Page 25 of Scarlet Angel

It’s time we restructure.

Me

I’m not following.

Halston

We’re going to lose control if we don’t take a more strategic approach.

Me

Are you a prophet now?

Sure. I’m throwing the word around. It’s been on my mind ever since I received the untraceable message from a sender who claimed the word as a name.

Halston

For Obsidian, I am the prophet. Our members’ attention is too fractured. We need someone focused.

I won’t argue with the old man there. Although, of the syndicate members I’ve spent time with, I’d dare say we all suffer from a level of ADHD and therefore flourish with multiple irons in the fire.

I reread his text. He’s the only one of us who loves to use the word Obsidian. Wouldn’t surprise me if he named the alliance all those years ago. I pinch the bridge of my nose. This is something else I need to discuss with Dorian. His father. At ninety-two, is he disengaged from the businesses? Is this a bored man who is grasping for relevance?

Me

What do you propose?

Halston

I serve as central command. Monitoring and enlisting services as needed. We meet monthly.

Me

Not feasible.

There’s nothing more alarming than someone proposing regular meetings.

Halston

You don’t have to attend. This is the right thing to do. I have more time and experience than all of you.

I roll my eyes and stretch back in my chair. The bloke’s ancient and American. An ornery combination.

Halston

Until you replace Leo Sullivan, will you be acting as negotiator?

The reason I hired Leo in the first place is I value experts. I also have time constraints. In some parts of the world, nothing happens quickly.

Me

I lack the social stamina. I’ll fill his role.

Halston

Do you maintain contact with your family?

Me

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