"Let's see what you've got, little weapon."
The words settled between us like a quiet challenge. He rose slowly from his seat with every movement deliberate, the confined space of the SUV suddenly felt even smaller as he walked around me. I could feel his presence before he even stopped, the weight of his authority pressing in without him needing to touch me.
Standing behind me, he leaned closer. The faint heat of cigarette smoke brushed against my skin, warm against the side of my neck. I could smell his expensive tobacco, mixed with the familiar scent of power and survival.
He whispered near my ears. "Return to where you belong." My fingers tightened slightly on my lap but I said nothing.
"Surrender the network you've built," he continued quietly. "All of it. The men, the routes, the loyalty. Give it back to me."
Silence settled between us for a minute, then he dragged his cigarette, "You will still control them," he added. "But this time, beside me."
