AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m certain he was made aware I might pay him a visit. Well, I suggest you just tell him I’m not leaving.”
She shot the two men a quick look, heat rising on her face. They moved behind me as if the assholes could manage to stop my actions.
The lovely girl turned away, whispering into the phone. I turned around to face the henchmen, keeping a grin on my face. The standoff was amusing. I crossed my legs, glancing around the facility. The man had done well for himself, pacing his way into glamor town on the blood and backs of hundreds of others.
With a few minutes, I noticed someone walking down the long corridor. Upon first glance, I wasn’t certain why he carried such a positive reputation with the ladies. Standing several inches shorter, he’d obviously overindulged in his passion other than cocaine. Maybe he’d lose some weight if he altered his proclivities.
He swaggered toward me, giving me the typical onceover. “Savage Masters. I don’t believe we’ve become acquainted.”
“As you might imagine, I’m not here to develop any kind of relationship.”
“I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage. However, my receptionist was insistent that you weren’t planning on leaving until you spoke with me.”
“I think we can dispense with the bullshit. Don’t you? And I suggest you call off your thugs because I’m in a prickly mood and I don’t think you want blood spilled on this expensive carpet.”
His narrowed his eyes, nodding to his men. There was no doubt he’d received a call from the officer. “Why don’t we talk in my office?”
“Better yet. Why don’t you show me around your nice casino? I am new to town after all.” I headed out the doors, knowing he would follow. I didn’t bother glancing over my shoulder as I took long strides into the swanky area. There were at least six of his soldiers in close proximity, but I was certain there were more. They weren’t providing protection. They were watching for anyone daring to try to steal from the man’s organization.
I didn’t need to wait long, Michael flanking my side. “You make an interesting entrance, Mr. Masters. I assume you know who I am.”
“I’m well aware.” I could tell he wanted to continue his game.
“And I don’t have the luxury of knowing who you are.”
“I should say I’m surprised you don’t notice the resemblance, but then again, my brother meant nothing to you.”
He turned his head, scanning my eyes. A sly smile crossed his face as if he held a secret. “Please, come have a drink with me, Mr. Masters. Or if you’d still prefer, I’d be happy to provide you with a tour.”
“A drink will be fine.”
I followed him toward one of the bars, the bartender immediately heading over without being called.
“What will you have?”
“Whiskey.”
He smiled, enjoying the game. This time I didn’t mind it. I’d learned from my father that the best way to put your enemy at ease, which allowed him to make mistakes, was to act nonchalant about whatever business you needed to discuss. Once you lost your temper, you lost the hand of poker. I had no intention of doing so.
As he ordered two of the best whiskeys in the house, I scanned the area. His reputation didn’t include murder inside his resort, but that didn’t mean a certain element of the police weren’t watching him and his entire organization. It just meant they weren’t willing to provide any assistance unless absolutely necessary. Or if someone more infamous was murdered.
My brother didn’t count.
With the whiskeys in hand, he lifted his glass. “I’m sorry to say I didn’t know your brother very well, although I believe his firm did some advertising for us.”
I took a gulp of the drink then set the thick tumbler down with a hard thud. “I’m not interested in being patronized, Michael. I know you had him killed just like someone from your organization was sent to provide me with a warning. The trouble with warnings is that it pisses me off. That tends to make me dig in.”
He laughed, swirling the liquid in his drink. “Surely, you didn’t come here to insult me.”
“Absolutely not. We both know the score. I’m here to terminate the contracts you had with Masters of Sizzle Advertising.”
I wasn’t certain whether I’d caught him off guard but as this point I didn’t give a shit.
“You can’t do that, Mr. Masters. Those contracts are ironclad and extend for three more years.”
“For a man who didn’t seem certain if my brother’s firm provided advertising for you, you seem to know the details regarding the contracts. Interesting. You see, that’s where you’re wrong. My brother was a consummate businessman, enough so that he put in several protections in case of his death.”
“Meaning what?”
