Chapter Ninety

Suzy followed the bartender through the dimly lit corridor, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and sweat, and the sound of muffled voices echoed from behind closed doors.

They came to a door, and the bartender knocked. A deep, masculine voice called out, "What is it?"

The bartender responded, "Someone wants to speak to you."

There was a pause, then the voice said, "Send them in."

The bartender gestured for Suzy to enter, then closed the door behind her.

The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a single lantern on a desk. A man sat behind the desk, a cigar clenched between his teeth. He was older, with a face that told stories of a life lived hard. His eyes were cold and calculating, and Suzy felt a shiver run down her spine.

"What do you want?" the man demanded, his voice rough.