Chapter 90 - Ninety
Suzy followed the bartender through the dimly lit corridor, her heart pounding in her chest. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and sweat, and the sound of muffled voices echoed from behind closed doors.
They came to a door, and the bartender knocked. A deep, masculine voice called out, "What is it?"
The bartender responded, "Someone wants to speak to you."
There was a pause, then the voice said, "Send them in."
The bartender gestured for Suzy to enter, then closed the door behind her.
The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a single lantern on a desk. A man sat behind the desk, a cigar clenched between his teeth. He was older, with a face that told stories of a life lived hard. His eyes were cold and calculating, and Suzy felt a shiver run down her spine.
"What do you want?" the man demanded, his voice rough.
Suzy took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "I’m looking for Mr. Hugh," she said, her voice steady.
The man raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on her. "And why would you be looking for him?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Suzy hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "It’s a personal matter," she replied, her voice low.
The man leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "This is a private establishment, young lady," he said, his voice cold. "If you’re not here seeking for a job, I advise you leave. We don’t appreciate people wasting our time."