RAYMOND POV

As I settled into the chair beside Red, I could barely keep my composure as The scent of cigars and whiskey intensified. The mafia men sat with an air of detached authority, their expressions vague . My toes pointed awkwardly towards the floor, betraying my nervousness, while my hands were clenched tightly in my lap, a futile attempt to hide the fear that gripped me while I sat in that chair.

I had come here with a desperate plea, hoping against hope that they would listen to me. But as I gathered my thoughts to speak, my phone buzzed violently against my leg. I glanced down to see...