Chapter 8. Pay Attention

“All you need to do today is pay attention,” the Man in Black told Carlos as they settled in the back of a simple but obviously expensive black car.

Carlos nodded, though he was very nervous. His mind raced through the possible meanings behind the Man in Black’s words. Was this a test? Was he supposed to show some sort of brilliance at this meeting as the Man in Black’s supposed heir, or was it really just a lesson like the older man said? Was this meeting going to determine if he truly deserved what was being offered? He didn’t feel like he deserved any of it, but if there was anything he could do to give back to the Man in Black, he was going to do it.

Next to him, the Man in Black smiled and patted Carlos’ hand, which was squeezing the fabric of his pants over his knees. “You’re going to have to relax,” the Man in Black chuckled. “Just pay attention; that’s all I need from you today.”

Carlos nodded.

They arrived at their destination a few minutes later. It