The next day in the afternoon, there were multiple SUVs, each filled to its max capacity, drove out of the cartel hideout, dispersing in different directions throughout the city. One of the SUVs, further ahead of the rest, carried Daemon and Jason.
They were on their way to the auction house, the main reason for the SUVs splitting up was Jason made the decision to avoid attracting too much attention, as each vehicle carried captives there possibility to run into the blood bankers and the police.
During the drive, Jason repeatedly tried to pry into Mortis's plan, he seem eager to understand how he intendeds to handle the situation. However, Daemon remained silent closing his eyes and Jason eventually gave up, realizing he wouldn't get anything out of him.
After about an hour, Daemon and Jason arrived behind a building called The Veiled Auction House. To the uninitiated, it was known as a prestigious auction house for rare and valuable artifacts. However, beneath its opulent facade lay a sinister secret: it served as a front for the Iron Chain Cartel's illicit activities, like today main event human trafficking.
Besides the captives from Daemon cartel hideout, there were also other Iron enforcers from other hideouts bringing in their own captives, each group having over a hundred individuals. Daemon observed the scene. 'While not all will be sold, they can be put to use or replaced,' he thought.
Cartel members from outside and inside the building helped escort the captives in. Following Jason, they came across a tall, handsome man with yellow eyes and blonde hair. Jason introduced Mortis to him, calling him Carlos. Carlos started checking them for weapons, as the cartel didn't allow any inside.
Nearby, another man who looked just like Carlos was counting the captives coming from all Iron Enforcers. 'Are they Carlos and Luis?' Daemon wondered.
Identical twins in the cartel how cliché. But effective. Twice the eyes, twice the ears.
After being checked, Daemon followed Jason to a basement, On the way, Jason informed him that The Broker had called and instructed him to come to him immediately upon arrival.
While he was no hearing off his he wasn't worried so after a few minutes, Daemon entered a dimly lit basement, his demeanor turned cold as he scanned the room with sharp gaze. He approached a well-dressed man standing at 6'8". The man was a bit chubby but clearly strong, with a broad chest and powerful arms hidden muscle beneath layers of fat.
So this is The Broker, his presence is as imposing as the rumors suggested.
His olive skin had a slightly weathered look, suggesting years of experience and exposure to various elements. He had dark brown, sharp, and calculating eyes that seemed to be constantly assessing the value of everything and everyone around him, his nose was prominent and slightly hooked.
His dark hair was slicked back with a few strands of grey, giving him a distinguished yet intimidating appearance. He had a few faint scars on his face and hands and a tattoo of a broken chain on his left forearm. He wore black custom-made, expensive suits that fit his large frame perfectly, with a crimson red tie.
He wore crisp white shirts that contrasted sharply with his dark suits, polished black leather shoes that were always impeccably clean, a gold chain bracelet on his right wrist, and a large, ornate ring on his left pinky finger, an expensive, gold-plated watch.
"Broker, I brought the new Iron Enforcer," Jason said bowing to the imposing man before then stepping out of the basement.
The Broker turned to face Daemon, his presence both charismatic and intimidating. His smile was slow, his eyes narrowing slightly as he extended his hand with a deliberate motion. "Ah, Mortis. I've been expecting you. My condolences on the death of your master. He controlled our number one hideout with... precision."
Daemon's eyes flickered with a brief flash of recognition. 'Its him,' he thought in surprise. 'He was there when my family was being tortured. He did a couple of things to my sister... don't get angry, I need control of this situation,' he reminded himself. He straightened slightly, his posture rigid as he shook the Broker's hand, almost tightening his grip but managing not to. "Thank you. It's unfortunate, but life moves on," he said.
Does he recognize me? Or is he pretending not to? My face did change a little after my rebirth, and it's been two years.
The Broker chuckled, a hint of menace in his voice, his grip firm and lingering. "Indeed it does. I've heard quite a bit about you from The Whisper. You've been busy clearing up some of our vampire troubles and assisting with the transport of the product."
Daemon eyes narrowed. "I do what's necessary for the organization. Efficiency is key... but I must say, I don't know this Whisper," he with his posture relaxed but ready.
The Broker's smile faded slightly. "Oh, he said he gave you the information about how to deal with the vampires."
"Well, I'm afraid to say I don't know about the Whisper's words, but I did want to pick up my master's position, so I started with the main trouble," Daemon said.
"If what you say is true... Still, I appreciate efficiency, Mortis. But let me be clear. In your new position, failure is not an option. You must succeed where others might falter," The Broker warned.
Daemon responded with a hint of sarcasm, "Failure has never been in my repertoire. But it's good to know where we stand."
The Broker leaned in looking deep into Daemon eyes, his voice low and threatening. "I hope you mean that. Because if you do fail, there will be consequences. Severe ones."
"I'm aware.... Still the cartel's influence is spreading, and the vampire clan has been a persistent nuisance. They're becoming bolder," Daemon said.
The Broker leaned back while nodding. "That's precisely why I need you there. The balance of power is delicate, and we can't afford any slip-ups. Your dealing with the vampires makes you the perfect candidate."
"I've dealt with their kind before. They won't know what hit them." Daemon said.
"That's what I'm counting on. Humans is one thing, but vampires… they require a different touch. They're more cunning, more resilient," The Broker said.
Daemon nodded slowly. "They're parasites. Once you understand their weaknesses, they're manageable. The real issue is their ability to blend in, to manipulate," he explained.
The Broker smiled, slightly impressed. "I like your confidence. We've had our share of setbacks dealing with them. Your predecessor underestimated their reach. Don't make the same mistake."
Daemon met the Broker's gaze steadily. "I won't. I'll ensure they regret ever crossing our path." he continued coldly. "I won't. I'll find their tactics, their leaders. I'll dismantle their operation piece by piece."
The Broker said stratified. "Good. The cartel will see that we're not to be trifled with, and the vampires will learn to fear us. Your success is crucial. Make sure you handle it."
Daemon asked inquisitively, "And once the vampires are dealt with? What's the next move?"
The Broker's charismatic smile returned. "You return to the number one hideout. We consolidate our power, and you'll be rewarded accordingly. But first, we need you to clean up the mess in the city. Make it a stronghold for us."
Eyes, ears, and hammer.
"Consider it done. I thrive on challenges." Daemon said.
The Broker smirked. "You remind me of your master. He was a ruthless man, but loyal. Make sure you live up to your master's legacy... or surpass it. The organization depends on it."
"Loyalty to the organization is paramount. You have nothing to worry about on that front." Daemon said.
The Broker tilted his head, studying Daemon. "Good. Because we're on the brink of something big, and I need men I can trust. Men who can handle... delicate situations."
Daemon, inquisitive with a calculating edge, asked, "Delicate situations? Do tell."
The Broker grinned, his eyes glinting with ruthlessness. "We're expanding. New markets, new products. But with that comes new risks. Competitors, law enforcement, rogue elements. I need you to be my eyes and ears, and sometimes, my hammer."
"Consider it done. I thrive on challenges." Daemon said.
The Broker patted Daemon's shoulder, his voice dripping with charisma and menace. "Excellent. Then welcome to your new role. Make sure you live up to your master's legacy... or surpass it. The organization depends on it."
"I have no intention of letting you down. Our enemies will learn to fear us even more." Daemon replied firmly.
As the Broker moved to leave, he paused, a sinister smile curling his lips. "For this, how about you come up to the VIP area with me. However before we go, I have a special task for you. Something that will truly initiate you into your new role."
Daemon's eyes narrowed, his interest piqued. "What do you need?"
The Broker led Daemon to a heavy, reinforced door at the back of the basement, he took out a key and unlocked it, revealing a darkened room. Inside, a man was chained to a chair, his face battered and bloodied, His eyes widened in fear as the light from the hallway spilled into the room onto his face then showing who appeared.
"This man," the Broker said, stepping into the room and closing the door behind them, "is a traitor. He was caught selling information to our enemies. I need you to extract everything he knows and then... dispose of him."
Daemon's expression remained cold, his eyes flicking to the terrified man and then back to the Broker. "Consider it done."
The Broker nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Good. Show me that I can trust you to handle the dirty work."
Daemon approached the man, his movements deliberate and unhurried. He knelt down, staring into the man's eyes, his expression devoid of empathy. "Tell me everything you know," he said, his voice low.
The man trembled, trying to shrink away despite the chains holding him in place. "Please... I didn't mean to... I was forced..."
Daemon's gaze hardened, he didn't need to hear anymore he stood up, reaching for a nearby table filled with an array of sinister tools. He selected a sharp knife, testing its edge with his thumb. "You have one chance to make this easy on yourself," he said, his tone icy.
As the man began to speak, spilling everything he knew in a desperate attempt to save himself, the Broker watched from the shadows, his eyes gleaming with approval. Daemon worked methodically, extracting every piece of information with a cold efficiency that left no doubt about his capabilities.
When the man had nothing left to offer, Daemon stood back, wiping the blade clean on a cloth before turning to the Broker. His demeanor was unchanged, his expression unreadable as he placed the knife back to its place on the table.
"He's told us everything," Daemon stated flatly, his voice carrying a chill that matched the basement's cold ambiance.
The Broker nodded slowly, his satisfaction evident as he stepped forward, his gaze shifting briefly to the trembling figure still chained to the chair. "Good work, Mortis. Loyalty and efficiency are the cornerstones of our operations here."
Daemon eyes flickering briefly towards the prisoner before settling back on the Broker. "What shall be done with him now?"
A predatory smile formed at the edge of the Broker's lips. "Dispose of him. Send a message to anyone else who dares to betray us."
Without another word, Daemon turned back to the prisoner, his movements purposeful and without hesitation. He retrieved a handgun from a nearby drawer, checking its chamber with a swift, expert motion. The prisoner's eyes widened in terror as he realized the fate awaiting him.
As Daemon raised the gun, his face remained impassive, betraying nothing of the darkness within. He pulled the trigger with a steady hand, the sound of the shot echoing through the basement before dissipating into an eerie silence.
The Broker watched silently as Daemon holstered the gun, his demeanor unchanged. "Clean this up," he instructed one of the waiting cartel members who promptly entered the room. With a nod, the Broker turned and walked back towards the basement exit, his footsteps echoing against the cold, stone walls.