Chapter 87

• Sal takes this opportunity to make his way to Dante. It is clear in the deferential way he stoops down to whisper in his ear that he recognized Dante’s power, not just as an employee, but so much more. As he speaks, Dante’s gaze shoots directly at me, his face changing, the poker mask falling to reveal anger and revulsion. The longer he stares at me, the more constricting the room feels. As if the walls were closing in, removing everyone in it until it was just a small space with me and Dante. Dante nods once, says something back to Sal, and when his eyes are on me again, his mask is back in place.
• As Sal is leaving, a malicious smirk flashes across his face. Before I can parse its meaning, Dante stands up and says, “Gentlemen, I think it’s time I cash out.”
• “Oh, come on,” Nate raised his hands. His words slur as he speaks. “What happened to the plans?”