They headed into the restaurant. A few patrons were scattered across the tables, quietly eating. But Nova could tell that some of them were just here to secure the place.
After all, the restaurant was just a front. The real money flowed downstairs, in the illegal casino hidden beneath.
"Let's sit first," Joel said, leading the group. He was the one who found the place, of course he did his research.
A waiter led them to a private room, handed out the menus, and left without a word.
Joel leaned forward, voice low as he pretended to read the menu. "This place is a fortress, Nova. They've got people inside, outside, maybe even on the rooftops. And worst of all, this is far from our territory."
"We're already here. Stop complaining," Nova replied, calm and collected as his eyes scanned the room. "Besides, it's a gambling den, and I know you. You already know how to get in, right?"
Joel snapped his menu shut and shot him a glare. "Who do you think I am? A gambling addict?"
Nova didn't respond. His look said it all, like he'd just heard the most absurd thing imaginable. The kind of look that screamed, 'Yes. Obviously.' in all their heads."
Joel sighed, fixing his tone. "Ahem. You're right. I already know what to do. But you didn't have to look at me like I'm some kind of hooligan. I've got a reputation, you know."
"Sure, you do."
The others just smiled, staying out of it. They all knew why they were here. Each had their own strengths. And after years of being together, this kind of setup was familiar territory.
"Now, tell us the plan."
"Alright. First, let me tell you who we're dealing with," Joel said, squaring his shoulders and puffing up like he was presenting in front of a class. Confidence practically radiated off him. "This place has been running for almost twenty years. The owner is one of the Viper gang's managers."
"The Vipers?" Luca muttered under his breath.
"Tch. Of course it's them," Mari another added quietly.
Joel continued, undeterred. "They're a mid-sized gang. Not big enough to own territory like us, but they've got just enough firepower to hold their own. Their leader, Benny Son, comes here often to kill time, which is why this place is crawling with them."
Everyone in the room tensed slightly at that.
"Great," someone whispered. "Just what we need. A snake pit."
Nova leaned forward. "What about underground? How do we get in?"
"The casino's not exactly hidden," Joel said with a smirk. "It just keeps itself discreet. Most people don't know unless they're invited. That's how the rich get in. As for us?" He tapped the menu once. "We'll bribe the waiter. Get a little direction. Simple, right?"
Nova nodded. "Alright. So… where's Cyrus Vane?"
The name made the others look up.
Cyrus Vane, the name Nova got from Dante, one of the men who was there the night he got ambushed and shot. He is the only one careless enough to still be walking around in public.
"I believe he's in the casino, hiding as one of the dealers," Joel said.
"No time to waste then," Luca replied, already adjusting his sleeves.
Joel glanced around the table. Mari, Luca, Trev, and Nova all gave subtle nods, their eyes locked in silent agreement.
When Joel turned to Nova, he found him wearing that rare look of his, the kind that meant business or something that might get them in trouble.
Either way, it was just like old times.
Joel signaled the waiter again, but this time, asked specifically for someone else. The waiter gave a short bow and left.
Mari raised an eyebrow. "So that's why you know your way around. You've been here before, haven't you, you wastrel?"
Joel's face twitched. "Hey! I just have good connections, alright?"
His tone faltered under the growing stares from the group. Mari didn't let up either.
She leaned forward with a smirk. "Uh-huh. And the waiter you just name-dropped?"
Joel scratched his head. The silence stretched. Finally, he threw up his hands and sighed. "Okay, okay. You win. I've been here before… for research purposes."
"Yeah, research," Mari said, rolling her eyes.
Before Joel could defend himself further, the door opened with a soft creak.
A sharply dressed waiter entered and immediately scanned the room. His eyes lit up as he recognized someone. "Mr. Nardino, a pleasure to have you back."
He bowed deeply, then flashed a knowing smile. "Here to try our… specialty again?"
Joel stood, grinning. "Double the last time. And I brought company."
He leaned in, lowering his voice just enough. "They've got money to spend. Which, luckily, we're not short on."
The waiter's grin stretched ear to ear, practically glowing. He bowed once more, addressing the group. "Welcome, everyone. If you're ready, I'll escort you there."
With an overly theatrical flair, he extended an arm toward the now-open door.
Nova stood first. "Let's go. We've got work to do."
…..
The path to the casino was nothing short of decadent.
At first, it was just the normal hallways then the walls became adorned with intricate gold leaf patterns, the marble floor gleamed with every step, and the deeper they descended, the thicker the air became, laced with expensive cologne, perfume, and that distinct mix of alcohol and ambition.
At the bottom of the staircase, a pair of ornate double doors opened to reveal the heart of the operation.
It was a dazzling world beneath the ordinary looking restaurant above.
Crystal chandeliers hung from a vaulted ceiling, refracting light across velvet walls and polished floors. The air buzzed with chatter, clinking glasses, and the low hum of slot machines lining the edges.
Staff dressed in crisp tuxedos and sleek dresses moved gracefully through the floor, offering silver trays of cocktails, cigars, and chips.
Card tables stretched across the room, each surrounded by well-dressed players and guarded by silent watchers with earpieces and sharp eyes. It felt like they had been teleported to an entirely different part of the city.
Joel let out a whistle, eyes wide. "Now this is more like it."
Nova didn't even look at him and said. "Remember why we're here. Find the guy quietly. Once you spot him, signal the rest."
"Yeah, yeah." Joel waved him off.
The others responded in unison:
"You got it, boss."
"No problem."
"Understood."
With casual precision, the team split up into the crowd, each blending in as if they belonged there.
Nova stayed where he was for a moment, scanning the room, his mind sharp despite the distractions. Somewhere in all this glitter and noise, Cyrus Vane was hiding.
And tonight, they'd find him no matter what.