Ethan slipped into his family's tailored suit, the wristwatch snug on his wrist. The Coca-Cola can sat in the fridge, waiting to be opened. After draining the can, he grabbed his phone.
"Hello, Nicholas."
"Ethan. Are you busy?"
"Well, I have an appointment at Deluxe Refinery. They said the drafting board will be open soon, so I need to pick a team."
"Can it be postponed?"
"Doesn't seem like it. What's up?"
"You need to stand by and take revenge for what those idiots did last time."
"Fill me in."
"Mark Lonson's heading to Dura's port near San Herbert's Clock Tower. His men are bringing supplies for their scaffolding. Get there and ruin their plans."
Without hesitation, Ethan mounted his bike and sped down the main road.
---
The phone rang incessantly from atop the cupboard. Nathan reached up to answer.
"Honey, how's it going?"
"I'm fine, Nathan. Don't you think you can take me out today?"
"Alright, Annie. I'm kind of busy."
"Busy? You always say that since you joined the Josean League. Am I just not important to you anymore?"
"Come on, don't be like that. It's not as glamorous as you think."
"Fine, do what you want. But if you keep this up, I'll end it."
"No, Annie. It's not like that. Alright, text me your address and I'll come get you."
He grabbed his suit and rushed to his Camry X4.
At the café, the scent of brewing coffee filled the air.
"I hope you're happy now."
"Nathan."
"Yeah?"
"I've been meeting with some business stakeholders from Chiniva Corporations. They're refusing to buy our products."
Nathan's interest piqued. "Why?"
"They're going with the newly-formed Predator Wines. They're becoming a real problem for us."
"Do you know who owns it?"
"No, but I'm curious. I think I might know their partner."
"Who?"
"The Chinese wine company owned by Quan Chin. They're tight with Predator Brands. If we want to keep up, we need to form an alliance."
They exchanged a sly smile and clinked their glasses.
---
Ethan reached the top of a skyscraper and checked his GPS. The trucks were closing in. The first one was just a few miles away. With precision, he loaded his rocket launcher and fired, obliterating the first truck in a fiery explosion that sent pedestrians scattering. The second truck arrived soon after, and he destroyed it just as quickly. But the last truck had intel, it veered off the road.
Ethan revved his bike and chased the truck, firing at its tires until they exploded.
"Shit!" The driver scrambled out of the truck, trying to flee. Ethan shot him down. After swapping into the driver's uniform and repairing the tires, he drove toward Lason's territory.
A bouncer stopped him at the entrance. "Where are the rest of the supplies?"
"We were ambushed. I'm the only one left." Ethan unloaded the boxes.
"Mark's upstairs. Go meet him for your payment."
Ethan stepped into the elevator and ascended.
"I heard you were ambushed. I'm guessing the Cruise Family is behind this."
A gunshot echoed as Ethan leveled the barrel at Mark Lonson's forehead.
"Yeah, you're right. The Cruise Family is already here. Now tell me about this new business deal."
Mark smirked. "You've outsmarted me. What do you want?"
The truck doors slammed shut as Ethan rode off to Nikola's headquarters. He shoved Mark into a locked room.
"You did it again. That bastard might be useful." Ethan stared at Mark coldly. "Keep him locked up. The Montenegros can't find out. I'll be in touch."
---
Ethan's Mercedes Benz parked in front of a newly-decorated building. Inside, he met Julian.
"Ethan."
"Julian. How's it going?"
"Dad's told me a lot about you. You seem like a good catch."
"Careful now, you're making me blush."
"Strong, too, I'd say."
"Didn't Don Emilio plan to use this place for tobacco?"
"What do you think? After the Predator Wines disaster, we changed plans. Wine is the future now. It'll help us rebuild."
"Yeah, I see. I've got to head to Deluxe Refinery for an appointment."
"Really? Can I come with?"
"No, Julian. It might be dangerous. Don Emilio would have my head if anything happened to you."
She reached out, enticing him with a flirtatious smile.
"Careful, Julian. You don't play that game with me."
She smiled mischievously. "You'll come around."
"I'm off." Ethan kissed her cheek and headed out, leaving Julian to watch with longing eyes.
---
Just after his meeting at Deluxe Refinery, Ethan's phone rang.
"Ethan."
"Who is this?"
"You don't need to know. But if you want to keep Don Emilio's baby alive, you better move quickly."
Ethan's heart raced. "What are you talking about?"
"I don't talk much. Come to Chinatown if you want her alive."
Ethan's blood ran cold. His phone slipped from his hand, and his world spun with shock and fear.