Unfinished Deal (working title)

Chapter 2-Bad Investments

Magnus thought himself as a good investor, but sometimes things just don't work out. Between that and the past few years this branch has been in and out of financial hardship. His current partnership with AFO was a bad idea.

Leif was doing his best to keep up with Stephen's work and partnerships. But the branch has gained traction, but not enough resources to keep up. Gaining new grounds is hard in such a city with already established bosses and partners.

Gaining more territory will result in stepping on the wrong toes. Magnus never shied away from takeovers and the high risk usually yielded high rewards. They had taken over weaker bosses, with smaller turfs that Big bosses hardly batted an eye. But a lot of the best real estate is under the strongholds of the longstanding leaders. This was not the time for hostile takeovers. There were plenty of smaller warehouses they could raid. Better to ask for forgiveness and then ask permission. Higari will retaliate no matter who it was, but he will never resort to harming anyone in the family, especially Signe. So what was the risk really?

Signe, yes, Higari definitely won't harm her. Stephen really should have rethought about that deal. But now this open-ended deal can be molded by Higari anyway he pleases. Perhaps Magnus could as well. Yes, Higari thought he had an ace up his sleeve years ago. That first meeting with Stephen and they created an alliance with no supposed 'catch'. Stephen wasn't that naïve and Magnus saw through him.

No, making an enemy of him would not be a good idea for anyone anyway. Not when there was a better way. It truly benefited both sides. Hopefully, Signe could forgive him. Lillian too.

After all there were worse people to piss up and owing AFO was worse, becasue he didn't care how he got back at you.

Magnus made a call to his main estate in Norway. A family heirloom collecting dust is finally going to be used soon.

At one of Higari's clubs he sat in the VIP section, on a loveseat with a girl on each side. He had his arm around one of them and his other hand occupied by a glass of scotch. His fingers were full of rings and one, his signet ring. In an armchair to the side sat his right-hand man and business partner, Ecto. A gangly man with a sweater vest, glasses, and dark hair. A few other important people were there, as well as a few guards.

One guard pointed towards the Entrance; Magnus strolled in and made a beeline for the VIP, lifted the rope, and went under. He was an imposing man of six feet and broad shoulders, barrel chest. Salt and pepper hair slicked back and almost to his shoulders. He also adorns his hand with expensive rings. His tie had his family name, Crowson, etched in runic letters. Steely eyes look down at Stephen's occasional business partner and allied confidant. Taking a sip of his scotch.

Magnus takes a seat right across from him. Higari just gives him a wide grin.

"What do I owe the Pleasure of getting a visit from the North's Mogul Magnus?" In a serious tone, "My condolences to your family."

Thanks," He orders a Bourbon, "I have a business proposal for you."

"Here, now?" He lifts his brow, intrigued.

"No time like the present, but it is more of a proposal of sorts."

Signe came to the manor upon a request of her grandfather; he needed to talk with her. Most of the lights were off, with only enough lighting for one to see where they were going. Guards were sitting around and they all looked at her when she came in. She recognized the ones that were for her family, but the others she wasn't sure. She thought the symbol they carried was familiar, but vaguely. There was a tall man in a chair doing a type of puzzle in a chair. He pointed her towards where he was waiting for her. He looked a bit familiar, but also a bit concerned.