Chapter 170

The iron gate of the basement rattled as it slid open, the sound sharp against the dim, reddish glow of the underground room.

A rugged-faced man sat calmly in a chair, his gaze fixed on a small television.

The screen showed yet another boxing match. The middle-aged tough, now well past his prime, had always loved these bouts—years ago, he himself had been in the ring, drenched in sweat, earning glory with his fists.