Shadows In Durango

Chapter 77

serer\/incent's POV kkk

Knowing that she must be hungry since she had crashed out pretty much instantly after getting back from the

spa last night, | book us a table at the recommended lunch spot from the con-serge downstairs who helped to

get us a cab. "Have you thought up any new games yet?" Sofia's playful tone meets my ear as we wait out front

for the car to arrive, as she clutches hold of my arm to remain even closer to me.

Although the action was small, it was meaningful nonetheless. She was clearly more comfortable around me

which | took as a small victory since we had chere.

One thing continued to bugin the back of my mind though, and that was the interest Chester and his

nephew seemed to have taken in her at the meeting.

They could still be keeping tabs on me, it was impossible to tell... especially when | was the one visiting his state.

He seemed to be a big shot around here...

Knowing that my father was also expecting a phone call, | decide that | best do it now as opposed to leaving it til

late which would only cause a war between us.

Breaking the contact with Sofia who seems somewhat disappointed at first, I quickly say:

"I need to call my father before | forget, sorry." | state, as she nods understandably and paces around in search

for our taxi.

Wasting no time, I click to call him, listening to it almost ring out completely before he eventually picks up.

"Yeah?!" He hurries me, which was the thing that pissedoff most about speaking with him through the

phone.

He always sounded as though he was in a rush!

"The exchange went well, moneys all there and it's been put in the vault for you to pick up. He wants a contract

with you though, something about his cocaine shit linking up with your guns to help you both becmega rich

or something." | state, my tone flat and almost mocking towards the end.

Why people who were filthy reach needed to be even more filthy rich was beyond me... it made no fucking

sense.

"Well how was he? A little bitch or was he a proper gangster?" He ponders, only confirming my suspicions that he

had only senthere to suss Chester and his intentions out before he would consider meeting him himself.

My father was at an age that he feared being overrun. He feared being killed and robbed for all he has, not that

it could happen so easily with the masses of protection he surrounds himself with - but it was clearly still his

biggest fear. Watching the cab roll up, I signal to Sofia to let her know that it was ours, as we both move towards

it and clammer in to the back.

"Cocky - he had a big fat cigar hanging from his lips the whole tand he kept waving his hands around as he

spoke. He's in it more for the name, not the cash." | deadpan, knowing | had judged his character exceptionally

well. I had met many like him in the past...

"Ah, so you think he will screwover?" He asks next, shockingthat he even cared for my advice in the first

place.

"Maybe not, | think he could probably get you more money if that's what you want. Just don't get too stuck with

him, he seems obsessed." | confirm truthfully, before listening to him hum over what | had told him. "Obsessed,

you say?" My father's voice took on a thoughtful tone. "That's an interesting observation, Vincent. Obsession can

be a powerful tool- or a dangerous weakness." He states.

| could almost see him pacing in his office as he weighed the risks and rewards in his mind. He was always

calculating, always planning several steps ahead, and it was clear that Chester had piqued his interest in more

ways than one. "Just keep an eye on him," | advised. "If he starts acting erratic, you'll know he's letting his

obsession get the better of him." | grumble, hating that | was even giving him my thoughts on the matter but

knowing it would get him off the line quicker.

"| certainly will," my father replied, his tone curt and final. "Good work, Vincent. I'll send you over smore

cash." He states, as though his only way of ever showingany love was through the damn bank.

As if 1 didn't have enough in my accounts already? It was as if it made him feel validated as a father.

With that, the line went dead.

No goodbye, no acknowledgment of the work I'd put in-just the click of the call ending, leavingwith nothing

but the hum of the city outside and the faint scent of Sofia's perfbeside me.

"Everything good with you?" Sofia asked, her voice soft but tinged with concern as she turned toin the

backseat of the cab.

"Yeah, just my father," | replied, sliding my phone back into my pocket and giving her a reassuring smile.

"Nothing to worry about though."

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She nodded, but her eyes toldshe wasn't entirely convinced. She was getting better at reading me, and that

was both a comfort and a cause for concern.

As the cab weaved through the bustling streets, my thoughts drifted back to Chester and his nephew. | couldn't

shake the feeling that there was something more at play, something beneath the surface that | hadn't yet

uncovered.

The cab pulled up to the curb, and we stepped out into the warm sunlight. | paid the driver and then offered

Sofia my arm again, feeling the comfort of her touch as we started toward the lunch spot across the road.

The lunch spot was tucked away on a quiet street, with a quaint little terrace out front shaded by large

umbrellas. The air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and grilled meats, and | could tell Sofia was already

salivating at the thought of the meal ahead.

We were led to a cozy corner table, partially secluded from the rest of the diners. It was the perfect spot for

sprivacy.

"Anything to drink?" The waiter asks, as | think over my options.

"A black coffee for myself and a..." | trail off as | watch Sofia visibly perk up at the thought of coffee.

"An iced coffee forplease!" She chimes, suddenly excited as he nods and heads off, allowing us tto

glance over the menus.

"So what are your thoughts on this gof yours?" Sofia teases, obviously having fun with the whole playful

side we were engrossed in since this morning.

It was actually cute and | hated to admit that | enjoyed the flirting way more than | should... usually | was a

straight to the point type of guy but not with her... she was different.

She madedifferent...