Yellowstone: Wind in the Smoke

Thirty minutes ago.

"I want everyone in formation. It's known that there are many assassins concentrated in our location, so it's very likely they'll come for us tonight," said Dante, looking at the men seated beside him.

The people under Dante's command were a special unit of highly trained soldiers prepared by William to ensure his protection.

What he had discovered so far was that all of them had number-based names and that their leader was called Steven. Beyond that, he only knew they were experts in assassination and followed his orders.

Steven, the only one who had spoken directly with Dante, said: "Sir, I recommend a team of fifteen people wait behind the hotel to be ready in case you need to make a quick exit. The only way to leave this hotel quickly without too many obstacles is to establish an escape route through the back."

"Then let's do that."

When the convoy of cars stopped in front of the hotel, Dante stepped out. This time, only fifteen people got out with him, but they avoided drawing attention, with each person entering the building slowly and through different directions, though always staying close to Dante.

As Dante entered, he could feel the heightened tension in the air. Everyone was more sensitive, and it was something he could sense as easily as breathing.

Dante walked into the reception area and headed straight to the reservation desk, surprised that Susie wasn't there.

When the woman in charge looked at him, Dante said, "I want to speak with someone in charge."

"The concierge is busy right now, but I can assist you instead."

Dante felt a slight rejection but, realizing it would take more effort to meet with Susie, said: "Tell them that Susie's special guest is here."

Everyone at the reception desk exchanged glances, but one of the workers quickly recognized Dante. Knowing who he was, she rushed to inform Susie, who was currently with her brother.

"One question: do you have a place where my friends can change?" Dante asked one of the men nearby, glancing at some of the people behind him.

"Over here…"

When the people behind Dante heard this, they followed the worker's directions.

Meanwhile, Dante noticed several individuals entering the reception area discreetly. Their badges revealed they were part of a special unit that had arrived at the hotel.

Obviously, Dante's attire had drawn attention, even more so when Susie hurried back.

"What took you so long?"

Dante gave a slight smile and said, "I've prepared something special for tonight. I suppose you'll see it later."

"I can't figure out what you're planning, but judging by your recent actions, I should assume you've identified the people who ordered the attack on us. Do you need help?" Susie smiled faintly but became pensive after hearing Dante's words.

"I can sense that an assassin group's personnel are on the hotel grounds right now, so it's certain they're after one of us."

Dante noticed Susie's sharp gaze as she explained, choosing his words carefully in response.

It was obvious she sensed something too, perhaps because she knew Eddie might betray her for failing to offer him and his family a way out of the deal with the Glass family.

But these matters were theirs to handle—he wasn't the right person to interfere in someone else's business.

"Aren't you being a little paranoid? There are plenty of criminal groups here to watch my brother fight, so it's normal to see so many armed people," Susie reassured Dante and dragged him into the hotel's combat area.

Meanwhile, Dante wondered if he was indeed overreacting.

…

When Susie left to talk with Henry, Dante kept his eyes fixed on the fight. He wasn't worried about Susie's safety—she could take care of herself.

The fight was clearly rigged to end with Jack's defeat. It was obvious that Stanley Johnston's lapdog had shown his claws.

"The fight is being manipulated. Everyone, be ready," Dante instructed Cocodrilo while walking toward Jack's corner. The look on Jack's face revealed his horror as he watched the fight.

"Sir…" One of Jack's trainers recognized Dante because Susie, Jack's sister, had been personally attending to him—a rare sight for her with any man.

Dante looked at Jack, who was taking a beating, and said: "Throw in the towel."

"Impossible…"

"It's an order." Dante's gaze turned icy as he spoke.

"I'm sorry, but I don't take orders from you."

Dante then pulled out a gun and aimed it at Jack's trainer's head. "How about now?" he asked.

"Fine…" The man took the white towel from his shoulder and threw it into Jack's corner, signaling surrender.

But even after the towel was thrown, the referee didn't stop the fight, enraging the trainer. "We've surrendered—what are you waiting for?"

"It won't work…"

Dante's watch vibrated, and when he saw the red light flash, his gaze shifted toward Susie's location. Without a second thought, he shot the referee.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Ahhh!"

The crowd, unprepared for such an event, scattered in panic. Fighters who realized the match was over stepped aside.

"Sir, what are your orders?"

Dante looked at Jack and said: "Get Jack off the stage. Find Susie and bring her to me."

"Sir, Henry…"

"I know."

Bang! Bang!

The moment Dante saw Henry appear at the window, he fired without hesitation.