Chapter 28: Armed Deals

*VICKY*

One of the two men sitting in the smoking room had gray hair and looked to be about 50 years old, and his full muscles supported the collar of the suit. The other man, however, was the complete opposite. There was something different about them—a glow almost. Although he looked about the same age, he had much less hair, and his wrinkles intensified when he smiled in our direction.

The two men rose to greet Markus as soon as they saw him, and they even considerately extinguished the cigars in their hands.

"Markus, it's wonderful to see you again," the first man began. "Thank you for having us featured in your gallery this evening. I know my grandfather would have dutifully appreciated it."

"Oh, your grandfather was only one of my closest artist companions, Devin. It's the least I could do—especially with the talent that runs in those veins." Markus then turned to look at me. "The steel sculptures out in the entrance; they're only some of Devin's newest pieces. Beautifully create