Victor's expression darkened. "What about the favors owed… the debts?"
"All collected and returned in full. Nothing outstanding."
Victor leaned back and swirled his whiskey. "And what about the girl I inquired about?"
Adam hesitated before answering, "She's accounted for. There's no exposure, no mistakes. She hasn't drawn any attention."
Victor laughed low and dangerously, the sound echoing in the cavernous room. "Good. That's what I like to hear." He set the glass down with a deliberate thud. "Adam…"
"Yes, Boss?"
"I'm going out tonight. Need to unwind. Have some fun."
Adam's gut tightened immediately. "More like, kill someone's daughter, you-" he muttered, and before he could finish.
Victor's eyes flicked to him. "Adam?"
"Yes, Boss?"
"Call the bar. The one on 5th… just think of a name for it, I don't care. VIP reservation. All girls welcome. You know what to do."
Adam blinked. "At once."
Victor stood, stretching, muscles moving like coiled predators. "Tonight, I want everything the city offers me. And I want it clean. No interruptions. No mistakes. And if anyone crosses me…" His grin was sharp enough to cut. "…make sure they regret it."
Adam nodded. "Yes, Boss."
Victor sauntered toward the balcony, overlooking the city that trembled beneath his influence. "I want to see who's bold enough to play with fire tonight."
Adam, silently cursing, made the calls, arranging reservations, confirming girls, and double-checking security. In his head, he muttered, "Fun, he says. More like destroying lives for sport."
Victor chuckled again, sipping his whiskey. "God, Adam… nothing excites me like power. Nothing."