Chapter 4

Benjamin's face was definitely a study in confusion. He looked from the older man to the others, then back again. He lifted his hand to shake the man out of politeness.

He didn't waste time in asking however,

“Who are you and what do you want with me?”

The older man cleared his throat, ridding his face of any kind of expression and doing his best to keep a level of professionalism in his extremely respectful manner.

“I am Herbert McKlin, master Knox. If you wouldn't mind coming with us, you will be made fully aware of what this is all about.”

He gestured to the car he'd just alighted from, urging Benjamin to enter.

Benjamin looked at the car, then back at Herbert.

“You really think I'm going to get into a car with some strangers? Just like that?”

He wanted to say that he was sure they had the wrong person and they should just leave him alone to deal with his issues. But they knew his name. And there weren't very many Knoxes around this region.

Then a thought dawned on him.

Andrew.

The asshole could have sent these men to ‘make him disappear’. But it looked a bit overkill, even for Andrew. And the cars these men brought were almost thrice as expensive as Andrew's. Even if he didn't know the extent of Andrew's family's wealth and they actually could afford these, he didn't think they would expend this much on a pauper like him.

“Mr Knox, I assure you, we have no intention of harming you in any way. We would just like to have a civil conversation with you.”

Benjamin scoffed, taking a step backward.

“Aren't we civil enough right now? We can have the conversation right here.”

Herbert was becoming a bit unsettled, he didn't like where this was headed.

“Sir, it is paramount that you follow us, I must appeal to your better judgement on this please.”

Benjamin wasn't convinced. He was the only one who could care for his grandmother. If anything happened to him without anyone who could take care of her, he would hate himself.

He frowned.

“I'm sorry but I can't. If you cannot say whatever you want here then you'll have to forget about it.” He gave a polite nod and then turned to walk away.

Herbert nodded at the men and they instantly sprang into action, surrounding Benjamin.

“What the hell!” Benjamin yelled, pushing them out of his path but failing at it miserably because these men felt like they were chiseled out of rock.

“Please come with us young master.” the one who looked like the leader, stated calmly, firmly urging Benjamin in the direction of the third vehicle.

“I said no!” Benjamin flung a punch at the guy, sending him stumbling a few steps.

The other guys immediately closed the gap, holding on firmly to Benjamin. But Benjamin didn't give up, he kicked at as many as he could but it was like they just kept coming.

He realised that they weren't retaliating to his violent attempts but merely trying to contain him.

He tried headbutting one of them to provoke them and ruin their formation but the guy dodged and the rest used that opportunity to bundle him into the car.

“Help! Somebody help!” Benjamin screamed, but it was futile, there was nobody around, and Herbert had him right where he wanted already.

He kept trying to struggle but they overpowered him and next thing he knew, his hands were being tied together.

“What the hell! What is the meaning of this! Is this being civil?” Benjamin kept yelling.

Herbert slid in next to him, his expression apologetic.

“I apologise, master Knox for the somewhat inhuman treatment but really I have no choice. I hope you forgive me when you realise why I had to do this.”

“Damn you!” Benjamin spat, his entire body vibrating from restrained anger as the vehicle sped out of there.

They drove for a while. Giving Benjamin time for his anger to dissipate. He was still pissed but his thoughts had begun to be reoriented. What could they possibly want with him? They'd basically abducted him. But he couldn't think of anyone he could possibly have offended to warrant this.

They soon reached what looked like a remote estate. As they drove through the gate into the area, Benjamin could feel himself begin to be taken away by the aura of the place. They had long left the city and were on the outskirts of town and the vegetation had been beautiful but inside the estate it was even more so.

Every inch of this estate screamed luxury. The trees seemed to have been crafted by the hands of humans, yet, the fruit some of these trees bear was proof that nature had been allowed to take its course as well.

As they arrived at the house— a mansion that challenged the white house in every ramification, Benjamin's jaw dropped.

His eyes widened and every shred of anger was replaced by awe.

The area was like a presidential villa. There were armed guards and bodyguards everywhere, looking like something out of a James Bond movie. Benjamin couldn't believe his eyes.

What could a person who dwelled in this sort of place possibly want with him?

Herbert got out of the car and gestured for Benjamin to do same.

“Welcome home, Master Knox.” Herbert bowed as he made this greeting.

Benjamin could care less though, as he was still looking around at the magnificence and pure opulence of this place!

He was soon led inside and it was as though the outside paled to what was contained inside. His mouth became permanently agape as he stared around at the grandiosity that was the complex architecture of this mansion. The place was basically like a modern palace. He could almost swear that he was in the home of some sort of royalty.

He was directed by Herbert into a large hall where he found an old man sitting at the end of the exquisitely designed room.

This old man immediately sprang up, his eyes lighting up as soon as he saw Benjamin.

“Oh my God! My grandson is finally home!”