Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 121

Badass in Disguise

Chapter 121

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92

The remaining thugs had retreated to the edge of the bar, eyeing Chris warily as they waited for their boss to return. Their earlier bravado had evaporated, replaced by genuine fear.

Around us, the few patrons who hadn’t fled were whispering among themselves, throwing nervous glances our way. I caught fragments of their conversations: “…local gang…” “…don’t know who they messed with…” “…gonna be

trouble…”

The bartender wiped the same spot on the counter for the fifth time, clearly wanting to be anywhere else. A couple near the door slipped out quietly, while a group of college students hurriedly paid their tab.

Chris adjusted his cuffs, seemingly unbothered by the tension in the air.

“So, where’d you pick up that watch?” he asked, nodding toward my wrist with a hint of amusement in his eyes. “It’s cute. Doesn’t really match your usual style though.”

I glanced down at the Patek Philippe on my wrist. “My brother Max gave it to me.”

“Your brother?” Chris raised an eyebrow. “Kid’s got expensive taste.”

“It was a gift,” I said, a rare softness creeping into my voice when I mentioned Max. “He insisted.”

Chris studied me for a moment, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “You really care about this kid, don’t you? What about the rest of the Morgan clan? How are they treating you?”

I took a sip of my drink. “One’s more insufferable than the next. If it weren’t for Max, I’d have kicked them all out of

the house by now.”

The bar manager approached our table, setting down fresh drinks with shaking hands. He leaned in, voice barely above a whisper.

“You two should probably leave. These guys… they run things in this part of town. They don’t take kindly to being embarrassed, and they’re not above doing something stupid.”

Chris smiled politely, accepting the drink. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m a lawyer. I specialize in cases against criminal organizations. Upholding justice is my professional responsibility.”

The manager’s eyes widened, but before he could respond, the door to the bar banged open. A wave of noise flooded in as thirty or so young men armed with baseball bats and switchblades pushed their way inside. The remaining patrons scattered, some ducking under tables, others rushing for the exit. Within seconds, only the bartender remained, crouched behind the bar counter, visibly trembling.

The buzz–cut guy from earlier strode in, blood still crusted around his nostrils. Behind him walked a man with part of his left ear missing, his face twisted in a permanent sneer.

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11:07 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 121

“That’s him, boss,” Buzz Cut said, pointing at Chris. “The guy who sucker punched me.”

The one–eared man approached our table, scanning Chris with contempt before his gaze shifted to me. His eyes lingered uncomfortably, and I felt the urge to gauge them out.

“A lawyer?” One–Ear scoffed, adjusting his leather jacket. “Been running these streets for years and never beat up a lawyer before.” He leaned forward, placing both palms on our table. “Should be interesting.”

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His gaze slid back to me, something predatory in his expression. “Don’t damage the pretty one too much, boys. I’ve got plans for her after.”

My expression didn’t change, but inwardly I was already calculating how many ways I could kill him with just the

cocktail napkin in front of me.

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