Neon is the Colour of Vengeance (Flappers and False Gods)

THE LAST TIME

“Dinner will be ready in ten,” Hugo called as he drained his linguini over the large square sink. “Get your ass out of the shower!”

He was slightly buzzed from drinks earlier with Genevieve but not so much that he wasn’t capable of cooking up a storm. The high wore off almost instantly when a call came through his Cicada. ‘Dill Kelly’ flashed at the corner of his vision. A chill passed over him. It had happened far quicker than he’d thought it would.

“Ford,” he answered curtly.

“Don’t pout,” the gruff voice of Dill replied. “I have a job for you.”

“Give me the details, but after this we’re even.”

“Not a chance. You want to keep Sam in the dark, you work for me.”

“No fucking way.”

“I don’t think you quite understand the situation here, so let me enlighten you. I’ve got you by the balls. You don’t have a choice anymore unless you want me to flap my gums to Sammy Boy.”

Hugo sighed because raging wouldn’t help. “Who, where and when?”

“Genevieve Harris?—”

“Go fuck yourself!”

“Let me finish, Little Wolf. She owns a club called Nectar which you must know is a front for various nefarious activities. There is a man who works there by the name of Johnny Debronsky, you know him?”

“Yes,” Hugo growled through gritted teeth.

“He’s been skimming from my casino, Boulevardier. Cheating at poker. Take his hand. Then his head.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m a hitter, not a butcher.”

“I’d like the hand for my collection. And the head should be dropped off at Nectar.”

“There has to be something else—anything?—”

“This is the deal, or I tell Sam about your little boy toy.” His tone was vile. “You don’t get an empire without being just a little bit savvy.”

The call disconnected.

“Fuck!” Hugo shouted, slamming his fist on the counter.

“You okay?” Evan came into the room still dripping, a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Dill called.”

“Oh. What does he want you to do?” Evan’s expression was guarded.

“It’s better if you don’t know.”

“How many people?”

“It’s the last time. Then we’re out of here.”

“The last time.” Evan nodded slowly something slightly off about his voice.