LECTER JAMES: Rise of the Braveheart

Chapter four

High-ranking billionaires and CEOs in the city trooped into Reginald's event center. There were several fleets of cars parked outside of the hotel.

By the door was an attendant who allowed the guests to go inside with a huge smile on his face.

Lecter stepped down from his car, wearing a plain black suit. Other than meeting with Reginald, It was also a good opportunity for Lecter to familiarize himself with this billionaire world that is not easily accessible to anyone in the city. 

"Get back, mister! I need your identification," the attendant at the door said to Lecter while he attempted to walk inside. Other people stared at them. 

"You did not ask anyone else for a means of identification," Lecter said to the attendant who crossed his arms in defiance.

"That's because I did not find them suspicious. I know people like you. There is no way you are one of them. You are too young to have that kind of wealth," the attendant argued. Lecter just chuckled but the attendant did not bulge.

"Either you give me a means of identification or I will ask the bouncers to kick you out!" The attendant stated.

More people observed the drama. Lecter showed the attendant the ring given to him by his father and the people there gasped and murmured about Lecter.

"I heard Kent James has an heir now. Is that him?" A lady asked another while they pointed at Lecter. The attendant, however, remained defiant.

"You could have stolen this from the actual owner. There's no way Kent James' heir would let you have his ring! You are a thief, aren't you?" The attendant accused and the words provoked Lecter.

"I think I have tolerated your insolence enough. You have two options now. Step aside, or I will get you fired!" Lecter threatened. The attendant scoffed.

"What? Who are you to threaten me? I uncovered your ploy and instead of you running, you still insult me?" The attendant argued. But just then, Reginald stepped outside for some air and saw Lecter standing there with the attendant.

Reginald rushed to the scene.

"What the hell are you doing? Are you preventing him from joining my party?" Reginald yelled at the attendant who froze.

"But sir-"

"He is the heir to Kent James' empire. This man is the most important guest at this party tonight. How dare you keep him waiting with your insolence? You're fired!" Reginald barked at the attendant who was too stunned to say anything. 

"Please, follow me. I'm very sorry for that, Lecter. I hope he didn't give you too much trouble," Reginald apologized but Lecter was silent.

"So, you're the famous Lecter James. Your presence caused a buzz this past week. You are as sophisticated as I expected," Reginald said to Lecter.

"Yet, you have decided to make things complicated," Lecter shot at him. Reginald chuckled. He was intrigued by Lecter's boldness.

"If you can convince me that you are worth it, you'll have my loyalty for life. I have worked with your father, Lecter. He's not much of a leader, to be honest. You won't blame me for hoping that you'll be the better man," Reginald said to him.

However, Lecter didn't reply. "We'll converse later. Enjoy the party," Reginald added and zoomed off.

Lecter took a glass of wine and slowly drank it.

"That was quite a scene back there," A beautiful and courteous young lady said to Lecter while he stood. He smiled at her as she approached.

"My name is Anna. My father sent me here to represent him. I don't feel so comfortable in parties though," she said while she looked around. 

"Why isn't he here by himself?" Lecter asked. Anna sighed. She was hesitant to speak. "It's okay. You can tell me," Lecter reassured.

"Our business is collapsing. The last two investments we made were a terrible failure. At this rate, we won't have a company in two months. My father was too ashamed to face his friends with this burden, and he could not refuse Reginald's invitation as well. So, here I am," she said to Lecter.

"I know a thing or two about bad investments. Plus, you are a very kind lady. Here, take my card. I would want us to discuss the possibility of getting a contract with my company over lunch sometime," Lecter said and handed his card to her. 

"Is this still business, or are you asking me out?" She asked, puzzled and intrigued.

"Maybe both," Lecter smirked. Anna kept the card in her purse.

"You are a unique man, Lecter James. I've never seen anyone like you," she said to him but just as he was about to reply, Lecter saw a man taking careful strides towards Reginald.

He watched closely, and observed that the man was holding a gun! Lecter quickly dashed toward Reginald.

The man then aimed and took the shot, but Lecter was quicker. He pushed Reginald out of the way and the bullet shattered the bottles of wine in the bar instead.

People screamed and began to run in different directions, however, someone had captured that exact moment in which Lecter saved Reginald on camera.

"Are you alright?" Lecter asked Reginald who nodded, too stunned to speak. Then, Lecter looked around and saw the assassin leaving. 

He followed the assassin outside and just as he was about to get into a car, Lecter grabbed him and kicked the gun off his hand.

Another punch from Lecter made the assassin stagger back, and just then, Alaric and some other bodyguards of Reginald's surrounded them. Reginald approached the pair. He gazed at Lecter with respect.

"You saved my life, Lecter. I am forever in your debt. You have my full support from here on," Reginald said to Lecter who gave him a nod and then turned his focus to the assassin.

"Who sent you?" Lecter asked the assassin. He began to laugh while he gazed at Reginald.

"An old friend of yours, Mr Reginald. One you betrayed twenty years ago to join forces with Kent James..." The assassin then glanced at Lecter before he added, "his father,"

Reginald shuddered.

"Morris Thorn is back from jail?" Reginald asked the assassin who laughed again. Lecter listened carefully. His father had already warned him about Morris' return so it was no longer news to him.

Just then, the assassin swallowed a cyanide capsule and died on the spot. A shaken Reginald glanced at Lecter with horror on his face.

"I helped your father send Morris to jail because his corruption knew no bounds. But he's back now to destroy everything..." Reginald dashed to Lecter and grabbed his hand. "Please, save us from him. No one will be safe if Morris returns!" Reginald begged.

"Don't worry, Mr Reginald. I will handle Morris Thorn myself!" Lecter reassured him. From that moment, Lecter began to build a plan against Morris's future advances.