Alben stepped over the corpse, a gun held casually in his right hand. His usual lazy, bored expression had been replaced by a cold, sharp alertness.
He took in Milo's bleeding, powder-covered body, the silver case of uncut irritant, and Nero standing by the bar cart. The little chicken Salvatore had protected was now lying naked and helpless on the floor.
Alben looked at Nero and smirked. "Even the devil wouldn't do something like this."
Nero looked at Alben. He had already braced himself for the possibility that Salvatore might come for Milo, but he never expected that man would actually come and kill his men. In his own house! Right in front of him!
"What are you doing?!" Nero lost his composure, glaring at Alben with murderous intent.
Alben just chuckled. "SAL! YOUR CHICKEN IS HERE!!" he screamed again, this time louder.
The response was immediate. The hallway outside erupted with the heavy, rhythmic thud of combat boots.
