chapter 123

I watched as the thick smoke swirled around just in front of me, before snaking into wisps and disappearing into thin air. The stench of alcohol was strong, undiluted with a couple of bottles loitering the place. I'd had three, four or maybe five? I wasn't sure. I'd stopped counting after the second bottle. That was what you got when alcohol did nothing to you. I pulled in another long drag of my Cuban cigar, strangely enjoying the wisps of smoke dancing in front of me. A faint buzz reached my ears, but I'd tuned him out a long time ago. I didn't need anyone lecturing me on what I ought and ought not to do.

"Alessandro." I let my eyes flutter shut as the gruff voice cut through my thoughts. Despite my efforts, he'd broken through, and easily too. " Are you listening to me?"

"Why are you still here?" I snapped, my voice icy. " If you're not telling me what I want to hear?"

"Because it's not right…."

"It's not right?" I turned to my left slowly. His side profile caught my eye, just