Page 195 of Shadowman

Curiosity ripples through my thoughts.What happened while he was away…?

Yari shrugs. “Either way, he’s not the problem.”

“He’s not?” The Warden hisses.

“Okay, he’s one of them. But I still think things need to be rectified with Jonathan.”

The Ivory is visibly stewing in petulance, tapping his foot over and over again. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore…”

Man, I’m confused. Jonathan who?

“Jefe… please. Over adecade…” Yari shakes his head admonishingly,prodding, and I’m shocked at his audacity.Brazen thing.“That’s longer than I’ve been around.”

“I’m well aware of that,” The Ivory teems, pinning Yari with a heated glare. “Which means you’re just as disposable as he is. So watch it.”

Yari isn’t even fazed. “I’m just saying, why not at least try to be civil?”

“Have you forgotten who I am?” The Ivory scoffs while Yari continues to stand his ground. “I’m not in the business of coddling people. Especially those who refuse to play by the rules. I demand nothing shy of unwavering dedication.” His dark eyes glide to me. “Loyaltyis everything.”

A chill zips up my spine.

“But you never evenattemptedto explain—”

The Ivory slams his fist down on the desk, effectively shutting Yari up. “I don’t need to explain shit! This ismygoddamn world! He’s just existing in it, formyentertainment.Myneeds, not his!” He stops to breathe out slowly, jaw visibly tight. “He knows who I am, and I know who he is.Period. If my guard dog wants to bite the hand that feeds him, he better have jaws of fucking steel.”

Despite my blood rushing in my ears, I’m able to make out the sound of footsteps clomping in the distance. Growing louder.

Manuel Blanco straightens. Yari’s eyes widen, glistening with concern. I turn in my chair to face the door, noting Kent’s hand slipping onto the gun on his holster.

The steps are approaching the door as The Ivory motions for Kent to stand down, which he does, reluctantly.

Bang bang bang!

Three loud knocks—or ratherslams—from a fist against the door cause me to jump, despite knowing it was coming.

“Who is it?” The Ivory calls out patronizingly.

No answer. Just an audible growl before the door bursts open, and Officer Chevelle storms in.

“His ears must have been ringing,” The Ivory murmurs, I’m assuming to us, though his eyes are stuck on Velle. Smirk intact.

In fact, we’reallstaring at Velle. I can practically see his already short fuse sizzling up.

He stomps into the room, making quick note of me, Kent, and Yari, before settling his deep blue eyes on the Warden.

“Get rid of them.” He hisses acommandat the Warden; the low rumble of an animal about to strike.

The Ivory folds his arms over his chest again. “Anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of my staff.”

Wait…I’mhis staff??

Velle’s eyes drop to me once more. But he quickly gives up the request for privacy, likely knowing it’ll go nowhere. He stalks closer to Manuel Blanco, and Kent pulls his gun. But again, The Ivory lifts a hand.

All focus in the room is on the two men who are breeding so much tension-wrapped hostility, it’s becoming difficult to breathe.

“I’ve had enough,” Velle snarls at the Warden’s face. So quiet, it’s barely audible.

“Are you ready to apologize?” The Ivory croons.