When James Schwartz walked into the darkened room, he glanced in mild astonishment at his friend, the Boss, who looked dead on his feet.

The drapes had been drawn, and the lamps around Lucien’s large oak table were lit, making his face seem even more haggard and grave.

As debonair as ever in his grey suit, Schwartz pulled a face when he saw the half-empty decanter on the table and said, joking,

"Celebrating, huh?'

Shark who walked in behind him looked worried,

‘Bro, bad news.'

Lucien directed a cold look at handsome Schwartz and ignored his remark.

Swiveling in his seat, leaning his head back in the rich upholstery of...