Shadows In Durango

*****Vincent's POV*****

Knowing that she must be hungry since she had crashed out pretty much instantly after getting back from the spa last night, I book us a table at the recommended lunch spot from the con-serge downstairs who helped to get us a cab. "Have you thought up any new games yet?" Sofia's playful tone meets my ear as we wait out front for the car to arrive, as she clutches hold of my arm to remain even closer to me.

Although the action was small, it was meaningful nonetheless. She was clearly more comfortable around me which I took as a small victory since we had came here.

One thing continued to bug me in the back of my mind though, and that was the interest Chester and his nephew seemed to have taken in her at the meeting.

They could still be keeping tabs on me, it was impossible to tell... especially when I was the one visiting his state.

He seemed to be a big shot around here...

Knowing that my father was also expecting a phone call, I decide that I best do it now as opposed to leaving it til late which would only cause a war between us.

Breaking the contact with Sofia who seems somewhat disappointed at first, I quickly say:

"I need to call my father before I forget, sorry." I state, as she nods understandably and paces around in search for our taxi.

Wasting no time, I click to call him, listening to it almost ring out completely before he eventually picks up.

"Yeah?!" He hurries me, which was the thing that pissed me off most about speaking with him through the phone.

He always sounded as though he was in a rush!

"The exchange went well, moneys all there and it's been put in the vault for you to pick up. He wants a contract with you though, something about his cocaine shit linking up with your guns to help you both become mega rich or something." I state, my tone flat and almost mocking towards the end.

Why people who were filthy reach needed to be even more filthy rich was beyond me... it made no fucking sense.

"Well how was he? A little bitch or was he a proper gangster?" He ponders, only confirming my suspicions that he had only sent me here to suss Chester and his intentions out before he would consider meeting him himself.

My father was at an age that he feared being overrun. He feared being killed and robbed for all he has, not that it could happen so easily with the masses of protection he surrounds himself with - but it was clearly still his biggest fear. Watching the cab roll up, I signal to Sofia to let her know that it was ours, as we both move towards it and clammer in to the back.

"Cocky - he had a big fat cigar hanging from his lips the whole time and he kept waving his hands around as he spoke. He's in it more for the name, not the cash." I deadpan, knowing I had judged his character exceptionally well. I had met many like him in the past...

"Ah, so you think he will screw me over?" He asks next, shocking me that he even cared for my advice in the first place.

"Maybe not, I think he could probably get you more money if that's what you want. Just don't get too stuck with him, he seems obsessed." I confirm truthfully, before listening to him hum over what I had told him. "Obsessed, you say?" My father's voice took on a thoughtful tone. "That's an interesting observation, Vincent. Obsession can be a powerful tool- or a dangerous weakness." He states.

I could almost see him pacing in his office as he weighed the risks and rewards in his mind. He was always calculating, always planning several steps ahead, and it was clear that Chester had piqued his interest in more ways than one. "Just keep an eye on him," I advised. "If he starts acting erratic, you'll know he's letting his obsession get the better of him." I grumble, hating that I was even giving him my thoughts on the matter but knowing it would get him off the line quicker.

"I certainly will," my father replied, his tone curt and final. "Good work, Vincent. I'll send you over some more cash." He states, as though his only way of ever showing me any love was through the damn bank.

As if I didn't have enough in my accounts already? It was as if it made him feel validated as a father.

With that, the line went dead.

No goodbye, no acknowledgment of the work I'd put in-just the click of the call ending, leaving me with nothing but the hum of the city outside and the faint scent of Sofia's perfume beside me.

"Everything good with you?" Sofia asked, her voice soft but tinged with concern as she turned to me in the backseat of the cab.

"Yeah, just my father," I replied, sliding my phone back into my pocket and giving her a reassuring smile. "Nothing to worry about though."

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She nodded, but her eyes told me she wasn't entirely convinced. She was getting better at reading me, and that was both a comfort and a cause for concern.

As the cab weaved through the bustling streets, my thoughts drifted back to Chester and his nephew. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more at play, something beneath the surface that I hadn't yet uncovered.

The cab pulled up to the curb, and we stepped out into the warm sunlight. I paid the driver and then offered Sofia my arm again, feeling the comfort of her touch as we started toward the lunch spot across the road.

The lunch spot was tucked away on a quiet street, with a quaint little terrace out front shaded by large umbrellas. The air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs and grilled meats, and I could tell Sofia was already salivating at the thought of the meal ahead.

We were led to a cozy corner table, partially secluded from the rest of the diners. It was the perfect spot for some privacy.

"Anything to drink?" The waiter asks, as I think over my options.

"A black coffee for myself and a..." I trail off as I watch Sofia visibly perk up at the thought of coffee.

"An iced coffee for me please!" She chimes, suddenly excited as he nods and heads off, allowing us time to glance over the menus.

"So what are your thoughts on this game of yours?" Sofia teases, obviously having fun with the whole playful side we were engrossed in since this morning.

It was actually cute and I hated to admit that I enjoyed the flirting way more than I should... usually I was a straight to the point type of guy but not with her... she was different.

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