Julio walked into the casino. Closely followed by Martha, Alex and three bodyguards.
The velvet curtains of Inferno's Lounge swallowed the noise of the street outside. Inside, lights glimmered crimson and gold, casting ripples across marble floors. A low hum of chatter mixed with the clatter of chips, the shuffle of cards, the clinking of glasses. The smell of whiskey and perfume thickened the air… and danger lingered just beneath.
Julio moved with the grace of a shadow…precise, assured, silent. His mask reflected the chandelier lights… eyes cold behind it. Behind him, Martha's silver gown shimmered like a blade. Alex followed suit… his stance alert as if he sensed a trap in every corner. Guards parted like the Red Sea before them… the Marquis had arrived.
At the mezzanine, the poker table waited and at it sat a man.
Alex drew closer to Julio, forcing him to slow down in his steps.
"Boss, that's Milgard. The fat one there with the cigar." Alex said.
