DAVIE and OLIVIA

I leaned against the sleek black SUV, the cool metal beneath my fingers was a stark contrast to the scorching Chicago sun. My best buddy, Romeo, stood beside me, his eyes scanning the bustling street. The Montanelli family always had business to attend to, and today was no different. We were here to meet a new contact, a small-time dealer with the potential to expand their operations.

"Think this guy's legit?" Romeo asked, his voice low and gravelly.

I shrugged. "We'll find out soon enough. If he tries anything, you know the drill."

Romeo nodded, adjusting his grip on the concealed weapon beneath his jacket. We two had been friends since childhood, growing up in the shadows of our fathers' criminal empires. Loyalty ran deep between us, and trust was hard-earned but absolute.

A sleek, silver sedan pulled up, and a nervous-looking man stepped out. He approached with hesitant steps, his eyes darting around as if expecting an ambush.