Chapter Twenty-Seven-Vincenzi?

Chapter Twenty-Seven-Vincenzi?
LIAM’S POINT OF VIEW
It took me half an hour and a thousand dollars to reach the head of security.
The guy is big, muscular, bald, with a trimmed black beard, and taller than me, I'm 6 ft 4, but he doesn’t scare me. Honestly, right now, all I feel is panic and fear for my brother’s safety.
“I heard that you are anxious to meet me.” Only if he knew.
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, what can I do for you?
“I have one question, and I could use a favor,” I try to sound humble and not commanding because the guy doesn’t look like he can be intimidated more than I can, and he crosses his arms across his chest, looking at me curiously.
“Okay. You have my attention.” I take my phone and show him a picture of Adonis.
“Have you, by any chance, seen him tonight?” I ask with hope in my eyes, praying to God for a positive answer.
“I’m sorry, I haven’t. The favor?” he asks after he hands me back my phone, and I take a few seconds to recover from the information.
"I would like to see the video surveillance from tonight if possible."
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.” That won’t work. I’ll blow the whole fucking place up if I have to, and I’ll fucking see those recordings, although I hope it won’t get to that because I don’t want to waste more time than necessary, so I resort to other tactics.
“I’ll pay as much as it’s needed," I insist, but he shakes his head.
“This isn't a matter of money. I can’t show them to you. I’m sorry.” Goddamn, he’s stubborn.
“One hundred thousand dollars cash. And you’ll show me the videos after I give you the money.” He smiles but shakes his head.
“As I said, this is not about money. I can’t show them to you. I’m sorry.” He stands firm, but as I mentioned, I’m willing to pay and do anything to see them.
“One million. Money in front.” He looks at me sympathetically, then shakes his head again.
“I am really sorry, but as I said, it’s not a matter of money.” What the fuck? I’m shocked. But damn me if I’ll go without seeing those tapes.
“Please, man, this is my brother. He’s missing. I’m begging you.” I think he’s taking pity on me because he sighs heavily and runs his hand over his beard.
“Look, I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll call my boss and we’ll see if you get lucky.” A small grateful smile spreads across my face, and I take a deep breath of oxygen for what feels like the first time since I got the news.
“Thank you. And if it’s needed, I’ll talk to him.”
"That’s impossible. My boss values privacy."
"Okay, but please tell him that I’ll do anything. I am a very powerful man, and if he shows me the video, I’ll owe him for life. My name is Liam Vincenzi. Maybe he’ll know who I am."
“If you will see these videos, it’s not because of your name. Wait here until I make the call.” He is strange. His boss is strange. Who says no to a million dollars?
“I’m not going to move an inch.” He nods and steps outside.

KNOX’S POINT OF VIEW
I know the guy; I've definitely seen him here before, and he does look like someone important even though he’s wearing jeans and a shirt. His stance is confident, and he doesn’t seem like the type to beg, but I guess when a family member is missing, you make all kinds of sacrifices.
I always talk with Artemis from her office because nobody knows she’s the boss, and she wants to keep it that way.
The employees know she’s the right hand of the boss. Of course, some speculate that she’s the boss’s mistress. I almost flipped out, but she told me not to say or do anything. She truly prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
I take out my phone and dial her number; after two rings, she answers.
“Hi, Knox, it’s something wrong at the club?”
“Not really.”
“What does that mean?”
“A guy named Liam Vincenzi came here looking for his brother.”
"Tell me his last name again?"
“Vincenzi,” I repeat.
“Vincenzi?” She repeats after me in a small voice.
“That’s what I said.”
“Vincenzi? V.I.N.C.E.N.Z.I.?” She spells, worrying me. This is strange. She is acting strangely.
“Yes, Vincenzi. What’s wrong with you?”
“How didn't I figure it out? It was so clear... well, I haven't been thinking lately. But still... I should have. How? Oh, fuck...” What the hell?
“Artemis! Are you still with me?” I ask, extremely worried now. I want to ask more, but if she wants to, she'll tell me.
“Yes, yes. And why are you calling me?”
"Well, he asked me to show him the video footage from tonight. He looks really desperate. He even offered us money. I don’t know if he meant it, but he said that he’ll give me one million dollars upfront."
“Okay, show him. But don’t take the money.”
“Artemis, you’re insulting me.”
“Sorry, I’m just not myself right now.” No shit.
“Yes, I noticed that. So, you’re sure?” I ask again, just to be sure.
“Yes, Knox, I’m sure!” She snaps, and my worry increases. She has never ever yelled at me.
“Artemis, what’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry, Knox, I didn’t mean to…”
“I know. Now tell me," I say calmly, and she sighs heavily.
“I need your help, Knox.”
“Shoot,” I say, and she starts laughing so loudly that she almost breaks my eardrums.
Okay, I’m officially scared.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing. It just reminded me of someone,” she says through sobs of laughter.
“Artemis, you don’t sound well. Are you sick? Drunk?”
“You could put it that way.”
“Artemis! I’m serious. You’re acting very strange.”
“I’m not drunk… God, Knox, I really, really need your help!” Now she sounds desperate.
She’s never desperate.
“Anything. What do you need me to do?”
“I need you to be the brother you’ve always been.”
“You're really confusing me. You know I’m always here for you.”
“After the guy with the video leaves, give me a call, and I’ll come by the club.”
“Okay, will do.”
“And, Knox?”
“Yes?”
“I’m really sorry I yelled at you,” she apologizes again, and I smile.
“I know. It’s okay.” Now, this is some weird shit.
Something is really off.
I hang up and go back to tell the guy the good news.
“Access granted,” I say, and he lets out a big breath of relief and smiles, even though it doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Oh, thank God.”
“Thank my boss.”
“Yes, right, sorry.” He chuckles softly, though not wholeheartedly. Well, I wouldn’t be any better if Artemis were missing.
“But you can’t take it home. You watch it here.”
“Of course, no problem.” The guy watches the video, but he doesn’t find anything.
I feel sorry for him.
I know how hard it is to lose family. I hope he’ll find him.
“Well, thank you anyway," he says disappointedly and tries to smile, but he fails miserably.
"Nothing to thank me for. I’m sorry the recordings didn’t help. I hope you find him safe and sound,” I say honestly, and he nods.
“Yeah… hopefully. Anyway, take my card. If you ever need any help of any kind, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“I think I can handle myself. But thank you anyway.” I refuse to take the card, and as soon as he leaves the room, I call Artemis.
“Knox,” she answers briefly.
“You can come.”
“Okay. I’m on my way.”
“I’m waiting in your office. Do you need a drink or something?”
“Oh, I need a big one. Whiskey neat!”
“That bad?”
“Worse!”