“Sounds like you’ve got some convincing to do.”
“I asked him if he wanted me to leave the Syndicate.”
“Would you?”
“For him?” He paused to look John directly in the eye before he gave his honest answer. “Yes.”
“Then he’s the one.”
“Yes.” Ji-Su was the one. The one he wanted to bond with. Because he wouldn’t even consider leaving his family for anyone that didn’t have his whole heart.
John sighed. “I would hate to lose you. But I would understand. And no matter whether you’re a part of this organization or not, you’ll always be family.”
“Thank you.”
They leaned forward and tapped their glasses in a toast.
“Talk to him. Work out what he needs to be able to stay with you. That’s what is most important.”
The speaker on John’s desk buzzed and his receptionist’s voice sounded.
“Mr. John, Mr. Guy LaMonte has arrived.”
John rose and pressed the button to reply. “Bring him in, please Sharon.” He looked at Raul. “Here we go.”
Raul set his drink aside and stood just as the door opened. John’s receptionist escorted Guy LaMonte in. He was a tall Caucasian man, with dark eyes and thick, light brown hair that fell neatly to his shoulders. LaMonte was sharply dressed in a finely tailored dark blue suit and wing tip shoes. A heavy signet ring flashed on his right middle finger when he reached out to shake John’s hand.
“Mr. LaMonte, good evening.”
“Good evening to you as well, Mr. John.”
John escorted LaMonte over to the sitting area where Raul waited. LaMonte smiled as they exchanged greetings, easy and relaxed, without baring his fangs. That was a positive sign. He wasn’t coming in angry or aggressive.
John gestured for LaMonte to take the sofa, then he and Raul politely waited for him to sit before they sat as well.
“May I offer you a drink?” John asked.
“I’d love a vodka tonic if you have it.”
“Of course.”
John nodded at his receptionist who was waiting by the door. She went over to the bar and prepared the requested drink. The three of them lightly chatted about the weather and inquired after health and loved ones while they waited. After she handed LaMonte the glass she left, quietly closing the door behind her.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us,” John said.
“I was happy to come.”
The niceties out of the way, John settled back in his chair, subtly signaling for Raul to lead the conversation.
“You’ve heard about Cedric,” Raul began.
“Yes. That one...” LaMonte sadly shook his head. “Either myself or my wife usually decides who to bring into the family. However, we let a favored nephew choose Cedric after he begged and pleaded for weeks. Of course, there were promises made that they would share a life together once Cedric was turned.”
“And Cedric broke them I assume,” Raul said.
A humorless smile twisted LaMonte’s lips.
“Within days of his turning. My nephew was devastated. It took him a long time to recover from the betrayal. So, I can’t say I’m sorry that Cedric is gone. But I would like to know what brought about his end.”