Page 26 of Zane

“Señor Marco, the luxury box is ready for your approval. We have arranged several throne concepts, as requested.”

The private elevator had not yet been installed, so Marco climbed a temporary staircase surrounded by guards and advisers, rising above the arena until the pit below became a perfect instrument of humiliation.At the top, the luxury box projected from the centerline of the best tier, wrapped in glass that could darken at the touch of a switch.

It was not merely a place to sit; it was a command deck disguised as a palace balcony.Marble slabs leaned against one wall, waiting to be set.Hidden vents breathed chilled air into the unfinished space.A bar made of black onyx had already been polished to a mirror shine.

Three chairs stood beneath protective cloths.The attendant uncovered the first with ceremony.It was carved from dark walnut, high-backed and severe, with bronze lions gripping the arms.The second was wider, upholstered in white leather, bordered in gold, with a reclining mechanism and built-in controls for the glass, lights, cameras, and sound.The third made the men behind Marco shift on their feet: black marble, silver inlay, jaguar heads at the armrests, and a crest worked into the back so deeply it looked less carved than branded.

“You said you wanted something that would shame the Roman boxes,” the attendant said.“Not imitate them.”

Marco approached the marble throne and touched the cold curve of a jaguar’s skull.Below, workers crossed the arena floor like insects, each one unaware of how small he appeared from this height.

“Rome had senators packed together in robes, sweating and shouting with the rest.This is better.Here, a man can drink, eat, conduct business, punish enemies, reward friends, and never raise his voice.”

“The glass is ballistic,” Salcedo added from behind him.“The floor has a private service lift. The walls will conceal screens showing every camera angle.If there is any disturbance, the box can seal itself in under four seconds.”

Marco lowered himself into the marble throne.It accepted him without softness.He liked that.Comfort made weak men sentimental, but luxury sharpened him when it was built on obedience.He stretched one arm along the jaguar’s head and looked through the open front of the box toward the gates below.

“How many animals are already here?”

The broad man checked his tablet.

“Two lions, four tigers, three bears, six wolves, crocodiles for the water channel once it is finished, and the hyenas you requested.The rhino is being moved at night and should arrive within the week.We also have handlers negotiating for a pair of cassowaries, though I must warn you, they are difficult to manage.”

“Difficult is useful, besides I have something to manager difficult,” Marco said.“Predictable animals become props.I want the guests to see something alive in the arena besides the men begging to leave it.”He paused, considering the invisible inventory beneath his feet.

“And the others?”

The broad man hesitated just long enough for everyone in the box to notice.

“The special acquisition should be secured any time now.”

Marco’s eyes moved to him, and the temperature in the luxury box seemed to drop despite the vents whispering cool air.

“Not here,” he said.“Not yet.”

The attendant closed his portfolio.Salcedo stared very carefully at the arena.The broad man nodded once and looked down.Marco remained seated in the black marble throne, framed by unfinished glass and raw concrete, already seeing the finished spectacle: the sand combed smooth, the gates painted red, the first honored guests leaning forward with champagne in their hands, wondering what impossible thing he had saved for the end.

He did not smile this time.Some weapons were more powerful while they remained unnamed, and Marco intended to let the arena itself learn fear before anyone else did.

“My apologies, boss.You have a call.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“We’ve got to find a way to stop this maniac,” said Gator.“Why is that none of us have heard of him or had interactions with him?”

“Maybe we’ve all been out too long,” said Ham shaking his head.“Have we spoken to any of the younger men?”

“Some of them,” nodded Cowboy.

“Hey, you’ve got a call that you need to take,” said AJ.“Cooper is calling in from the field.”

“Cooper?Where is his Ranger team?” asked Gator.

“No clue but let’s find out.”The screen illuminated with a familiar face, although older, harder, and dirtier.They all smiled, calling out his name.

“Coop!”

“Hey, guys,” he grinned.“How are things there?”