The Way Things Were

12

Lex glanced around the room as they walked in, she took a seat at the table, her leg bouncing nervously.

Vox looked at Lex, noticing her nervous behavior. He took a seat next to her and placed a comforting hand on her leg. “Lex, relax. It’s just us here right now.” He said softly, trying to calm her nerves down.

“This room just makes me nervous....” Lex fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, “Are you sure Frankie even wants me here?”

“Of course, he does. He wouldn’t have invited you if he didn’t want you here.” Vox reassured her with a small smile, giving her leg a gentle squeeze before pulling his hand away.

The door creaked open and Frankie strolled into the room, taking a seat at the head of the table. “Glad you could make it, Lex.....Tony should be here soon.”

Lex nodded, trying to calm her racing heart as she watched Frankie take a seat. She glanced over at Vox, who gave her a reassuring smile before turning his attention back to Frankie. “So, what’s this meeting about?” Vox asked as he leaned back in his chair.

“Business ventures, as usual.” Frankie replied with a hint of annoyance in his voice. “But we’ll discuss that in more detail once Tony arrives.”

The door opened again and Tony walked in, taking a seat. The room felt tense as they sat in silence, waiting for Tony to speak up. Finally, he broke the silence by clearing his throat. “Alright, let’s get down to business.” He looked at Frankie, "I want to enlist the services of your enforcer."

Frankie raised an eyebrow at Tony’s request. “You do know that she doesn’t come cheap, right?”

“I’m aware.” Tony replied with a stern look. “But I have a specific job that requires her expertise. I’m willing to pay top dollar for this one.”

Frankie leaned back in his chair, considering Tony’s offer. He glanced over at Lex, who was listening intently to their conversation. “What do you a say Lex?”

Lex looked at Tony, “What’s the job?”

“I need your help in collecting a debt. It’s from a particularly dangerous individual who won’t pay up easily. I am willing to pay double your usual rate.”

Lex narrowed her eyes, studying Tony. “Double my rate? That’s a lot of money. What makes you think this individual is so dangerous?”

Tony’s expression turned serious as he leans in closer. “They’re a powerful sinner, with connections to various underworld gangs. They have a reputation for being unpredictable and I’ve heard rumors that they have a thirst for violence.”

Lex’s expression remained calm, but her eyes gleamed with interest. “I see. And what’s the debt for?” She asked, her voice even and professional. Frankie watched the exchange with a curious eye, sensing that this job might be more complicated than it initially seemed.

Tony hesitated before answering, “A gambling debt. The sinner bet a large sum of money on a high-stakes game and lost. They’ve been avoiding payment ever since.” Frankie leaned back, his arms crossed over his chest as he listened to the conversation.

“Alright. I’ll take the job.” Lex said with a confident nod. “I’ll need more information about this sinner and their connections.” She added. “I won’t go in blind.” Tony looked relieved at her decision and nodded in agreement.

“Of course, I’ll provide you with all the information we have on the sinner and their associates.”

Lex stood up and stretched, her movements fluid and graceful. “Good. I’ll pay a visit to this sinner.”