Outside the grand gates of The Sovereign Residences, a van skidded to a stop. Out tumbled a bunch of roughnecks, looking like they owned the place.

Adorned with gold chains, their pointy shoes clicking on the pavement, they sported tattoos of a jade beast on one arm and a white tiger on the other, gripping an assortment of homemade weapons—steel pipes, machetes, and whatever else they could swing.

Leroy was right there with them, grinning up at a burly guy with a buzz cut. "We're here, Sergey," he said with a nod and a bow. "I'm counting on you and the boys to back me up later, okay?"

Sergey took a drag of his cigarette, trying to look tough. "Kid, you're asking a lot. I agreed to help you rough up this Andrew guy, and that was me being generous.

"Now you want more? That's gonna cost you."

Leroy bit back a curse. Sergey was nothing but a greedy thug. However, he kept his smile plastered on. "More money? You got it! Don't worry, Sergey. As long as everything goes smoothly, you'll g