章 57: Taken

Sophia's eyes widened. Her voice cracked as she pleaded, "Please… let me go. I haven't done anything wrong."

August held his hand out, desperate to defuse the situation. "Come on, Damon. You promised. Just give me until tomorrow. I'll have your money, I swear."

Damon tilted his head, tapping his chin mockingly. "Promises, promises. How many people do you think make promises to me, August? And how many actually keep them?" He snapped his fingers, and his goon tightened his grip on Sophia, causing her to wince.

"Please, Damon," August's voice was raw with barely restrained fury. "You don't need to do this. Tomorrow, you'll have it just as promised."

Damon sighed, pretending to think it over. "You know, August, I'd like to believe you. I really would. But I prefer having guarantees in my line of work." He gestured to his goon. "And taking your sister here is as good a guarantee as I'll get."