"Courage is not required when dealing with men of your standing, Judge," Rafael said smoothly, extending his hand toward the inner lounge. "Only discretion. Welcome to Vesper."
Judge Vance paused at the threshold, his cold, calculating eyes sweeping across the grand lounge of the newly renovated warehouse.
The rough, grease-stained timber walls of Pier 14 were now lined with deep crimson velvet drapery, absorbing the damp draft of the docks.
Heavy brass chandeliers hung from the reinforced ceiling rafters, casting a warm, golden glow over polished mahogany tables and plush leather seating.
"You transformed a derelict fish vault into a private sanctuary in less than forty-eight hours," Judge Vance remarked, his deep voice echoing with a mixture of suspicion and quiet approval.
"Ca
