The underground chamber was cold, damp, and filled with an eerie silence. The only sound was the slow, measured footsteps of Ochieng as he descended into the depths, his entourage following closely behind.
In the center of the dimly lit room, Rogers was tied to a steel chair, his face battered and bloodied. Fear flickered in his eyes as he looked up at the man he had betrayed.
Ochieng stepped forward, his expression unreadable. He crouched in front of Rogers, his gaze sharp enough to cut through steel.
"Why?" The single word was filled with quiet rage.
Rogers swallowed hard, his breath ragged. "I… I had no choice."
The room remained deathly silent as everyone watched, waiting. Bruno, Eugene, Victoria, Gloria, and Lucy stood by, their expressions cold. They all knew what betrayal meant in this world.
Tielen stepped closer, cracking his knuckles. "No choice? Or were you just greedy?"
Rogers shook his head violently. "It wasn't greed! They had my sister! They said they'd kill her if I didn't cooperate!"
For the first time, a flicker of hesitation passed through Ochieng's dark eyes. He turned slightly, glancing at Shalom and Omondi, who exchanged silent looks.
"Who are 'they'?" Ochieng demanded.
Rogers coughed, struggling against his restraints. "The Sinclair Family."
The room tensed. The Sinclairs. One of the most dangerous powerhouses in the city. A family that rivaled Ochieng's own empire.
A slow, dangerous smile spread across Ochieng's face. "So… they want a war."
Gloria leaned in, her voice dripping with amusement. "You've been waiting for this, haven't you?"
Ochieng exhaled deeply, standing up straight. He turned to Tielen. "Find his sister. Bring her to me."
Tielen nodded and disappeared into the shadows.
Ochieng turned back to Rogers. "If you're lying, you know what happens next."
Rogers nodded frantically. "I swear on my life—"
Ochieng's expression hardened. "You already lost that."
A gunshot echoed through the basement.
The storm had only just begun.
---