Empire of Shadows

Chapter 16: A Fresh Start

“Looks like I don’t have much choice,” Lance said, neatly placing the two contracts back on the desk. “But this is probably my best option.”

He paused briefly. “So, when do I start?”

Alberto didn’t send him out right away. Instead, he asked, “What about your bakery job?”

“It’s just twenty bucks. I’ll manage.”

Alberto pulled open a drawer, took out a roll of bills, and handed Lance forty dollars. “Here’s forty as an advance. I hope it’s worth every penny!”

Lance accepted the money. “I promise, you won’t regret it.”

“Go find Fordis; he’ll set you up with some tools to help collect those debts.”

“Now get to work. I’ll be waiting for good news!”