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BRENDON FIDDLED WITH THE BULLION cuff links on his suit jacket as he sashayed down the partially crowded hallway, the heels of his freshly shined dress shoes creating an echoing clank-clank as he walked. He kept his focus trained on his dinner partner sitting across the room at a table in the most secluded area of the restaurant.
There was a pianist playing a medley of classical songs on the grand piano in the centre of the room, right underneath an enormous glass chandelier, as waiters clad in shirts and waistcoats strolled between tables of high-society groups conversing in hushed tones.
The entire place screamed 'pretentious and materialistic', and usually Brendon would have no desire to be in such an atmosphere. But tonight, he had to make an exception.
With a quick flex of his jaw muscles, Brendon lifted both hands to readjust the collar of his shirt before walking the last few steps to the table where he would be dining.
"Mr Brady, an honor to finally make your acquaintance."
"I wish I could say the same," Brendon replied coolly, extending his hand to grip his counterpart's in a firm handshake.
A dark chuckle left the lips of the other man as he unbuttoned his jacket and sat down once again, a hand smoothing down his shirt as he did so.
"I see my reputation precedes me."
"That would be an understatement."
"Well then you have me at a disadvantage," the man's eyes flinched lightly as he forced a smile, "Because your reputation seems to be practically non-existent."
Brendon forced a smile of his own before motioning for a waiter. "I try to keep to myself as much as possible. A double bourbon on the rocks, please."
The waiter gave a polite nod and turned to fetch the drink as Brendon turned back to his counterpart.
"When you're not slaughtering my employees, you mean."
"I only kill people who deserve to be killed."
"Ah yes," the man sighed, leaning back in his chair slightly and pointing a finger at the youngster across from him, "How noble of you. I must admit... seeing your handiwork, I was impressed. "
The waiter returned with the bourbon, placing it down on a paper coaster on the mahogany wood table. Brendon smoothly reached for it and took a gulp, maintaining eye contact and a perfect poker face the entire time.
