He patted them both down, searched their packs, and when he was satisfied, he picked up his phone.

“Good evening, sir. Mr. Bruno and Mr. Nii Kwei here. Yes, sir.”

Bruno, nervous as the officer opened the door, quickly and surreptitiously checked his watch that the tiny LED video recorder indicator was on. The door shut behind Bruno and Nii and they took in the view. It was a vast room with a bar, dining area, and sitting room. The floor and the furniture gleamed. Bruno had never seen anything quite like it. The surroundings were impressive and overwhelming.

A baby-faced man in a dark suit appeared. “Good evening.” He gestured to the sofa in the sitting room. “Please have a seat. My boss will be with you shortly to speak to you.”

Bruno and Nii sat down meekly, almost not daring to move. A movement from the corner of the room caught their attention. A man, tall, well-built and bulky around his midsection, appeared. He wore glasses and a royal blue silk caftan with cream-colored pants. This was Godfather? Bruno didn’t recognize him. He and Nii stood up.

He sat opposite them without a word, and then raised his hand at the man in the suit, signaling he could leave. When the front door closed softly, Godfather looked at the two young men.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”

“Good evening, sir,” they chorused. Bruno, sweating a little bit and still edgy, unobtrusively rested his left forearm on his lap with the watch aimed in Godfather’s direction.

“How are you, Nii?” Godfather said. “I see you have brought your protégé with you.”

“Yes please. This is Bruno.”

“High praise about you from Mr. Ponsu,” Godfather said to the protégé. “You are very dedicated and have shown a lot of courage in your rituals.”

“Thank you, sir,” Bruno said.

“But you know this is not the end, this is the beginning. Now that you are wrapped in spiritual power, you must use it to gain riches with the aid of Priest Ponsu and your mentor Nii. Do you understand?”

“Yes please.”

“You must follow the example of Nii Kwei, who makes a lot of money every day, every month, every year. Through Kweku Ponsu, I will monitor how well you are doing. Listen to Mr. Ponsu, do all his rituals as he tells you, and you will be showered with blessings and live well.

“I’m expecting great things from you. The consequences of failure are great. You can ask Nii about that.”

“Yes please.”

“One final thing,” Godfather said, “I think you already know that you don’t talk about anything that happens here to anyone outside. You do not speak about me; you do not mention me or describe me. If you do that, you will be sorry. My people are everywhere. You get it?”

Bruno’s heart was pounding. He felt a little sick. “Yes please.”