Read The Darkness of God: Book Three of the Shadow Warrior Trilogy for Free Online

name’s Henders, this is Mister Naismith.”
    “I’m at your service,” Joshua said courteously.
    “My associate and myself understand that you’re a man who’s interested in the sporting life.”
    “At times.”
    “Perhaps you weren’t aware that the two clubs that you might find most congenial — I refer to the Oasis and Mister Nakamura’s establishment — are, in fact, private.”
    “No. The person who told me about them didn’t mention that.”
    “That’s why we thought we might pay a visit, and arrange for you to become a member of both casinos.”
    “How convenient,” Wolfe said. “I assume ‘membership’ also carries other benefits?”
    The younger of the two men scowled, but Henders kept his smile.
    “In fact, it does. There are other establishments in Prendergast and across Rogan’s World that welcome members. But the real advantage for a man such as yourself is the availability of exchange currency at any hour of the night or day. Also, since there’s an unfortunately high crime rate on Rogan’s World, in the event of your having significant winnings, our organization can arrange an escort to wherever you wish, or even for a bank to open at any hour for a deposit.”
    “And, of course, should I decline membership, it’s not unlikely that I might get mugged, should I happen to be a winner,” Wolfe said wryly.
    “Such things have happened.”
    “I further assume that the cost of such a membership is high.”
    “We predicate the cost on a member’s evident assets,” Henders said, looking pointedly about the suite. “In your case, especially considering the rather impressive display you’ve made since you’ve been here, it might indeed be expensive. But well worth the cost, I can assure you.”
    “And the levy is …?”
    “That would depend on how long you plan on staying,” the man said. “Generally, we like to have our members current on a weekly basis. However, for longer stays, or for permanent residents, other, more equitable arrangements can be made.”
    Wolfe strolled to the bar, poured a small pool of Armagnac into a snifter.
    “I must say, I admire Rogan’s World,” he said. “Generally, the first gunsel who tries a shakedown is a featherweight.”
    “What the hell are you talking about?” snarled Naismith. “This is a perfectly legit offer.”
    “Of course it is. I’m merely making light conversation. My response, in most cases, to such a hit is quite rapid. I find the second level of goonery, after they’ve recovered from finding their junior in an alley, is markedly superior.”
    “I know you have your own security element, Mister Taylor,” Henders said. “But I don’t think you’re aware of the organization you may be challenging.”
    “Oh, but I think I am,” Wolfe said. “That’s why I was complimentary about Rogan’s World. I’ve noted you gentlemen aren’t the usual bluff-and-bluster back-alley types with alligator mouths and jaybird asses, but actually have links to significant people. I don’t object to payoffs,” he went on. “It’s an accepted part of my operating cost. But I’ll be triple-damned if I’ll play the fool and slip any punk who taps my shoulder and breaks bad the dropsy.”
    • • •
    “I see,” Henders said. Naismith couldn’t decide whether to get angry or just stay puzzled. “You certainly have analyzed the situation quickly and, I must say, correctly. I think, Mister Taylor, you might become a valued addition to a certain group here. You appear to have a great deal of wisdom.”
    “Not wisdom,” Wolfe said. “Common sense. How much?”
    “We would consider — ten thousand credits appropriate. At least for a starter. If circumstances indicate otherwise, that amount can be lowered.”
    “Or raised, if I’m sufficiently lucky.”
    Henders inclined his head.
    Wolfe went into another room. The two gangsters looked at each other. The younger man licked his lips nervously.
    Wolfe came back in with a leather