context: my longest running au for nfh, pretty much umbra and victor are con-men in the crime ridden city of alcorith

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Umbra figured this was the end.

He had received a phone call earlier that day, informing him he was needed at the manor of Coatl, the leader of the infamous Serpentine Syndicate.

Coatl effectively ruled the west end of Alcorith under an iron fist, his goons seemingly capable of being anywhere at anytime. Umbra cursed his name almost everyday, as he was unable to conduct any business within his territory, depriving him of rich and stupid customers.

Umbra stared at the restricted number on his call logs. This was the same message some poor sap got before Coatl sent him a custom pair of concrete shoes.

What had he done? The possibilities spun in his mind. What hadn't he done, perhaps, would have been a better question.

He was neck deep in illegal activity, but he made sure he never crossed paths with Coatl. He loved taking risks, but he wasn't suicidal.

Umbra's heart thudded pitifully in his chest. He had sent Victor to Salvador's house for the day, as he didn't want Victor to witness Coatl gut him like the miserable fish he was.

"You Umbra Mortis?" a voice asked. Umbra's soul leapt out of his body, but he kept a cool smile.

"The one and only," he murmured, folding his arms, "Will you be escorting me?" To my death, he finished.

"Follow me," the man nodded.

And follow he did. The street radiated the same pretentious aura that a community with its own gold-plated gate did, the thick, judgemental energy settling uncomfortably on his shoulders, fully aware that Umbra didn't make enough money to even look at the place.

At the very end of the street, Coatl's mansion sat on a hilltop, glowering down at him. He paused over the threshold with a tremor, keeping his eyes peeled to the floor.

It wasn't really what he expected. Coatl's house was surprisingly cheery, with expensive but nonetheless floral curtains hanging from tall windows and colorful rugs in every room.

The man took him by the shoulder, easing him into a chair at the dining room table. At least the scenery in Hell was pleasant.

"Ah, good afternoon, Mr.  Mortis!"

At the foot of the stairs was Coatl himself. He was tall, much taller than Umbra had realized he was. His complexion was dark, eyes narrow and his nose hooked. Thick eyebrows and sharp cheekbones made his face intimidating.

He was, however, wearing cargo shorts, a red polo, and sandals.

Umbra reclined in the chair, retaining his smug smile. He had absolutely no idea what to think. "Good afternoon indeed, Mr. Coatl."

Coatl settled into the chair on the other end of the table with the grace of a large dog flopping onto the floor. He steepled his fingers, watching Umbra with an affable grin.

"I bet you're wondering why I called you out here."

"I suppose."

"Do you recall what you did yesterday? Because I received a very interesting bit of news concerning you."

This was a very dangerous question. Umbra opted to dodge it. "Can you be a little more specific?"

"I believe you intervened when a young man was being held at gun point? That was very courageous."

"I couldn't just stand by when someone was getting mugged. I appreciated the praise." He was a little surprised that a mob boss had invited him over to tell him about morals.

Coatl touched his cheek, grinning wider as he turned his head. "Tails, come in here, please."

Umbra's eyes bugged. A teenage boy winked at him, his expression absolutely smitten.

"That was- that was your-"

"Yes," Coatl confirmed, "You saved my son yesterday. You see, he's a big target for kidnappers wanting leverage on me. If you hadn't of stepped in, this could have been serious."

Umbra was at a loss for words when Coatl took him by the hand, shaking it heartily. "I can't thank you enough, Mr. Mortis. My son's safety means the world to me."

Umbra remembered to smile. He guessed he probably wasn't going to die. "It was no problem. I'm happy I could help."
"From this day on, the Serpentine Syndicate considers you a friend. If you ever find yourself in trouble, do not hesitate to call me. I'll send my men to settle the issue. You're also free to do your 'work' in my area, as long as you don't cause any trouble." 

Coatl squeezed his shoulder, a firm but friendly grip. "I'd like to get to know you more. Will you stay for dinner?"

"Actually, I gotta get-"

"Your son, Victor? Don't worry, I've sent a car to the arms dealer's house."

Umbra's blood turned cold. He didn't dare question how Coatl got that information.

"Anyway," Coatl said, pressing his hands together, "How do you prefer your steak?"