Page 12 of Unspoken Obsession

"How can you be sure he's not lying?"

"I was very - persuasive - when I asked. Also, they are small fish in a big pond. They don't have the resources for something like that. They're into small, petty crime. A kidnapping would be a hell of a stretch, he's on the dumb side."

I sigh. He's right. We are getting so desperate we are looking at desperate leads that are wasting our time. But I'm stuck. I'm at a dead end and I won't give up.

"Why did they skip town then?" I ask, my eyes narrowed.

"Gambling debts they couldn't pay - the father owed a fuck-ton of money to Antonio Musetti."

"Fuck. That is not a man you want to be indebted to." He collects bodies when people run out of money.

"I'd sell my left ball before I borrowed money from a man like Musetti. And I wouldn't want to owe him any favors either." There are men in this city that I never want to associate with.

Antonio Musetti owns the second-largest casino in Las Vegas. His is on par with mine; his business is expanding asvigorously as mine. I am not allied with the man, nor am I enemies. We've got an unspoken respect, a silent agreement to stay the fuck away from each other. From what I have heard - he is one of those people I wouldn't want to be in bed with, anyway.

But as long as he stays on his side of the line, and I stay on mine - we've got no problems. It is obvious to both of us that there would be chaos if we interfered with one another. It wouldn't be worth the loss on either side. And we are both too smart for that.

Over the years, a few leads point in his direction when Dani's disappearance comes up. But until it's something concrete and more than rumors and gossip - I will not pursue those leads. I suspect that many of Antonio's adversaries would be thrilled if I were to believe that he is at fault - and to start a full-scale assault. It would wipe out half of my empire and more than half of his - and the worms would come from the woodwork to eat off our carcasses.

No.

If someone brings me tangible evidence that Antonio Musetti was involved - I will go after him. Until then, I will keep stay in my lane, and keep searching.

Business is booming. In fact - it's better than good. It's fucking incredible.

Over the last few years, I've purchased three additional casinos. Smaller than the River - but still very lucrative.

I've expanded my empire to impossible heights. With each expansion, I add new partnerships and collect enemies too. There's always a jealous rival in the wings waiting to take his shot.

Recent issues in the underground tunnels are getting out of hand.

We've got video footage of trespassers sneaking in and out. Two of my guards were gunned down last week, and it has forcedme to double up on security at every entry and exit point. I don't understand why it has been so difficult to find out who is behind this. What started as a small, pesky annoyance, has now become a serious problem that needs urgent attention.

Despite the security breach below, I'm rolling in money. It still hasn't helped me find my sister - or the mysterious beauty who haunts my dreams.

Life is cruel.

I have money, success, power and yet there is a hole inside me. An empty, numbness that nothing can fill.

I am devoid of emotion, alone. I have no one to share all this success with. And until I find out what happened to Dani, none of it will matter. I will still be a failure.

The fantasy that keeps me alive and pushing and able to do anything at all - is the memory of that little fox -- how she made my entire body pulse with life, a blinding light, electricity in my veins. I want that again. I need it.

And the hope that it might happen again is what keeps me going.

"I'm leaving. I'm sure everyone is drunk enough not to notice."

Lorenzo chuckles. "These idiots wouldn't notice a fire alarm if it went off now. They are all either high or smashed; most of them don't even know where they are. Besides, they call you 'The Shadow' for a reason."

"Yeah, funny, but I'm sure sneaking out of a party is not the reason." I chuckle. "I want to get an early session in at the gym tomorrow. So, are we still on for our meeting to discuss the figures?"

"Yes, sir. Do you want me to drive you?"

"No, I'll stay here tonight. No point in leaving the city when I want to be back here so early."

Lorenzo lives in the casino hotel. I gave him a residential suite. He's earned it.

I live in the casino penthouse; most nights that is where I stay, but I own a mansion outside of the city limits. It's my sanctuary for when I need an escape from this life -- a little time away from the bullshit.

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