"You sure could have" Alex said, doing his best to keep his voice from shaking uncontrollably..

The boss moved close. "But we did not" he said from only a foot away. His pale gaze locked on Alex's face.

"I became what I am today because I was determined not to fail. I don't fail... I never fail" the boss said.

Alex nodded as fear swelled inside him.

"I let you head this operation because of your reputation" the boss said, his voice low. "You remember that you owe me too. And I wanted to give ...