Page 75 of Dark Horizon New Dawn

"Get up," he told the guard who had dropped to his knees once again. "Take me to your boss."

As the guy started walking, the three gods entered through the glass doors and joined Kalugal. "The front of the house is secure."

Kalugal smiled. "Did my compulsion affect everyone?"

"So it would seem," Negal said.

"Excellent. Let's go talk to Señor Modana."

54

NEGAL

As the guard shuffled ahead, Negal followed Kalugal, with Aru and Dagor flanking him.

The place was lavish, and as they passed a pair of grand ornate doors, they entered a living room that was filled with expensive furniture and artwork that was probably original. The soaring ceilings were adorned with detailed moldings, and a large crystal chandelier was suspended from its center. The plush sofas and armchairs, though inviting, were a reminder of the comfort and security that Modana had built at the cost of so many lives.

It was ironic that such a beautiful space hid such ugliness. The money that paid for all that grandeur was tainted with blood and suffering.

As they passed a bar that was as big as that of any hotel, Negal's gaze was drawn to the array of spirits. He could use a drink, but he wouldn't touch anything in this place.

The journey through the house was a silent one, the only sound being the soft tread of their steps on the polished hardwood floor. The dining space they briefly passed was another display of excess, with its large, ornate table that was set up as if expecting a grand feast at any moment.

Finally, they reached the boss's office.

The transition was almost jarring. From the open, airy rooms to a space that was decidedly more utilitarian but no less luxurious. It was a command center, with a large, imposing desk dominating the center of the room. The walls were lined with bookshelves and portraits of Modana and his family, posing like royals in their finery, and cruel expressions on their faces.

At first, Negal thought that the guard had tricked them and that his boss wasn't there, but then he heard the rapid heart rate and shallow breathing coming from somewhere behind the enormous desk.

Peering over it, he was surprised to find a small-sized human kneeling on the hardwood floor, his balding head peeking from under his splayed fingers.

"There you are," Kalugal said in English as he sauntered to the chair Modana must have occupied when he had issued the command for everyone to lay down their weapons and go down on their knees.

"Julio Modana," Kalugal drawled. "What a lovely home you have." He shifted his eyes to the portraits on the walls. "Is that you over there?" He pointed. "You don't look that good from where I'm sitting. The artist did you a favor." He leaned down to look into the man's terrified eyes. "How does it feel to be helpless, Julio? Not so good, eh?"

The guy shook his head.

Kalugal's gaze shifted to a small statue of the Christian goddess, the Madonna. "She would be so disappointed in you, Julio. You’ve been a very naughty boy, and I'm here to deliver your punishment."

"Who are you?" Modana mumbled.

Kalugal smoothed a hand over his goatee. "Who do you think I am?"

"El Diablo," the boss muttered with a trembling lower lip. "The devil. But why does the devil speak English?"

Kalugal laughed, his laughter booming through the office. "What else would the devil be speaking?"

Negal stifled a chuckle. Kalugal was enjoying this, and he hated to spoil the guy's fun, but they were in a rush.

"El Diablo, forgive me for interrupting." Negal bowed his head mockingly. "But we don't have time for this sinner."

Kalugal laughed again and then leaned down to look Modana in the eyes. "I am indeed in a bit of a rush today, and I'm feeling merciful. I'll give you another chance at redemption, Julio. You will stop selling drugs and cease all of your illegal activities. From now on, you will be a philanthropist dedicated to the betterment of your people. There are several villages near Acapulco that suffered terribly from Cartel activity lately. Do you know anything about it?"

Modana nodded. "I had nothing to do with it. It was Carlos. He's not right in the head. He's dealing with these foreigners who are telling him to do bad things."

They had almost forgotten about the brother.

"Where is Carlos?" Kalugal asked.

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