Chapter 7 - A Desperate Play
Three days passed. Julian’s desperation mutated into dangerous paranoia.
He realized that suing Vanguard Enterprises was impossible. No law firm in the country would take his case on contingency against a multi-billion-dollar dynasty, and he didn't have the cash to pay a retainer.
But Julian knew secrets. He knew about a rival syndicate based out of Macau that had been desperately trying to buy a foothold on the Vegas Strip for years. The Vanguard family had repeatedly blocked their acquisition attempts.
Julian arranged a meeting at a dive bar off the strip with a representative of the Macau syndicate, a dangerous man named Chen.
“I know the security protocols for the Obsidian,” Julian whispered, leaning across the sticky table, nursing a cheap beer. “I know the blind spots. I know the financial loopholes they use to avoid federal gaming taxes. If you back me, if you give me the capital to launch a hostile smear campaign and leverage the gaming commission against my wife, I’ll hand you the keys to the castle.”
Chen listened silently, his dark eyes unreadable. He took a sip of his drink and smiled a thin, humorless smile.
“Mr. Rossi,” Chen said softly. “Do you know why we never pursued aggressive action against the Obsidian Resort?”
Julian frowned. “Because I blocked you.”
“No,” Chen chuckled. “Because three days ago, Alistair Vanguard called my employer. He informed us that a rogue former employee might attempt to sell Vanguard secrets. He also offered us a highly lucrative joint venture in our Asian markets, provided we extend a specific... courtesy... to him regarding you.”
Julian’s blood ran cold. “What courtesy?”
Chen snapped his fingers. Two massive men stepped out of the shadows of the bar, grabbing Julian by the shoulders.
May you like
“The courtesy of ensuring you don't become a nuisance,” Chen said, standing up. “You owe a lot of money to some very bad people in this town, Julian. The Vanguard family was the only thing keeping your creditors at bay. Now that you are unprotected, they are coming to collect. Good luck.”
Julian was thrown out the back door into the alley, crashing into the dumpsters. He lay in the filth, realizing the terrifying truth: Victoria hadn't just fired him. She had removed the invisible shield that had kept him alive.
