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Title: Content: Behind him, his four-man detail lingered across the balcony, their laughter low, trading jokes in the presence of a man who made death a business and fear a currency. Years of service had carved something close to trust between them, a bond soldered by fire and blood. But trust had its architecture�defined edges, immovable walls�and they all knew where those walls stood. They had learned them well, mastered the art of proximity without presumption - Paid confidants, yes. Loyal shadows, always. But even shadows knew when to keep their distance. The moment Lesley stepped in behind James, the four men rose as one. It wasn�t dramatic�no scrape of chairs, no sudden commotion�just a quiet, coordinated shift, like soldiers coming to attention. The change in atmosphere was immediate, almost physical, pressing against the walls. McBride felt it like a jolt of static, a charge snapping through the room. His fingers tightened around the glass before he could stop them. Carlos might have been the Boss of Bosses, the shadow that ruled continents, but Lesley Black was the power they answered to here. In this city, in this building, his word was law. His presence carried the weight of delegated authority�a man who could speak in the name of a legend. Even with Carlos standing only a few feet away, that truth lingered in the air: Black still commanded their reverence. �Honourable,� Lesley said, voice smooth, easy, as he crossed the room toward McBride. The title rolled off his tongue like a greeting and a verdict all at once. �Les,� McBride replied, rising halfway, extending his hand with a smile that felt two sizes too small. �How was the trip?� �Marvellous,� Lesley answered without missing a step. His grip was firm, his smile precise�measured, never careless. He held it just long enough for the gesture to mean something, then released and moved on, his steps carrying him toward the balcony, toward the man who needed no introduction. Page Number: Update Page