Page 46 of Queen’s Gambit

He smirked.

Carlo was an imposing figure and not easily forgettable, with a ragged scar that started somewhere in his hairline and crossed down his cheek to his chin. I would guess that it was a knife wound, and I had to admit, I was curious about how he got it.

“We’ll see,” Carlo drawled.

He held up his hand, and a guard walked over with a small table and a second chair. Carlo put his drink down before pulling a massive hunting knife from inside his jacket. He placed it between us while pointing to the seat.

Taking his lead, I sat and quietly stared at him. Proving that I wasn’t intimidated was the first step in creating this alliance.

“Would you like a drink,” Carlo asked, finally breaking the long stretch of silence.

“Thank you for the offer, Mr. Varriano, but I cannot indulge this evening.”

“Well, aren’t you the proper one? Ya hear that, boys? He can’t indulge.” He laughed, and so did all his men. “What if I order you to have a drink?”

I smiled.

“Then, regretfully the meeting is over before it began. It’s a shame, really. I have a decent proposal for you, but if you prefer to play games, then I’ll find someone who is actually interested.” Standing, I nodded to Carlo. “Thank you for putting a face to your name. I won’t forget you anytime soon.”

His nostrils flared as his jaw twitched. “Wait.” Standing, he came around to face me. “You’ll really leave?”

I stepped into Carlo’s personal space and ignored the guard inching closer.

“Yes,” I said calmly even though I was on high alert.

He smiled and laughed again, this time grabbing my shoulder.

“I like you. Sit. I have no time for ass-kissers. Good to see you have no brown on your nose.”

The guards seemed to take a collective breath and backed up, their posture changing. Marcus and Paul at my back relaxed as well when the tension in the air eased.

“Does this place have cameras?”

I looked around but didn’t see anything obvious.

“Yes, but they are off. I don’t like filming my business meetings.”

“Fair enough. This is an unusual location. It’s not what I expected,” I said.

The only thing decorating the drab grey walls were images of hunters showcasing their kills and awards.

“The owner was happy to let me borrow his location.” Carlo smiled, and it made me wonder if the man was tied up, gagged, and happy just to keep all of his limbs intact. “Alright, Edmundo, tell me why I’m here.”

“You know why you’re here. I want your business to flow through my docks.”

Carlo sipped his drink and sat back in his chair.

“Fine, I know why I’m here. But tell me why I should switch from my already very lucrative deal and put my trust in someone...unseasoned.”

“I’ve been making deals since I was fifteen, Mr. Varriano. I know you’re very aware of my family’s rise. I made that happen. This is not to speak ill of my papa. He is a good and honest man. But I have a vision for our family, and he’s given me the reins to prove myself and take the business where I want it to go.”

“I have heard this to be true, but it doesn’t tell me why I should go with you.”

He pulled a pack of cigarettes from inside his suit jacket, and I wondered how many other things he had hidden in the lining. Lighting up, he blew the smoke in the air, and I waited until his attention was on me once more before speaking.

“Four reasons. First...my docks are bigger. We can house larger boats, and we are already doing far more business than your current port. Second, I own a fleet of ships that can transport your product as well as provide guard boats to keep pirates at bay. Third, with my contacts in Russia, you’ll be far closer to your selling region, cutting down on possible theft or law enforcement interference. The fourth and best reason is that I can offer you all of that at a discount.”

“Is that so?”