Chapter 6 - CROSSING THE THRESHOLD
The heavy mahogany door of the third-floor executive suite clicked open with a soft, expensive pneumatic hiss.
Elena stepped into the dimly lit room, where plush Persian rugs muffled every sound of her approach.
The walls were lined with rare leather-bound books and dark walnut panels that smelled faintly of cedarwood and bourbon.
Marcus Sterling sat behind a massive oak desk, his burgundy suit jacket draped neatly over the back of his chair.
A thin cloud of blue cigar smoke hovered near the crown molding, illuminated by a single green-shaded banker's lamp.
"You broke protocol today, Elena," Marcus stated quietly, swirling a finger around the rim of a crystal whiskey tumbler.
"Protocol didn't cover a corporate executive putting his hands on my uniform," Elena replied evenly, her voice devoid of fear.
Marcus chuckled, a low, gravelly sound that resonated through the quiet sanctuary of the private study.
May you like
He leaned forward, resting his tattooed forearms on the polished wood as he studied her with intense curiosity.
"Julian Vance is the son of the federal district attorney; breaking his wrist might complicate our operations in this district," Marcus noted.
