So, she decided to go for the jugular. Victor was happy about that. He always preferred the straightforward approach.

“You are talking about the lair, the meeting, or what happened afterwards?”

“What do you think?” Jennifer asked. “Why did you … I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it but why did you do what you did to that guy?

Victor knew exactly what Jennifer meant of course and was kind of surprised how calm she was about it. He was both sad, and proud. He placed a device on the table and turned it on.

“Something I got from Candice.” Victor explained. “It’s called a white noise filter. It’s supposed to mess with recording devices, makes them pick up nothing but static. If you keep your voice down, you can say what you want here.”

“What about heroes with super hearing?”

“Inadmissible in court if it’s not recorded. We can thank Agent Shadow for that.”

Agent Shadow was a former hero who had the ability to bend in with shadows. His power made it possible for him to hide in places you wouldn’t suspect and overhear things people would rather keep private. He used his powers to take down several villains and criminal organizations before he got sloppy. Or greedy, depending on who you believed. He told the police that a company had links to a local villainous organization. The company was placed under investigation and had to be wound-up as clients fled. When the organization was finally taken down, it was found that the company had nothing to do with the local villains. Laws were changed because of the resulting scandal.

“First off, call it what it is.” Victor said. “I killed a man. Say it.”

Jennifer was shocked by the demand but rallied. She gave her father a reluctant nod and said, “You killed a man. Why?”

“It need to be done.” Victor answered as he got back to the food. “The man need to be gone and I need to send a message.”

“What message?”

“That there’s a new boss in town. One that you do not cross. One who has rules you are expected to follow, or else.”

“Or else they will end up like Jeffery Kramer?” Jennifer asked.

“Yes. Even evil has standards.” Victor admitted immediately, and asked, “Is that a problem?”

The question seen to stump his daughter for a moment. She sat back, considering the question. Victor was happy to see a conflicted look appearing on her face. He finished the remainder of his breakfast and let his daughter finished her thoughts.

“Finished thinking? You still in?” Victor asked. Jennifer looked at him as if he had grown a second head.

“I was in the room when Kramer died. According to you, I’m an accessory to murder.”

“Everyone in that room was an accessory to murder. Were you there?”

“Everyone knows I was.”

“No, that’s incorrect.” Victor said. “You were masked, didn’t speak a word at the meeting, and have a clean record. Everyone ‘suspect’ that was you, but they will have a hard time proving it. A good lawyer has more than enough to create reasonable doubt.”

“That’s what this is about? You are trying to scare me off?”

“Of course not. I’m not that much of a hypocrite.” Victor said. “I just want you to know what you are getting into, and to know that you can get off the train before it leaves the station. Because, once you are in, you are in! You don’t leave The Game. Not really. Everyone has an enemy or two out there.”

“I am not that much of an idiot.” Jennifer replied. “I know I must be prepared and willing to steal or kill if I enter The Game as a villain. Even if I will just be villain support. There’s no need for you to do that show-and-tell yesterday just for me.”

“It wasn’t for you. It was for everyone. Most of those guys yesterday were like you. You heard the stories, watched the movies but never seen the real thing. You know what you need to do up here,” Victor pointed to his head, before pointing to his heart. “But not in here.”

“So, you decided to kill someone to prove a point?”

“I am a villain.” Victor said coolly. “That is who I am. That is what I do. More importantly, that is what you are if you decide to join me. Get off the train if you are not comfortable with it.”

“You still want me to join?”

“I rather wish you will not.” Victor admitted. “However, if you are going to join The Game, it is better that you come with me. I can protect you. Maybe even teach you a few things of the trade.”

His daughter looked at Victor and he could see her mind working. He nodded his approval. This was not a decision she should be making in a rush.

“Take the day. Talk to Jason. Tell him what happened. You two are married so the police can’t force either of you to testify. If you and your husband still want to join me, the door is open.” Victor stood up. “The food is better. Did you change the cook?”

“Told Andy he needs to do better, or he’s fired.” Jennifer said. “People take your words more seriously when your father is the local crime-lord.”

Victor had to smile at that. He walked out of the diner with a spring in his step. He did what he could. Whatever decision his daughter makes, he would accept it. Now, he has a city to conquer.