Ravi led Eli through the front door, and on the left just as Josh had instructed. He knocked on a door tucked away in the side. A small peephole slid open, and a pair of eyes examined them.

  “Password?” a gruff voice asked.

  “Jesus,” Ravi answered automatically.

  “Christ,” came the response, and the door swung open.

  A muscular man stepped aside, motioning them in. A few steps in, a staircase descended into darkness. They were silently pointed toward it.

  At the bottom, they found another door—unlocked. As they stepped through, the stillness was suddenly shattered by loud cursing and bursts of laughter. The space opened into a large underground room, buzzing with life.

  To the left, tattooed men were playing pool. Across from them, another group played cards. Scantily clad women weaved through the crowd with trays of beer.

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  Eli glanced around, recognizing no one. Ravi urged him forward.

  “Soundproofed,” Eli thought. “Makes sense.”

  They passed through the lively space and entered another series of rooms. Inside, men were hunched over tables, counting stacks of cash—more money than Eli had ever seen in one place.

  Sooner than expected, they reached the final door. It was solid metal—imposing and clearly high-security. Two men in identical dark shades stood guard, arms folded with military precision.

  This time, both Eli and Ravi were frisked before being allowed inside. One guard opened the door and led them in.

  Behind a massive desk sat Jimmy, cigar in mouth, reclining in an oversized custom chair. He was on the phone, speaking casually. Without a word, he gestured toward the sofas. Ravi and Eli sat as the bodyguard shut the door, sealing them in with the boss.

  The room was decorated with expensive wines, bold artwork, and other markers of wealth—everything about it screamed success.

  “…It’ll be done,” Jimmy said, ending the call.

  He thoughtfully set the telephone down, stood, and walked over.

  Ravi rose with a wide grin, and the two embraced like old friends.

  “My boy, I’ve been waiting for you,” Jimmy said.

  Eli’s jaw dropped in disbelief.