Chapter 56 — The Man Behind the Mask (Flashback part 3)
Alexander left the bar in silence, the bitter taste of whiskey still clinging to his tongue, Dante's last words echoing inside his head.
"There's a bigger organization... and the man behind it wants to find us."
Those words lingered for days, like a shadow that followed him even when he tried to ignore it. He returned home that night, his mind racing, lit a cigarette, and stared at the ceiling of the dark apartment, trying to process what it meant.
Something was wrong. He could feel it. This wasn't just an ordinary investigation, and Dante knew it as well as he did. The name of the gang they had just destroyed was just the surface. The real problem, he suspected, lay in something much larger—something operating in the shadows, with too much money, power, and influence to be reached by normal means.
For the next few days, Alexander immersed himself in plans.
Maps, notes, connections.
He plotted possible escape routes, analyzed threats, rehearsed responses to any scenario.
If this man really was who Dante claimed to be—the supposed "shadow boss" behind everything—then this meeting wouldn't be a simple conversation.
He stayed awake all night, writing hypotheses and possible scenarios on sheets of paper scattered across the table.
If the man was hostile—plan A: quick exit via the service elevator.
If it was a recruitment drive—plan B: remain neutral and extract information.
If it was a trap—plan C: Dante would act from behind, with full cover.
But deep down, Alexander knew: no plan survives first contact with the enemy intact.
When the day arrived, New York was shrouded in a thin fog. Traffic seemed slower than usual, and every honk echoed in Alexander's head like a constant reminder of what was to come.
He met Dante at the corner of 52nd Street. His partner, always more relaxed, tried to mask his tension with a wry smile.
"Ready to see who the ghost behind all this is?" Dante asked, adjusting his jacket.
Alexander gave a slight smile, but his eyes remained serious.
"Ghost" is a kind word for those who mess with people like that."
The two walked in silence to the agreed-upon location: an imposing building of glass and steel, reflecting the gray sky. Above, the logo of a corporation they had never heard of—"Aeternum Industries." The name sounded more like a disguise than a real company.
The entrance was guarded by two security guards in black suits with expressionless expressions.
The men looked at them with an air of knowing exactly who they were.
"Are you Alexander and Dante?" one of them asked.
"We are," Alexander replied, keeping his tone firm.
The security guards exchanged a quick glance and gestured for them to follow. The sound of their footsteps echoed in the luxurious lobby—marble on the floor, mirrors on the walls, a crystal chandelier that looked worth more than a typical agent's entire annual salary.
The elevator ascended in absolute silence. The display marked floor by floor: 12... 23... 34... until it stopped at 47.
When the doors opened, the contrast was immediate.
A hallway lined with red carpet, soft lighting, and abstract paintings on the walls.
The air inside smelled of money—and danger.
The security guards led them to a large double door. One of them knocked twice and announced:
"They're here, sir."
A deep, calm, and authoritative voice answered from inside:
"Let them in."
The doors opened slowly.
The room was like nothing Dante and Alexander had ever seen. A vast office, with glass walls revealing a panoramic view of the city. In the center was a dark wooden desk, polished like a mirror. Behind it, seated in a leather chair, was the man they had come to meet.
He wore an impeccable gray suit. His hair was slightly graying, and his gaze was cold and calculating.
There was nothing random about him—every movement was controlled, every word likely measured.
The man stood calmly, adjusted the cuff of his jacket, and gave a barely perceptible smile.
"You're finally here."
The voice was calm, but carried an almost hypnotic authority. Dante exchanged a quick glance with Alexander, who maintained a neutral posture.
"And who exactly are you, sir?" Alexander asked, his gaze fixed on the man in front of him.
The man walked slowly to the window, observing the city lights below.
"Who I am..." he said, turning back, "isn't important right now. What matters is what I'm about to offer."
Alexander frowned.
"Offer?"
The man smiled, more clearly this time.
"You two have proven your worth. The operation against that gang was just a test... and you passed with flying colors."
The words hung in the air, thick and enigmatic.
Dante grew visibly uncomfortable.
"Test? Are you saying that mission was a setup?"
The man just maintained his smile, ignoring the direct question.
"I've been watching you for some time. And I believe you're ready for something much bigger."
Alexander took a step forward.
"Bigger... in what sense?" The man approached the table and rested his hands on it.
"Soon, you will understand. But first, I want you to know: the world you know is just a facade. The real war is fought in the shadows... and I need men like you there."
Silence filled the room.
Dante glanced at Alexander, who remained motionless, trying to decipher the meaning behind those words.
The man leaned back in his chair and folded his hands.
"But you don't need to answer now. Think calmly. When you're ready, I'll know."
The tension was almost palpable. Alexander sensed something deeply wrong, but also... a growing curiosity.
Who was this man?
And what exactly did he want from them?
The silence stretched for long seconds, until the sound of distant thunder cut through the air.
The scene ended with the man standing again, looking at them with an enigmatic gaze.
"Our time is just beginning, gentlemen."
Alexander and Dante exchanged one last look before turning to leave.
The doors closed behind them with a sharp click, and all that remained was the muffled sound of the rain beginning to fall outside.
The chapter ended with a single certainty:
That meeting would change the course of their lives forever.