The Smoked Monkeys attack has been on everyone's lips in the neighborhood for several days. Although the angels generally feel little concerned by this kind of news, the arrival of unknown men dressed in black and gradually settling in the room which dominates the barroom generates a certain tension. Also, Titus is tense, Ritta rarely comes out of the kitchen and the staff room, avoiding any contact with these men.
Curious and worried, the angels mandate Delhi to ask what is going on to Ritta. The oldest of them, a cold and fatal beauty with an icy stare. But when he asks the oldest of the team, she kicks in touch with a "You'll see what it's all about when it's time for you to find out!"
Although the team is restless over these new faces, life goes on at the Fallen Angel.
In the early morning, just after the bar closes, Titus and Ritta are called to the upstairs room and the angels are asked to finish the end-of-service tidying up and wait at the bar.
The obedient angels, although stressed, quietly tidy up, change and return to the room to sit at the bar, awaiting instructions.
The room remains silent, an electric and unusual atmosphere for these boys who are used to working in a warm atmosphere. Ritta and Titus have been able to create cohesion in the team, they behave like a family.
After some waiting the upper door finally opens, a column of men in black accompanied by Titus and Ritta descend. Ritta comes to stand between them while Titus steps slightly to the side in front of them (as if to protect them). What does not reassure the boys with the terrified glance.
A tall dark man with steely eyes steps forward, SweetHeart recognizes him immediately, he is the strange man who had been there a few weeks ago and had been served an Old Fashioned. Very surprised but also terrified, he wonders who he can be and why he is there.
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The impressive man begins to speak in a deep and hoarse voice in front of the petrified angels:
“My name is Black, I am the owner of this establishment.” Seeing the face of the angels crestfallen after this sentence he adds “I guess you have heard of the attack of the Smoked Monkeys which I also own. My office was in this establishment, being out of use I decided to settle here.”
The shocked angels turn to a disgusted Titus and Ritta…
Black continues “I will not interfere in the management of this bar because that of Ritta and Titus is irreproachable. I won't cop you either, I’m too busy. My men and I will be discreet especially during opening hours and will pass exclusively through the back door. I hope you continue to work as you are used to. I only ask one thing of you: silence! no one must know that I am here.”
The disconcerted angels nod in agreement with a vague “yes sir”.
Black, not knowing how to warm up the atmosphere, he didn't want to scare the boys. He's not used to working with such delicate beings, his men being thugs he just barks at.
“I thank you for listening and wish you a safe return home.”
The angels stammer a thank you, grab their things and try to flee as quickly as possible, when they are stopped by the voice of their boss. They freeze and turn back to him. In a deep voice turning to one of the angels "Your name is SweetHeart isn't it?" The Fallen Angel bartender seems to shrink as Mimi (one of his colleagues) clings to his arm. He straighten and stammers "yes sir." Black not taking his eyes off him “can you give me a moment and come to my office please?”
The angels look at their friends with pity and fear, Ritta looks intensely at Titus seeking help but he looks helpless. Young Mimi, low in retreat and with a dejected air, lets go of his friend's arm.
SweetHeart, determined not to worry his colleagues and friends, plasters a smile on his face and in a calm voice “Of course sir, I follow you”. He flashes a smile behind him, wanting to be the most reassuring and follows the dark man into his office.