Page 2 of As the World Falls

He looks puzzled as he catches it, flipping open the first page and then looking back toward me. “Are you sure? I don’t know if this should be in anyone else’s hands.”

“I trust you,” I tell him because I do. “This is part of your job now. Do it well.”

I watched his jaw muscle flex widely, and I knew it was because he was feeling an emotion that we usually never say out loud to each other but know all the same. I knew he was appreciative. He didn’t need to say it. I gave him a chance when no one else would, and out of everyone in this industry, he’s the one who always showed up. He had my back much like I had his, and we both knew that giving him my ledger, something that could be my demise, was no small feat.

Tobias finally leaves, calling Andrei to meet with him and give him the news. I exhaled in relief, knowing my decision to promote him paid off, and he accepted it. I wasn’t kidding about that vacation. I’ve been in this bloody business for over fifteen years with no break. I would zombify soon if I didn’t do something about it.

My phone buzzes, and I click to answer, putting it on speaker as Marcy, my assistant's voice, filters through. “Mr. Kingston, Mayor Fireux is here to see you.”

I pinch my brows together, searching my brain for any appointment I had forgotten about with him. “Did we have an appointment?”

“No sir, but he’s being persistent. Says it’s urgent.”

I sigh. “Fine. Bring him in.” I was not in the mood for this shit today, but it was best I didn’t piss off any of the city's politicians, considering I make a large amount of money off them.

My door opened, and Marcy led Mayor Fireux in. I don’t miss how his eyes roam over her figure, and he doesn’t let them stray until she is gone and shuts the door behind her. He was a slimeball altogether with his pale rat-like face and fiery red hair he kept short and slick with an unsettling amount of hair gel. He has a beard now, unlike the last time I saw him, but it didn’t help his image. He was a small, lanky man who hid his figure behind stiff, tailored suits and had the attitude to match his insecure personality. I honestly don’t know how he got elected mayor two runs in a row.

I clear my throat, directing his attention to me as I scowl at him from behind my desk. “What brings you by so unannounced, Chuck?”

He walks into my office and drops down into the seat Tobias had just occupied moments ago despite my not inviting him to. “I heard about your little mishap last night,” he says, displeased.

There was no mishap last night. The club I own, Underground, had police sent to it for illegal activity and dealings, which may or may not have been confirmed. Either way, the police left convinced that all was right and there was nothing illegal happening—at least, they did after I spoke to them.

“There was no mishap. It was a false call.”

He curls his lip at that, and I watch, amused as he looks annoyed. “Don’t be coy with me, James. We both know you have a hand, or should I say dollars, in the police force.”

“You know nothing,” I tell him smugly. “My business is that of crystal, Chuck. I don’t dabble in politics or city-run authorities.” It was a lie because I did have a hand in the police force, and it was a big one. The current sheriff was appointed by none other than my close friend and me, who also have a small investment in the men in blue, and because of that, they disregard most of my underground business deals for lack of a better word. But the police were the only thing I had ever taken control of when it came to the city, so it was only a little white lie. The rest was true. I'm not as fond of politics as I am of politicians, which means I was thoroughly irritated by his presence at the moment.

“The police force is mine. I am the mayor of this city. I need control of it. I look like an idiot without their cooperation. I made the offer before. You either work for me or against me.”

I can’t help but laugh loudly. He had some balls coming in here trying to propose such a thing; I’ll give him that. His jaw clenches as his face reddens, and I know I’ve hit a nerve, but I don’t give a shit. “Chuck,” I grin, feigning innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He stands now, frustrated, grunting noises escaping him. I sit calmly in my chair, my eyes tracking every move he makes with glee. “This is my city, James,” he barks out. “My city. I know who you really are and won’t think twice about exposing you. Don’t make me remind you who owns this city.”

I cock a bored brow at him. “Is that a threat, Mr. Mayor?”

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll take it as one. I don’t care if they call you the cold king of the rich. You don’t rule me or this city. I do.”

I grin at his dramatics. “If you really own the city, Chuck, then why are you doing your damnedest to remind me?”

He guffaws, his eyes widening as he looks down at me with embarrassed anger. “Mark my words, James. This city will forget you and your friend Luccio ever stained it when I’m through with you.”

“Now, now,” I tsk. “That’s not very mayoral of you.”

He makes more grunting noises as he strides out of my office, slamming the door behind him as he does like a child. I finally ripped my tie off my neck and undid the first couple of buttons on my shirt, easing the snaking feeling around my neck.

I pulled my cell phone out and dialed the number of my friend, Luccio.

“Hey,” he answers after the first ring.

“Chuck Fireux is onto me about the police. He seems rather determined to snuff us out.”

Stef laughs. “I didn’t even feel a trickle of fear about that news. You?”

I chuckle, a dark thrill twisting in my stomach. “His barging into my office and threatening me was the most entertaining part of my day.”

“I bet. How’s the desk life treating you these days?”

---