Chapter 20 Cassian
CASSIAN
Severin and I meet at a nightclub in the next town over. It’s a dive and the last place either of us would choose which is exactly why he chose it. I park the SUV two blocks away. I didn’t take the Ferrari because I don’t want anyone knowing my business.
The worst music ever made plays too loudly, the thud of the bass irritating as fuck as bodies gyrate on the dance floor. I look around the crowd, noting the exits before heading to booth at the far end where I can see Severin is already seated nursing a drink.
I weave through people trying to touch as few as possible. When I get to the booth, a waitress asks what I’ll have and I order a whiskey.
“Nice place. Come here often?” I ask Severin, knowing full well he never would.
He stretches his lips into a non-smile. The waitress returns with my drink and lingers a moment. I take out my wallet and hand her a fifty-dollar bill. Her eyebrows disappear into her hairline.
“If you could make sure we’re not interrupted.”
“Sure thing, hon.” She pops her gum and winks before walking away.
“What do you want, Cassian?”
“Wanted to thank you for your gift.”
“I didn’t do it for you. Good to clean house once in a while.”
“What did you get out of him?”
“That’s your job.”
“Except that he came to me half-dead.”
“Isn’t that what you’re used to dealing with?”
“Don’t fuck with me, Severin. Did he tell you anything?”
“Nothing of value. Someone on a bike dropped off cash. His mother was home, but saw nothing of course.”
“Yeah, that’s what I got.”
He takes a deep breath in, exhales audibly. “I want the deed to the Atlantic City property back, Cassian. That’s the only reason I’m here.”
“And you want me to just hand it over?”
“Yeah. I do.”
“Why would I do that? Because you handed me a half-dead man?”
“Because maybe I had a camera installed at the house where that cash was delivered.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“Why would you do that?”
“I keep a close eye on anyone who’s charged with protecting my family. Always have. Always will.”
“I’m guessing without their knowledge.”
“Page out of your book?”
“Nah. Too subtle for me. You’ve seen the footage?”
He nods. “I think you’ll find it interesting. I did.”
“How so?”
“The deed, Cassian.”
I study him. Is he bluffing? I don’t think so. Severin Blackstone wouldn’t waste his time trying to fuck me over. He knows I’d pay him back double.
“If it’s as interesting as you say, it’s yours. But the other part of our arrangement doesn’t change.” I still need him to clean my money.
“Fine. My lawyer will send over paperwork tomorrow morning.” He leaves his untouched drink on the table and stands, reaching into his pocket. He takes out a flash drive and sets it down between us. “Do not fuck with me,” he says before pushing it toward me and walking away.