Ryanâs piercing, verdant gaze glared at the man groveling for an extension. Ryan had seen him before, and why he wasnât being dealt with by someone else was beyond him, but he was bored. What the hell. The kingpinâs boots clicked against the hardwood floor as he sauntered toward the high stakes gambling star that had so very conveniently forgotten that he owed the McGowan lord his share of the winnings. Ryan inhaled a long pull from his cigarette, holding it in for a moment before exhaling slowly and tossing the butt just inches from where the other stood. He mashed the thing carelessly beneath the tip of his boot and slipped one hand into his pocket. His free hand came up to grasp what was left of Luckyâs thinning hair and yanked the greasy mop up with a quick jerk. âAnd look at me when Iâm talkinâ to you,â he said. Ryan wrinkled his nose, already able to smell the smell of ripe urine running down the manâs leg.
âNow, you know weâre doinâ you a favor, Lucky. Youâd think a man whoâs got our protection against the Tierneys would be a little more grateful of his benefactors, but as it turns out,â he uttered, his voice low and gravely, like the calm before the storm. He gave the man behind Lucky a subtle nod. âYâainât thinkinâ with your head. Youâve gotten two extensions, and by the grace of my good heart, youâve gotten âem. But⌠tch. I just canât wait anymore, Lucky. You understand that, right? Itâs just business.â
Ryan let go of Luckyâs hair, then motioned for his men to wrap up the meeting. As he walked away, he heard groveling and begging behind him. There was a bit off shuffling, and in the an instant, he was silenced. Forever.