The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the massive living room of the Peninsula penthouse, as Rick inspected the custom-tailored suit he had bought for the upcoming Vance family banquet.
He was just about to step into the glass shower to prepare for the high-society event, but his titanium phone vibrated on the marble counter, cutting through the quiet atmosphere of the room.
Rick picked up the phone, as his cold eyes softened for a fraction of a second, because the caller ID displayed the name of his father, Thomas Smith.
Thomas was a dedicated, hardworking man who had broken his back working grueling blue-collar jobs for decades just to provide Rick with a decent life, meaning Rick held unwavering respect for the man, separating his father from the violence he inflicted on the rest of the arrogant world.
"Hey, Dad," Rick answered, leaning his broad shoulders against the marble counter.
