Late in December, just a few days away from Christmas, banners celebrating the festival adorned the streets everywhere.
Christmas trees in the shop windows, red and white Santa hats, and the tinkling sounds of music.
All these things added to the festive atmosphere, and the passing pedestrians discussed the upcoming holidays with smiles on their faces.
Dean turned away from the blinds by the conference room and began to speak in a relaxed tone.
"So, gentlemen, let's wrap up our last meeting of the year."
"I've already booked my flight for this afternoon; in a few hours, I'll be on Palm Beach in Florida, enjoying a delicious Bordeaux wine."
Valentine blew a breath in Dean's direction, wafting thick cigar smoke that drifted through the conference room.
"Come on, you know I don't like them," Dean said, fanning away the smoke with some papers. "I'd rather chew gum."
