Page 137 of Roulette: The Madam

“Because anyone who crosses paths with the women within our organization is in the direct line of danger. Not only them but their mothers, sisters, fathers, aunts, uncles, and everyone else they love.

“When it comes to my sisters, no one is off limits. No one. I won’t know boundaries. Entire lineages will be discontinued. Down to the pet fish. They all know it. So do you.”

“Still.”

“I appreciate your concern, but there is a place for you somewhere else in this organization.”

“I’m listening.”

“And, I’ll begin telling you once you handle your first assignment.”

“First assignment.” I chuckled. “What might that be?”

“Question–”

“I might have an answer,” I assured him.

“Your wealth is– well, let’s just say that you have no reason to even consider a position in this organization. What is your reason?”

“Allies. It’s better to have them.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “That’s not it.”

“I’m bored.”

“Neither is that.”

I nodded, accepting that he wouldn’t settle for anything other than the truth. “It’s lonely at the top.”

“Not anymore.”

I read between the lines he’d drawn. But, there was still one missing piece to the puzzle.

“The assignment?”

“Eliminate your competition.”

“Had a chance to look over the menu?” The waitress returned with her pen and pad.

I’d forgotten my selections. I reopened the menu to find the specific listings to make sure they were my final choices.

“Yes. I’ll start with a Manhattan. And, for a starter, I’ll ta–”

I looked up from my menu to give the waitress my full attention. Unfortunately, the empty seat across the table captured it first.

“Sir?”

“Uh yeah. Alligator for the starter. And, the Chef’s Special. Seafood.”

“Got it. Anything else?”

“No. Just my drink. Pronto.”

“Coming right up.”

My phone chimed on the table. I removed it from the linen to find a text from an unknown number.

Their affairs are not mine to get involved with, but she’s different. Word of advice: Do not force yourself onto her. She will retreat. She hates feeling as though she isn’t in control of her destiny. Don’t strip that away from her. She takes pride in creating her own narrative. Allow it or at least allow her to think she is doing so. And spend your money. All of it if you have to. You’ll get it back. I’ll make sure of it.

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