Matthew
"Meet me at Red's Cigar Bar as soon as you can," Charles's text said so I rush there.
This is better be about Rodrigo.
I push open the heavy wood door and step inside. The bar is dimly lit, smoky, and reeks of leather and stale whiskey. A jazz tune hums softly from the speakers, clashing with the tension brewing in my chest.
Charles is already there, seated in a booth at the back with a glass of bourbon in hand. He doesn't wave. He just lifts his eyes and gives me a look.
I slide into the seat across from him. "What's going on?"
He glances around first, then leans in. "I made a few calls. Pulled some favors from old contacts."
I lean forward, every muscle in my body tensing. "And?"
Charles lowers his voice. "I found someone. A guy who used to work security for Rodrigo a few years back. He quit, disappeared off the grid—until now."
My jaw tightens. "And he knows something?"
Charles nods. "He says Rodrigo has always been involved with some bad people."
