Of course I knew what the Underbelly was. I was raised in it. I knew everything there was to know about it. But I promised myself that I'd never go back to that life. I was fine, and safe. And that is what mattered. I shared an apartment with Lara, my manager, and I went to a homeschool group. I got out of that life, and stayed out. I even changed my name, legally. After my father disappeared... Things changed. I changed. For the first time in my life, things were stable, and I was safe.
"You must have me confused with someone else." I lied
"Audrey's not your real name... Isn't it?"
I looked at my feet, and I didn't respond to him.
"Riva Cappelli, your father ran the Underbelly since he was your age, and you and that brother of yours were training to take over his position."
"Don't talk about my brother."
"The Underbelly was responsible for his death... And you'd like nothing more than to see the Underbelly crash and burn for that sole reason."
"Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"My name is Will Braxton... Born and raised in the Bronx, probably in such situations as you did. Surrounded by some of the most notorious crime, and drug lords in the world. Alcohol and lavish parties, the whole shebang. I'm here regarding the MarksMen, a gang from New York..."
"Look, I left that life a while ago and I have no interest going back. I'm sorry for your trouble coming all the way out here."
"No trouble, I have an apartment out here. And I had a feeling you'd say no, so... You give me your story, the ins and outs of the Underbelly, we take them down, and you get 3 million."
"Are you serious?"
"Does this face look serious?"
That smile returned.
"If you do this for me... I promise to have you be taken care of for the rest of your life."
"I don't need to be taken care of."
"Not what I meant..."
"3 million?"
"Double if we take them down by summers end."
I gulped.
He stretched his long arm out across the table.
6 million dollars?
