“I had a more permanent position in mind.”
“You offering me a job?” Mickey scoffed.
“What I’m offering is a piece of the city.” Cold neatly folded his fingers in his lap.
“How is that?”
“Because it’s going to be mine,” Cold replied.
Mickey couldn’t help laughing.
Cold didn’t seem bothered by Mickey’s reaction. He turned to accept a drink from Jules, taking a small sip while he waited for Mickey to stop laughing.
Jules passed Mickey the other drink, and he took a gulp straight from the bottle. “You shouldn’t be laughin’, kid. Ain’t nothin’ funny.”
“Right.” Mickey took the glass and raised it in a toast. “Because you’re somehow gonna take out the entire Luchesi family and rule Strassen Springs. You, a gay man.”
“Yes,” Cold replied simply.
“Yeah, and with what army?”
“I don’t need one. Brute strength is not how the city will be taken. It requires… patience. Some tact. A plan.”
“Uh huh.”
“You have doubts.”
“Several.”
“What if I told you that taking this bar is just the beginning?”
“This shithole bar was part of your plan?”
“Yes, you see—”
The front door opened, drawing everyone’s attention and their guns.
It was Duncan, eyes wide, letting out a small squeal.
Great.
“Oh, Christ,” Duncan whispered as he shrunk back in horror from the carnage. “Mickey… no… what have you done?”
Mickey held up his hand, shaking his head at Cold and Jules. “Don’t shoot him. He’s with me.” He glared at Duncan. “I told you not to come back here.”
“I was gonna try to help! I was, I was gonna try and talk to them!” Duncan cringed miserably. “We’re so fucked.” He finally seemed to notice Cold and Jules. “Oh, fuck. Oh,fuck!”
“Hello, Duncan Gill,” Cold greeted. “I assume you know who I am?”
“You’re Cold. You’re one of the Luchesi captains.” Duncan paled. “I don’t understand… we… why aren’t we dead yet? Why are we alive, exactly?”
“As I was explaining to your partner here, I have some very special plans for the city,” Cold replied. “These plans do not involve the Luchesi family running things. I could use a man like Mr. Tamerlane here, and you as well, if you’re interested.”
“Can you protect us from the Luchesis?”
“I can do much more than that.” Cold smirked. “Join me, and you’ll be able to rule the city with me.”
“Still not sold on that,” Mickey warned.
