Chapter 2 - Gideon Confronts Marcus About The Poisoned Decanter Daily
The heavy oak doors of the private study remained tightly shut against the raw October gale blowing off Boston Harbor.
Gideon Vitali sat in his high-backed leather armchair, his unblinking gaze fixed on the mahogany desk where the crystal decanter rested.
Marcus Sterling stepped into the room with his usual easy grace, holding a fresh silver tray carrying a clean crystal glass.
“Good morning, Gideon,” Marcus said, his voice carrying the warm cadence of a man who owned half the waterfront.
Gideon did not reach for his amber-tinted glasses.
Instead, he watched every subtle micro-expression on his oldest friend's face.
“Pour it, Marcus,” Gideon commanded quietly.
Marcus smiled, lifting the heavy stopper from the crystal neck with practiced elegance.
“Are you feeling better today? Iris mentioned you had a bit of a turn this morning,” Marcus noted smoothly.
May you like
“Pour the whiskey,” Gideon repeated, his voice dropping into a register that made the seasoned lieutenant pause.
Marcus poured the amber liquid, stopping two fingers from the brim just as he had every morning for six years.
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