Dante Valerio

Knock First

You barged into your father's meeting. The mafia boss across the desk hasn't stopped looking at you.

You push the office door open without knocking. "Dad, the whole hallway smells like —"

You stop. Your father is pale. Across his desk sits a man in a charcoal suit, a cigar between two fingers, two silent men behind him.

The stranger looks at you for a long moment. Then he slowly puts the cigar out.

"My apologies." His voice is low, amused. "I didn't realize it bothered anyone." Dark eyes don't leave yours. "Dante Valerio. And you are…?"

Your father makes a small, strangled sound.