Andrew picked up the ice water from the table and poured it over the man.

The unconscious skinny guy, Dirk Benedict, immediately jolted awake. "Please! Come on, man, don't kill me!"

Andrew smirked, "Who do you think you are for me to spare you?"

Dirk's face darkened. "Don't push it, man. I'm with Mr. Nielsen. And Mr. Nielsen works for Big Z from Verhampton Valley, the real shot-caller around here."

Andrew's tone stayed flat. "Your little town actually has a shot-caller?"

Dirk puffed up with pride. "What, scared now? Here's the truth: Big Z runs this place. He's got both the cops and the gangs in his pocket. And word is, he's got connections at the state level too! So be smart, let me go, and we'll pretend this never happened."

Andrew slapped him twice without changing expression. "Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. My hearing's a little off. Say it again."

Dirk clutched his stinging face and snapped. "I said, back off or else…"

Another two slaps hit even harder, and th