Yellowstone: Wind in the Smoke

After a week of rest, the day of Jack's fight against the Ripper had finally arrived.

For this special occasion, Dante's security was extensive. The fight was set to take place in a private venue within a hotel, and the seat Dante occupied was one of the most coveted for viewing the bouts—though it was also the most exposed.

At that moment, Dante's informants had reported that Eddie was meeting with Stanley Johnston, a man who had previously shown interest in purchasing all the duke's properties—the same duke involved in Susie Glass's dealings.

Dante understood Eddie's desire to exit the business his father had drawn him into. However, as everyone in their world knew, the only clean way out of such a business was death.

But for now, there were more pressing matters to focus on—the Glass family. By Dante's own estimate, they were likely to be targeted soon.

Perhaps even tonight—who could say for certain?

If Stanley Johnston succeeded in purchasing Eddie's properties, the next logical step might involve completely eliminating the Glass family.

In that case, Dante needed to be prepared.

"Susie, may I give you a gift?" Dante asked with a calm demeanor, pulling a small wooden box from his pocket.

Surprised by Dante's gesture, Susie replied, "Of course, but this doesn't seem like the best time for courting me."

"It's never the right time for that, and if you weren't drinking, I wouldn't even try," Dante said with a knowing smile. He had discovered that Susie opened up more when she drank. She seemed to expand into someone unburdened by fears.

Of course, this wasn't to say that courting her was easier when she drank—it wasn't. Susie was reserved with her emotions, but alcohol helped her loosen those tight reins.

"So, is that for me?" Susie asked, feeling a sense of warmth at Dante's presence. She had told herself that if Dante didn't come to London, she would abandon her feelings for him and focus solely on family.

But against all odds, Dante had shown up. He was here, about to witness her beloved brother's fight.

That changed everything. Now, Susie was reconsidering love as her first option—a thought she found herself entertaining more and more.

"It's a special watch. If you press the button on its side twice, I'll know you need my help, and I'll come to you immediately," Dante explained. He knew Susie trusted people too easily, expecting them to share her values.

But the world wasn't filled with gentlemen who valued rules over gold.

Dante came from a much harsher world than London's underworld. His experiences had taught him to prioritize differently—shaped by cruelty and darkness rather than sweetness and light.

While he was here, he would ensure Susie had the best protection he could offer with his current resources.

"Does it really work?" Susie asked, fiddling with the watch before removing her diamond bracelet to replace it with the simple yet feminine timepiece.

This was the first gift she had received from a man, and she accepted it with sincerity. That gesture spoke volumes about her feelings for Dante, and no further words were needed.

At that moment, Jack made his entrance. Both Susie and Dante turned their attention to him, watching as he stepped confidently into the ring.

Everything about the fight seemed straightforward—perhaps too straightforward. Dante found it peculiar but kept his thoughts to himself.

"Let's welcome the Ripper!"

The announcement marked the introduction of Jack's opponent, a man who appeared to be twice Jack's size—a fact that seemed unusual given the weight class divisions.

"He's too big for Jack; his weight is excessive," Dante remarked, unable to hold back his thoughts as he observed the giant entering the ring.

"Yes, he's massive," Susie agreed, sharing Dante's unease.

"Far too much. Did they check the rules?"

"Everything should be in order, but I'll double-check," Susie said.

Dante watched as Susie approached Jack and asked a nearby man, "Any updates?"

"None, boss."

...

"Jack, how much do you know about your opponent?" Susie leaned close to the ring, her concern evident as she questioned her brother.

Jack approached the ropes and confidently replied, "I've studied his fights and reviewed his record. Appearances can be deceiving. I'll take him down—just trust me."

Susie remained silent, unsure if her brother's confidence was enough for this fight.

As she was about to return to her seat, a man intercepted her, saying, "Collins wants to speak with you. He says it's important."

"I'll be right back," Susie said, glancing at Dante, who casually raised his wine glass, displaying a watch on his wrist.

Susie understood the unspoken message and nodded, reassured. She didn't expect anything bad to happen.

...

In a private room overlooking the fight, a suited man on the phone said, "Everything is in position."

"Once you give the green light, we'll put the plan into action."

"Excellent."

This man was none other than Henry Collins, the fight organizer and the person Eddie had approached to launder the money Susie entrusted to him for exiting the business.

But Collins was far darker than anyone suspected, and they were all about to find out just how dangerous he could be.