Velvet Shadows

XI

The warehouse loomed large and foreboding, its steel beams casting long shadows in the dim lighting. Dust motes danced in the weak beams of light filtering through the high windows, and the air was thick with the scent of rust and old oil.

Dante and Alessandro had left their weapons with Alessandro's bodyguards at the entrance, a silent agreement to conduct their conversation without the threat of immediate violence.

The tension between them was palpable as they faced each other across a rickety wooden table.

Dante cut right to the chase, his voice sharp and direct. "Do you have anything to do with the situation that happened?"

Alessandro's eyes narrowed, a flicker of insult flashing across his rugged features. "What situation? You're going to have to be more specific, Dante. I deal with a lot of situations."

Dante's patience was thin, his voice sharp. "You know damn well what I'm talking about. Someone close to me almost died. Did you have anything to do with that?"

Alessandro looked genuinely perplexed for a moment, then a hint of anger crept into his voice. "If I wanted them or you dead, Dante, I would have done it a long time ago. Remember, I got you that job at the company you're in now. Back when you were in the mafia, I made you a very rich man."

Dante smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Touché, Alessandro. Back at you."

A brief silence settled between them, the only sounds the distant hum of machinery and the muffled conversations of Alessandro's bodyguards outside.

Alessandro broke the silence, his tone probing. "What exactly happened, Dante?"

Dante was deliberately vague, his words measured. "It's a complicated situation with her. Someone I care about got hurt."

Alessandro's lips curved into a knowing smile. "You slipped. You called this person 'her'. Is it your wife or daughter?"

Dante's eyes narrowed. "How do you know I have a family?"

Alessandro shrugged, his smile never wavering. "I know a lot of things, Dante. You shouldn't be surprised."

Despite his outward calm, Dante was on edge. He finally relented, his voice tight with tension. "It's a girl at the company. She was drugged."

Alessandro raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And you think I had something to do with it? Maybe it's a personal vendetta against her."

Dante leaned forward, his gaze intense and penetrating. "That's one of the possibilities. We discussed it."

Alessandro's eyes gleamed, pleasure dancing within them. "What's her name?"

Dante hesitated, then replied, "Angel."

Alessandro was silent for a moment, just staring at Dante with a look that seemed to peel back layers. "What is she to you?"

Dante didn't answer, his expression cold and unreadable.

"You don't have to answer," Alessandro said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "The media has said enough about the ordeals you've been in. I'm surprised at how much you've changed since working with me years ago."

Alessandro began to laugh, a deep, mocking sound that grated on Dante's nerves.

"Shut the fuck up," Dante snapped, his fists clenched at his sides.

Alessandro stood up abruptly, slamming his hands on the table. "I'm not the bad guy here, Dante. I would have been on your side and provided help if you needed it."

Dante shot back, his voice laced with seething intensity. "I'm getting away from doing dirty business anymore."

Alessandro's eyes flashed with anger, then turned sly as he leaned forward. "Changed, have you? You're getting sloppy. Losing your edge."