Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
The two hulking figures, draped in shadows cast by the flickering streetlights outside, approached the imposing mansion with a sense of grim determination. Their footsteps, heavy and deliberate, echoed through the otherwise silent night as they climbed the stone steps leading to the grand entrance. The smaller of the two, with a jagged scar tracing the curve of his right cheek, produced a set of lockpicks from his pocket. The larger one, a behemoth with a thick beard and piercing eyes, glanced around the well-manicured garden, his hand resting on the grip of the black pistol tucked into the waistband of his pants.
Inside the mansion, Eugen, a man in his 40s with a sharp gaze and a meticulously groomed mustache, sat in his study, surrounded by the spoils of his successful business ventures. His eyes scanned over the financial reports on his desk, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he contemplated his next move. The muffled sound of the lock being picked brought him out of his reverie, and he placed his pen down with a sigh. He had known this day might come.
With the lock clicked open, the smaller one gestured for the larger to stay back as he cautiously pushed the door ajar. The interior of the mansion was dimly lit, with the occasional beam of moonlight piercing through the heavy curtains. The air was thick with the scent of old money and leather-bound tomes. They stepped inside, their boots echoing faintly through the marble hallway.
Eugen's heart skipped a beat as the door to his study creaked open, the dim light from the hallway spilling into the room. The loansharks had arrived. He quickly shuffled the papers on his desk, his mind racing. He had always been prepared for a situation like this, but the cold reality of the moment sent a shiver down his spine. He had made enemies in his climb to the top, but these two brutes were the kind of problem that could not be solved with a simple financial transaction. As they entered, he feigned nonchalance, leaning back in his chair with his hands steepled before him. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice steady despite the fear coiling in his stomach, "you're not here for my collection of rare stamps, I presume?"
The smaller loanshark, with the jagged scar, smirked at Eugen's attempt at humor, revealing a set of teeth that looked like they'd seen better days. He stepped into the room, the moonlight glinting off his shaved head. "Mr. Stavros, your charm isn't going to save you tonight," he said, his voice a low growl. Before Eugen could respond, the larger man, the behemoth, took a step forward, his beefy hand shooting out and delivering a powerful blow to the side of Eugen's face. The impact sent the chair toppling over, the sound of wood cracking against marble echoing through the room. The world spun for a moment before everything went dark, and the smell of blood filled the air.