Page 9 of The Devil's Dilemma

“I guess some things you never recover from.”

He grunted, and I activated the portal.

By the time we returned to the casino, it was midday, and we were about to open the doors. Most establishments around here operated twenty-four hours a day, but I couldn’t be arsed with that.

Midday to two a.m. was more than enough. Gamblers flooded through our doors every day of the week, and I made more money than I knew what to do with.

I was fucking rich, and if you worked for me, kept on my good side, you’d never be left wanting either. After all, money was the root of all evil.

“What’s next, boss?”

“For you? Nothing. I’m going back to bed. I want to be up later to oversee. You could take the night off.”

“Nah, I’ll be back later. I’ll grab some shuteye. Be back for eight.”

He walked out of the casino, and I went back up to my apartment.

As I walked inside, I screwed up my nose. I’d need to get rid of the smell of sex and booze. Otherwise, I’d never get to sleep.

A maid came by every day, but I couldn’t wait. Once done, I showered, climbed into bed, and closed the electric blinds until the room was pitch black.

Several hours later, I woke, changed into my usual attire of a black suit and tie, and made my way down to the floor.

I nodded at Conrad, who stood at his habitual place by the front door, and I walked to my favourite spot by the bar.

“Whiskey on the rocks.” Like I needed to ask. It was the same drink I had every night.

I sipped my drink while I observed the floor. Plenty in tonight, including a rowdy bunch of men who’d need keeping an eye on.

I didn’t need to say anything into the comms we all wore. Several of my men already approached them.

We’d not kick them out. Not yet anyway, but at the first sign of trouble, they’d be on their arses out of the door.

And if they resisted, well, some of them might find their way down to the basement. It would depend on my mood and how generous I was feeling.

Or how evil. The two were interchangeable at any point.

But they behaved, and at eleven, most were beyond drunk and left with no incident.

Well, fuck.

There went another chance to liven up my night.

The rest of the evening passed quietly, much to my disgust. No one caught my eye, so no repeat performance from last night.

Something needed to change, something needed to happen, and at this point, I’d settle for anything.

Chapter three

Austin

The shop was rightwhere Google said it would be, at the junction of Somerset Road and Glyne Place.

How had I never seen it before? I’d been down this road countless times, yet walked past it every single time.

I stood in front of the gloss red door, the shiny brass knob sparkling in the morning sunlight.

Tentatively, I approached, my hand slick as I twisted the knob. It turned with ease. I slowly pushed the door open, the creak loud in the quiet.

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