Chapter 14Ivan has known his boss for a long time, but ever since returning to Hilburg, he had seen that his boss wasn't the wealthy, cool, stoic killing machine he knew.He had layers, and a scene like this was one of the few times these layers were peeled back.Officers lined the exits, their weapons drawn and faces grim.Standing at the forefront was a man Lloyd hadn’t seen in years, Morty Flanagan, his childhood friend, now a high-ranking officer.Lloyd’s heart sank as he studied Morty, who hadn’t yet recognized him thanks to the mask. But this wasn’t the boy he’d once played baseball with in Hilburg park. Morty was colder now, his eyes cruel and calculating... still, Lloyd couldn’t let the situation turn into a bloodbath.“Listen,” Lloyd said, his voice steady but firm “We don’t want trouble, et us walk out of here, and nobody has to get hurt”Morty chuckled, shaking his head, not believing what he just heard “Really?” He gestured to the officers flanking him, all with their
Chapter 15The smell of fresh pancakes and brewed coffee spread through the room, nudging Lloyd awake.His eyes open to see Lisa standing at the edge of his bed, a tray balanced delicately in her hands.The sight caught him slightly off guard... it was usually him in this position, as Lisa had always felt nervous coming into his room.“Good morning” Lisa said softly, placing the tray on the small table by his bed.She looked radiant despite the early hour, her smile warm but faintly nervous “I thought I’d surprise you”Lloyd sat up, adjusting the pillow behind his back “You didn’t have to do this” he replied, his tone carrying a mix of gratitude and confusion.Lisa shrugged, taking a seat on the chair beside him. “I wanted to... After last night, I thought we both deserved a calm start to thee day”He picked up the cup of coffee, taking a small sip “Thank you” he said sincerely. “And... about last night, Your parents...”“Don’t” Lisa interrupted, shaking her head “You don’t have to ex
The Francis family living room wasn’t as grand as most would expect for a family aspiring to mingle with Hilburg’s elite. The Francis family clung desperately to their aspirations of grandeur, despite their middle-class reality.The modest furnishings and faded wallpaper hinted at a past of financial strain, a contrast to the airs Harold, Eleanor, and John Francis often put on. Yet, despite their middle-class roots, the tension in the room was palpable, especially as Lloyd sat on the worn leather couch, surrounded by Lisa’s family.Despite the fact that no one had spoken so far, the Francis living room fell even more silent as the sound of heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed from the hallway. All eyes turned toward the doorway as John Francis entered the room, his imposing frame silhouetted against the dim light. Despite his advanced age, there was nothing frail about him. His sharp eyes swept over the assembled group with practiced authority, and the heavy wooden cane he carried
Eric West sat in the opulent study of his massive mansion, a glass of expensive whiskey resting in his hand. The room was a sanctuary of success, filled with dark oak shelves brimming with leather-bound books, a roaring fireplace casting a warm glow, and a sprawling desk that symbolized his empire over Western Steel... the largest steel company in Tekka.The whiskey burned pleasantly in his throat as he leaned back in his chair, savoring the rare moment of solitude. His world was built on control, precision, and calculated moves, few things rattled Eric West.And then his phone rang.The sharp sound shattered the peace and tranquility of the room. Eric frowned, setting down his glass and glancing at the sleek, high-tech device on his desk. Only a handful of people had this number.Deep down he wished he had turned off the damn device, but didn't since no one ever called him on it.He picked up the phone, and the screen displayed a single name.*The Dragon Duke*The blood drained fro
The morning sun cast long shadows across the streets of Hilburg as Lloyd and Lisa packed the last of their belongings into a single travel bag.The weight of the Francis family’s ultimatum loomed over them, but Lloyd’s calm demeanor gave Lisa a semblance of reassurance.“Are you sure about this?” Lisa asked, watching as Lloyd secured the bag to the back of the motorcycle. Her arms were crossed, and her brow dark with concern. “You know I hate bikes”Lloyd turned to her, his expression softening. “I actually didn't know that” he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.“But it’s the cheapest way to Montis... and I already got the bike, so trust me, you’ll be fine”Lisa hesitated, glancing warily at the sleek black motorcycle. The gleaming chrome and powerful engine didn’t inspire confidence in her, but the look in Lloyd’s eyes did.She sighed and nodded. “Alright, but if you do anything reckless...”“I won’t” Lloyd interrupted with a small smile. “Promise”Moments late
The room fell silent, the weight of his presence stifling.“I asked a question” Eric said, his tone sharp and impatient. “What is the meaning of this commotion?”"Who said you could start a fight in my office"Eric West’s piercing eyes swept over the office, his expression a volatile mix of anger and suspicion as the room remained silent.The CEO of Western Steel stood tall, his presence dominating the room as he surveyed the scene.The sight of his COO, Woodrow Taft, the disheveled guards, and the strangers standing in his office was enough to set his jaw tightly.“What.. I ask again” Eric said, his voice sharp and cold “is going on here?”Woodrow was quick to step forward, smoothing his suit as he gestured toward Lisa, Lloyd, and Grace. “These... individuals are trespassers, Eric” he said, his tone oozing disdain “They were just about to be removed.”Eric’s eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to the strangers in question. Before he could speak, the door burst open, and more security
The sharp crack of the gunshot echoed through the air, freezing everyone in place. Lisa’s scream pierced the silence as Grace crumpled to the ground, clutching her side.Blood seeped through her fingers, staining the pristine pavement of Western Steel’s entrance. “Grace!” Lisa cried, dropping to her knees beside her friend. Her hands trembled as she tried to stop the bleeding. “Oh my God! No, no, no!” Woodrow’s hand shook violently as he pointed the gun toward Lloyd, his face full of rage and desperation “You ruined me!” Lloyd moved swiftly, evading the next shot as Woodrow fired again. The bullet whizzed past his ear, but Lloyd was already closing the distance.He ducked low, grabbing Woodrow’s wrist and twisting it with precision. *CRACK!* Woodrow let out a scream of agony as the gun fell from his grasp, following his broken arm. Lloyd followed with a quick strike to the back of Woodrow’s knees, sending him crashing to the ground. “You’ve done enough,” Lloyd said coldly, hi
Lloyd and Lisa stepped into the Francis family home, the hum of conversation and faint clinking of glasses drawing them toward the living room.The luxurious cars outside had hinted at something unusual, even more so the tons of security guards that stood with those cars, but the sight that greeted them only deepened their confusion.Standing in the center of the room was Edgar Numa, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. His expression radiated smugness as he gestured animatedly, speaking to Lisa’s grandfather, John, and her parents, Harold and Eleanor.Around him were several other men, likely more his guards, stationed near the door.The table in the corner was laden with extravagant gifts... fine wines, golden trinkets, and even a sealed envelope that Lloyd assumed contained the promised contract.Lisa frowned, stepping forward. “What’s going on here?”The room fell silent as Edgar turned to face her, his smirk widening. “wow... I know we haven't met, but I just know you're Lisa”
Lloyd’s eyes narrowed, but his expression remained composed “We can still settle this, Don, you’re a businessman... let’s not turn this into bloodshed”Carlo smirked, a cruel glint in his eyes. “Your words mean nothing, ragazzo, You walk in here with arrogance, you insult me with petty bribes, and now you bargain for your life?” The barrel of a dozen guns remained locked on Lloyd and Ivan, their bodies caught in the suffocating weight of the moment.The guards stood tense, waiting for Don Carlo’s next order. His cold, disdainful gaze lingered on Lloyd as though the man before him were nothing more than a pest to be swatted.“You’ve overstayed your welcome” Don Carlo said calmly, his voice a quiet death knell “Take them to the spot, and finish there, Not here... It'll be too messy"Lloyd and Ivan didn’t resist as two guards stepped forward, guns pressing against their backs. Ivan gave Lloyd a sidelong glance, his jaw tight. Not yet... Lloyd’s slight nod was his only response.Black
The black sedan came to a stop in front of the Museo della Pizzaro, the grand Italian-styled museum housing some of the most prized possessions of the Pizzaro crime family.The marble exterior gleamed under the moonlight, and the air was thick with the weight of unspoken danger.Lloyd Bishop stepped out of the car, his black coat trailing behind him as he surveyed the area. Ivan followed, his eyes scanning every corner, his hand tucked into his jacket where a concealed weapon rested.The two men stood silently, watching the building they had been scouting for days. Guards patrolled the perimeter, their routes precise and calculated, as though every move had been rehearsed.Ivan broke the silence, his voice low but edged with doubt. “Boss, you sure about this? The place is locked down tighter than a vault”Lloyd didn’t take his eyes off the building. “We’ve done harder jobs before”Ivan let out a small huff. “You say that like we’re not two men about to walk into one of the most dang
The boutique bustled with shoppers, their voices a muted hum beneath soft background music. Lisa sifted through racks of elegant dresses, her fingers brushing against the fabrics. Though her face lit up with the occasional smile, Lloyd noticed the hesitance in her every movement, she would glance at a price tag, then quietly return the item to its place.“You like that one?” Lloyd asked, stepping closer as Lisa admired a pastel blue gown.Lisa shook her head, forcing a smile “It’s nice, but I don’t need it”“You’ve got the money, Lisa,” Lloyd said, gesturing toward the dressing rooms. “Try it on... or buy it, whatever you want”Lisa hesitated “It’s not about the money, Simon. I just… don’t want to seem wasteful.”Lloyd’s brow furrowed. “Why would anyone think that?”Lisa sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly“The first batch of funds from the Western Steel contract came in today, It’s enough to handle immediate needs, but there’s still so much to fix...""The company, my family...
Lloyd’s eyes remained glued to the name on the redacted document... Annabelle Bishop. His mother’s name stood out like a beacon amidst the sea of blacked-out text, taunting him with its presence yet offering no clarity. His mind was electrocuted.First his father had appeared in the Lancaster report from the police station break-in, and now his mother. The pieces of his past were aligning in the most unsettling ways, but the picture was still incomplete.He slammed the folder shut, his jaw tightening with frustration.“I need the full version of this report” Lloyd said, his voice sharp and commanding.Jacob flinched at the intensity in Lloyd’s tone.“Lloyd, I already told you... that’s everything Morty gave me”“Then get more!” Lloyd snapped, his frustrations mountingJacob straightened, trying to maintain his composure despite the growing tension in the room. “I can’t, Lloyd. The non-redacted version is under lock and key, and only Morty’s father, Larry flanagan, can authorize it
The Dragun Ash Club was quieter than usual, its usual raucous energy replaced by a subdued calm. Morty stepped inside, his civilian clothes blending with the shadows. He carried a thin folder in one hand, his grip tight as if he feared dropping it would undo all his efforts.The gang members inside eyed him warily but said nothing as he approached Jacob’s office.The atmosphere was thick with distrust, Morty could feel it in the way their gazes followed him, unrelenting and suspicious.He pushed open the door without knocking, finding Jacob leaning against his desk, flipping through a set of papers.“YO... WHAT THE FUCK?!” Jacob yelled angrily.“You don't EVER come in here without knocking!" Jacob cautioned.Morty nodded dryly as he closed the door behind him.Morty closed the door behind him, tossing the folder onto Jacob’s desk. “That’s because you always seem to know more than you let on, so I wanted to see if I could catch you by surprise”Jacob maintained his annoyed face as h
Morty’s voice hung in the air, heavy with accusation. “We were betrayed.”Jacob stared at him, processing the weight of the statement. The dim office seemed even darker as Morty’s words echoed in his mind.“What do you mean betrayed?” Jacob asked, his tone sharp.“I mean someone tipped off those attackers” Morty replied, crossing his arms. “The Bullhorn gang knew exactly when and where to strike, that wasn’t a coincidence... it was planned”Jacob frowned “That doesn’t make sense, you think someone on your side did this?”“Maybe” Morty said, his voice tight. “Or maybe someone on yours”The accusation hit Jacob like a punch to the gut. He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “Watch what you’re saying, Morty... I don’t take kindly to being accused of stabbing anyone in the back”By the look of pure rage I'm Jacob's eyes , Morty could see that he struck an unexpected nerve in Jacob.“I didn’t say it was you” Morty responded “But let’s not pretend the Draguns are saints, for all I know, so
Time seemed to slow down as Lloyd and Ivan saw the rocket inch closer and closer their car.They had to make a split second decision right there, or it would all over.In this tension filled moment, ivan decided to do something crazy.By hitting the breaks of the car, he raised the back of the car just well enough that the rocket missed the back of the vehicle by mere inches, exploding once it hit the floor and pushing the car forward at the cost of the boot.With their souls still in their bodies, Ivan would drive the car as quickly as he possibly could out of this region of the city.They were safe onc again.Llyods mind was filled with so many questions, so he decided to step out of the car and call Jacob and ask him again."Jacob, what the hell just happened there?" Lloyd asked in anger."The Bullhorn gang boss, they're a vassal gang of the Capital M gang, and that right there was Capital M territory""And why the hell should I care?" asked Lloyd, still trying to be defiant."Caus
The gray morning sky hung low over Hilburg as Lloyd and Lisa walked side by side, their pace steady but their minds in sync as to where they were heading. Lloyd glanced at the crumpled piece of paper in Lisa’s hand, its address scribbled hastily. The area they were heading to was unfamiliar to him, but the tension in Lisa’s jawline spoke volumes.When they turned the final corner, Lloyd slowed, his eyes scanning the decrepit building before them. The structure stood defiant amidst the decay of the neighborhood, its faded sign barely legible..."Francis Legal Services" The windows were cracked, and graffiti marred the walls. Trash littered the streets, and a group of thugs loitered nearby, their sharp gazes following Lloyd and Lisa’s every move.They probably would have tried to rob them if they looked any wealthier.“This was your law firm?” Lloyd asked, his tone betraying a mix of disbelief and concern.Lisa nodded, her voice soft “It was all I could afford when I graduated law
The heavy scent of leaking gasoline mixed with burnt rubber filled the air as Lloyd’s head swam, the world outside the wrecked taxi still spinning.His body ached from the impact, but he forced himself to stay still, his sharp instincts warning him to wait before making a move.Muffled voices drifted in from outside the crumpled vehicle.“You think he’s dead?” one voice asked, nervous and shaky.“Doesn’t matter” another replied, colder and more composed. “Boss Henry didn’t say to kill him... just to teach him a lesson, that crash’ll get the message across”“Yeah, but what if we overdid it? I mean, the car flipped like three times.”There was a pause before the colder voice barked “Shut up and take the pictures, he’ll want proof”Lloyd heard the sound of a phone’s camera shutter clicking. He clenched his fists, his blood boiling as the conversation outside continued.“Henry’s gonna love this,” the colder man said with a chuckle. “Big bad Simon Harland, taken down by a couple of car th