The Dome of Mafia

s that Farrent laid in front of him. Some contained numbers; others showed charts and refl

d she grow up in Orlando? What were her parents like? He assumed they were low profile with how prop

t must have been her pretty, blue eyes or maybe her smile. Tora looked at the ceiling. It was definitely her

s waiting for Tora's approval on the numbers so he could le

Tora ignored the quest

t gi

Farrent. Then he tossed a brown envelope on top. "I want the information on Gerard's kept sep

y restaurant like that go

"I wanted that information

her will never approve of her. Even if he did, she is no match for your

a glass and a bottle of bourbon out of the drawer. "Just leave - go wherever it is you are going tonight. I

ew you were going to ignore my advic

th know you li

a moment. "It helped, but don't think

ll me what other

," Farrent left the

he learned how the group worked, he only looked forward. Tora never questioned the circumstances of Farrent's life before he joined; Farr

o for a while." Tora stood up. "I nee

the casino - alone? You know there is always some sort of troub

ere. Moldock and Sande

ne. "Fine, I'm leaving. I have a life too...and a date - of sorts

d another shot and then two. He enjoyed the burning sensation of the liquor as it trickled down his throat. He

*

five years ago and added the casino a year after that. With rows of slot machines, pristine oak tables for poker, and a ful

expensive suits sat around several tables with chips stacked high. While the private attendants served, women danced in the soft glow of the chandelier, exchanging

rtender. An instant understanding passed between him and his newest member, Moldock, with a mere glance.

at at the closest one to the bar. While he waited, he poured himself a glass of wine. It

in his glass when the card game ended. The dealer waited. A

one of Tora's higher-ranking members. It surprised To

to gamble," Tora passed h

ged. "I'm fe

. "Is that because you

hundred dollars on that last boxing tournament. Can you bel

a dollar to spare. He gave them an opportunity; their loyalty and fast thinking skills earned them a spot at the t

Sander?"

he was grabbing more

prove himself. "Fold," he said without exchanging for new cards; then he picked up his glass of

med said and thr

dred," a man said fr

not recognize the man. Had he come in before when Tora wa

matched the raise

know his game. Did he really believe he would win? "Hey," Tora pointed. "You are going t

" the man mumbled as Me

dealer and passed

ving four hearts was good enough to conti

hen the man across from him. "Here

Not this hand," he sat back

" said Tora. He looked straight in the ma

sorry," the man thre

fth heart he needed - a flush. He felt good abou

unt by casually tossing in the chips, but the beads of sw

high cards. I was just hoping that you were trying to act dumb so you can show us some smart moves later, but you're sweating through your shirt. I know that is not the case. Go on and get out o

id not mind taking the cash, but he hated seeing men create an image of power by simply throwing it a

omething sharp touched the back of his neck. His eyes shut with the chill. His breathing ceased. His fing

t hammer," Tora grit between his teeth. Mehmed looked at him. His

behind. Tora let out the breath he held. F

I wasn't going to shoot." Tora's stomach had knotted

h me; we will discuss your actions in private." Tora looked around the table as he started to stand. "Mehmed, you stay here. I am

ith folded arms against its entrance w

not even man enough to answer me. That is another reason you should have never come to this room. You are a coward, but I am g

" Tora reached out and grabbed his jaw, looking the man square in the eye

ered. Tora slammed his fist into the man

the big boys was your first mistake. Pulling a gun on me," he shook his head. "That was your last. Sander, handle him." Tora pointed at Sander and walked to t

was some secret gift; then he move