With Franklin leading the way, Axel arrived near the Iceberg Lounge. The taxi stopped short, blocked by three burly men who approached the car.
"Hey, what's going on? Why are you bringing people here?" the lead man barked, tapping the window.
The driver rolled it down. The man peered inside. "Damn it, isn't this Donnie? Walter's cousin… nephew… whatever. Your relative is with Boss Oswald. Don't you know the rules? No taxis bring anyone here before the club opens. It's 3:21. Club opens at 4:30. Remember that."
He waved his gold watch in the driver's face, threateningly.
The driver didn't flinch. Instead, he lifted Franklin in his hand, showing it off. "Look at this. Now look at who I'm carrying. I just got over three thousand in tips for bringing this rich guy. Guess how much more cash he's holding."
The driver turned back, bowing comically to Axel. "Boss, don't mind me calling you rich. The gang hates words like 'tycoon.' Anyway, I got you here. Follow them to the Iceberg Lounge. If they resist, flash the cash in your bag."
Axel smirked. "Good job, Buddy." He pushed open the door, raising his chin at the three men. "Don't just stand there. Take me inside, get me a big drink, and find a dozen women to wash my face with their tits!"
He tossed a wad of cash at them.
The men froze, the scent of ink halting any violent impulse. One leaned over and whispered, "This rich idiot just threw us eight thousand. There's easily two, maybe three hundred thousand more in his bag."
The others blinked. "You're right," one admitted. "It's 3:30. An hour before opening, technically you can't enter. But I can take you backstage, where the dancers are prepping. You'll see more girls than at night. Don't tell Boss you're here for fun. Say you're my cousin, here to broaden your horizons. Got it?"
"Got it, Buddy!" Axel clapped him on the shoulder. "Beautiful women or my little act, I like both. Let's go. My d*ck can't wait."
The burly man relaxed, picking up the cash and leading Axel to the entrance.
The gang member at the door frowned. "Bartel, what's going on? Who's this Asian man?"
"I'm his cousin, Buddy. Don't give me trouble. Just want a look," Axel said, producing more cash and stuffing it into the doorman's hands.
Bartel leaned over, explaining to the doorman. "This is my cousin. Believe it or not, I wasn't lying. Take the money."
Pushed aside, Bartel led Axel through a dark corridor and down two flights of stairs. Pulsating music reached them.
Bartel kept talking. "Before opening, this is usually for family members. Lights dim, stick close. Nothing will happen."
They reached a table. Bartel tossed eight hundred Dollars to Cheney and instructed his men to stand guard. "I have a relative here to observe. Don't slack off."
The guards grinned. "Bartel is spending cash! Rare sight."
Bartel relaxed and guided Axel into the dancers' dressing room.
The women barely flinched at his entrance. Some even deliberately adjusted their stockings. The leading dancer, Liv, fanned herself, then smirked.
"Bartel, right? Oswald's little pawn. Thank me for remembering your name. And this isn't your place. You high?"
"You!" Bartel turned red. He knew backstage was reserved for high-ranking clients.
"I've said I won't be a minion forever. I have a very rich cousin. See? I brought him." He grabbed Axel. "Take care of him. That's all I ask."
Axel nodded. He pulled out more cash and shoved it into Bartel's hand.
"You don't seem to do particularly well, but thanks for helping me. My name will be known in Gotham soon. Follow my reputation, and maybe I'll give you a shot, just like you gave me a chance. I'm Axel, Axel of Downton Manor!"
He pushed Bartel and his companions out.
Liv shook her head. "Cousins. Boring joke. You carry money, but a referral matters more than cash. Without it, no woman will kneel for you."
Axel grinned, sitting on the most luxurious sofa. He pulled tens of thousands in cash from his bag, tossing it into the air. Banknotes fluttered down as some dancers greedily grabbed them.
He grabbed Liv's hand, pulling her close. "Generosity beats titles. Tonight, I'm generous. In the future, too. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," Liv replied, leaning toward him.
"It won't be hard. I just want to know where the Sabatino Family's stronghold is."
Liv stiffened. "That's… very difficult. Extremely difficult."
Axel smiled. "You know the answer. This is the Iceberg Lounge, Falcone's core territory. Even managing dancers here requires knowledge."
Axel rubbed her lower abdomen lightly, revealing the contents of his bag. Half was cash, half was power. The kind that could bring everyone down with him.
Liv's eyes narrowed. Axel laughed softly. "So, tell me, where is it?"