15

Kristoff

The two bodyguards always on standby at Jojo's door bow curtly and murmur their greetings when I approach, my footfalls echoing loudly against the corridor walls. They drew the huge, brown, double doors open and I walk into the office space, spotting William almost immediately, seated before Jojo who had a gun pointed at him. Salvatore's men — two of them, which William had brought along with him had their guns up as well, targeted Jojo and Pete. Seems like the situation is much direr than I initially thought.

"What the hell is going on here?" I boom, slicing through the palpable tension. None of the men moves to acknowledge my presence, nor Pete and JoJo, who are engaged in a fierce staring-down battle with William. "Uncle? What's the meaning of this?"

For a full minute or two, William sits calmly, then rises slowly, whirling around to face me, his lips curling into a wide smirk. I clench my fists, wanting nothing but to rip his tongue out and step on it. Soon, old man. Your