The Apex Predator by Michael Koryta: Dainius Belov was at the top of the Cleveland crime empire and Thor, his trusted enforcer, had protected him and taken care of problematic situations for 22 years. They worked well together and prospered in their relationship. It was not a friendship, but it was a beneficial relationship. Thor was an efficient, careful, reliable and loyal professional killer, which was exactly what Belov needed. Unfortunately, Belov’s association with another predator changed their relationship forever. I enjoyed this excellent short story very much. ( )