146|No Honour Among Thieves

The break had done wonders for everyone's mood; they were all much calmer when they took their seats after a quick round of drinks at the bar.

A relieved smile lit up Austin's face when he glanced at Navya. She looked almost like her normal, composed self. Whatever Winston had said to her—and maybe even done with her—had obviously worked.

"We've heard from the Hawthornes," Nikolai said from the centre of the room as he called the meeting to order again, forcing Austin to pay attention. "They want to leave the alliance, so the only thing left to discuss is our future cooperation."

"There is no future cooperation once we leave," Austin informed him, ignoring the several pairs of eyes now glued to him. "You'll all have to find another laundromat."

"That's madness! Are you out of your mind?" Willem couldn't hide his outrage as he jumped to his feet and weaved through the tables. He stopped short when Austin pulled out his pistol and twirled it in his hands. Gritting his teeth, a look of d