980. Everything Was in Place

In the Peace Hotel's Main Hall, Shang-Chi absentmindedly polished a wine glass while glancing sideways at Raymond, who was staring at him with a strange expression.

When Sam, the new Waiter, ran his mop over Raymond's expensive leather shoes for the third time, Raymond finally couldn't take it anymore. He pulled two hundred-dollar bills from his pocket and handed them to Sam. "Buddy, for God's sake, go buy me whatever you want..."

Sam took the bills, looking a little dazed. Then he turned to Shang-Chi, his temporary Boss, and stammered, "I-I don't know what to buy..."

Shang-Chi waved a hand, unconcerned. "Then buy yourself something. Slippers, a shirt, a razor..."

Sam nodded blankly. As he headed out, he muttered to himself, "Sam needs a new toothbrush. Lucy's always wanted a pretty pair of little Leather Shoes. Shang-Chi keeps ripping his shirts, so he'll need a better T-shirt..."

Raymond tilted his head, studying Shang-Chi, who was treating him as if he weren't there. With a strange look, he said, "Helping the Police catch people isn't the way things are done in Hell's Kitchen. I thought you'd go slaughter those little Gang Bosses and restore Order to the construction sites in the Dock District."

For once, Shang-Chi showed Raymond a trace of friendliness. He poured a glass of Whiskey and pushed it toward him. "The Boss has always helped the Police Station, and it's not because their Police Chief is a long-legged beauty.

"I may not be as smart as you, but I don't want to be used by you, either.

"The Boss wants the Police to do their job. Otherwise, people die in Hell's Kitchen every day. How could the Boss keep up with all of it?"

Raymond laughed at Shang-Chi's attitude. He tilted his head and looked him up and