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“If I give you that answer, will you give me the Eye?”
“I do not believe that would be fair.” He put his gaze on the jar. “The Eye has been in my family for generations. She’s more than a trinket to me, she’s part of ma heritage.”
“I am willing to give you land.”
“I have land.”
“Not around the world. Name a city. Country.”
“Everything I need is in the swamps.”
“Then, name a price.”
“No suh. If I let this Eye go, it has to be for someone who has proven they deserve it.”
I leaned my head to the side. “And what does that mean, Don?”
The Alligator Don’s smile widened into a toothy grin as he pointed to the space that stretched between us—that pit of munching alligators. “See, Mr. Lion. The only way you can get the Eye. . .is if you fetch it yourself.”
I scowled. “You expect me to wade through a pit of alligators for the Eye?”
The Don’s expression was nonchalant. “That’s the price, Lion. Fetch the Eye and it’s yours. Fail...well, I reckon the gators will appreciate the meal.”
No sound came from outside the door. I had no idea what Valentina, Tisha, and Rafael were doing. What I did know was that I had to get to the Eye before the Don was signaled and rushed off with it through that back wall exit.
But how?
I could fight men. I could even dodge a few bullets here and there, but creatures were different. They were primal, unpredictable, and very, very hungry. The thought of diving into that swirling chaos without a weapon sent shivers down my spine.
The Don waited for my answer.
I glared at him. “Is this your idea of a serious negotiation?”
“More like an initiation, Mr. Lion. Only those worthy enough, who show true bravery and guts, can claim the Eye. I can’t just give it away to any linen suit-wearing pretty boy.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, and before I could respond, the door crashed open.
Finally.
Valentina and Tisha appeared. In a swift motion, Valentina had one of the men in a headlock, her small knife pressed against his throat, while Tisha had the other man at gunpoint.
They dragged their hostages into the space.
Good Job.
Valentina looked calm and deadly as she kept the man in her grip.
I turned back to the Don. “I think it is time to renegotiate. What do you think?”
The Alligator Don’s expression hardened as he took in the scene. For the first time, I saw uncertainty flicker in his eyes.
“Those two don’t mean anything to me. Kill them.” He rose from his throne. “I’m not sure what you’re thinking, Lion, but I have to warn ya, this choice will be deadly. There’s a lot of people to go through when ya leave.”
Suddenly, shots rang in the air.
Then, bullets filled the Don’s chest.
A second later, his body dropped to the floor like a sack of potatoes.
