Chapter 6: The Currency of Power
The rain had reduced to a quiet drizzle by the time Arthur's black SUV pulled up to the rusted gates of the south docks. Two of Arthur’s private security details, heavily armed but dressed in plainclothes, flanked him. Leo stayed in the vehicle, managing the digital overwatch.
Four men stepped out of the shadows of the warehouse, assault rifles slung casually but dangerously across their chests. The leader, a massive man with a scarred jaw, sneered at Arthur. ""You're lost, suit. Turn around.""
""I’m looking for Viktor Volkov,"" Arthur said, his voice carrying clearly over the sound of the crashing waves. ""Tell him Arthur Vance is here. And tell him I have fifty million dollars in bearer bonds sitting in an offshore account that I am willing to transfer right now.""
The guard hesitated, his eyes darting to Arthur's security team. Greed flickered in his gaze. He tapped his earpiece, speaking rapidly in Russian. After a tense minute, the heavy metal doors of the warehouse screeched open.
May you like
""Alone,"" the guard barked. ""Your dogs stay outside.""
Arthur didn't flinch. He gave his security team a subtle nod, instructing them to hold the line, and stepped alone into the cavernous, dimly lit warehouse.
