Alexei returned to his suite. Why did Black Iris send this cretin to represent their interests? He was missing something, and he didn’t like the feel of the situation.

Alexei’s thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. When Alexei opened the door, he was jostled by Jony, Hunter’s second.

“What are you doing here?” Alexei demanded.

Jony sauntered around the room. Alexei watched the man for several seconds before Jony spoke. “Hunter is not himself tonight. He’s usually a level-headed bloke. I wanted to apologize for his behavior. It is rude and unbecoming of Black Iris.”

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“The kid—Hunter—seems to have some bias toward me, toward The Collective,” Alexei said.

“Hunter was punished for taking action on the bounty that injured your man. Coming here to parley is part of his punishment. I think he is being tested by his mum,” Jony said.

“Dahlia?”

“Umm, never mind me. I said too much,” Jony said as he left.

Alexei remained in deep thought for a long time. He was uneasy with the situation. The discussions had not resolved anything, only heightened tensions.