Targu Province. Saturday night

“A toast! To our good brother Kelan, for without him, many of us would still be scrapping the bottom of the barrel here in Velyki!” declared Darren Krellis.

“Here, here!” chorused the room.

"My family thanks you for letting us take over this place and turn it into the exclusive club Velykie can be proud of!" Darren declared.

Kelan Benedict stood and saluted the room with his wine glass and took a swig. “Brothers and lovely guests,” he began, eyeing the ladies around the room dressed in tight-fitting evening gowns. “Tonight, I thank you for this gracious meal. Hopefully, the future will bring mutual benefit as the Benedict family begins its absorption of Velyki and then Targu!”

There was a round of cheers and Kelan slumped back into his seat, wrapping his arm around Clarise, a tall attractive blonde dressed in a red dress that did wonders for her figure.

“Brother Kelan,” came a grading voice beside him as someone sat down on the couch.

Kelan took h