CHAPTER 39

A cold sweat prickled Rico's skin. He stole a glance at Bobby's back, the broad shoulders radiating a menacing aura. For the first time, the unwavering loyalty he'd held for his boss began to waver.

Was this twisted game worth the price he might have to pay? Was there a line he wouldn't cross, a point where even blind loyalty turned sour?

Rico forcefully swallowed, spreading a doubtful seed in the dark soil of his anxiety. He was aware that he needed to make a choice, and that choice was pressing down on him like a dense fog.

Bobby struck the dusty coffee table with his fist, causing the chipped mugs to rattle and his goons to shudder. "Empty!" he said, his voice resonating across the deserted room. "The place is deserted!"

"We searched everywhere, boss," Smash, his top enforcer, said, his voice dripping with a nervous sweat.