They hurried to the company’s parking garage, and Joe’s mind kept racing. He was beyond scared for Hannah—he didn’t know what kind of danger she was in, but he couldn’t afford to waste any more time. Joe rushed into his office. Immediately after stepping in, he scribbled the money the man had requested on a checkbook. Then, without a moment's hesitation, he stormed out of the office, with John following closely behind. “We need to cash this out,” Joe said as he climbed into the car. His gaze was distant, focused on the road, but the panic in his chest was growing by the second. “You’re gonna get it done,” John said, trying to reassure Joe. “Don’t worry, we’ll get her back.” Several minutes later, they arrived at the bank. Joe’s hands were shaking as he handed the check to the teller, trying to control his breath. “Please, just get this done fast,” he muttered, eyes darting around. The teller nodded. “Of course, Mr. Whitmore. It’ll just take a moment.” Minutes later, J
Joe’s heart pounded in his chest. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. John was on the ground, blood pooling beneath him. His face was pale, and his body motionless. “John!” Joe shouted, his voice breaking as he rushed to his side. He laid Hannah gently on the ground, whispering a promise that he’d be right back, and sprinted to John’s side. John was still conscious, but his breathing was shallow, each intake of air rattling in his chest. Joe dropped to his knees beside him, pressing his hands over the wound in an attempt to stem the bleeding. Blood seeped through his fingers, painting them crimson. “John, stay with me,” Joe said urgently, his voice trembling. “You’re going to be okay. Just hang on.” John coughed, a weak smile playing on his lips. “Joe... you always were a terrible liar,” he murmured. “Don’t you dare talk like that,” Joe snapped. “I mean every word I say; I’m also going to get help.” Behind him, the man who had fired the shot stood with the gun still i
“Sir, it’s time to leave.” Joe heard a voice behind him. He turned swiftly, and his eyes landed on a nurse, a chubby woman with a soft gaze. “We are about to perform the surgery.” Joe stood on his feet, watching as the nurse moved closer to John. Another nurse stepped in; this one was a man and he assisted in wheeling John out of the room. Joe watched them as he walked out of the room. The minute they got closer to the operating room, he sighted the doctor. Joe’s slow-paced steps became fast-paced as he moved in the doctor’s direction. “Please do all you can to save his life.” He told the doctor. “He’s the only family I got.” The doctor nodded. He didn’t say a word, but Joe knew from the look on his face that he was going to try his best—well, he hoped he would. Joe couldn’t imagine losing John. He would forever blame himself if he did. He wouldn’t even be able to look at himself in the mirror. Joe paced the hallway outside the operating room. His heart pounding as the doctor
Joe sighed as he shut the front door behind him, his keys jingling faintly as they slipped into his pocket. He was about to leave for the office when John’s voice came from behind him. “Why can’t I come with you?” John asked, frustration clear in his tone. He was leaning against the staircase, his arm in a sling. Despite his condition, there was a fire in his eyes, a determination to be involved. Joe turned, giving him a firm but understanding look. “You need to recover, John,” he said. “I can handle the office work myself.” John shook his head, stepping forward. “I’m fine. You’re overreacting. I’ve already spent enough time lying around. I can help—” Joe raised a hand, cutting him off. “John, no. I appreciate everything you’ve done, but this isn’t up for debate. You’ve been through too much already, and I need you to focus on getting better.” He placed a hand on John’s shoulder. “I’ve got this. Trust me.” John hesitated, his jaw tightening, but eventually stepped aside. “Fine.
Hannah leaned back on the couch, her plate balanced on her lap as she took another bite of the food Joe had brought. She looked up at Joe, her eyes warm with gratitude. “Thank you for bringing this over. You remembered everything I love.” This was the second time she had thanked him, and she didn’t mind. Joe smiled faintly, leaning against the arm of the couch. “Of course I did. I know how much you needed a good meal after everything.” Hannah laughed softly and shook her head. “You’re spoiling me, you know.” “You deserve it,” Joe replied. As she dug into her food, Hannah looked up at Joe with a curious expression. “How’s John doing?” Joe hesitated for a moment before answering. “He’s fine,” he said, keeping his tone light. “Stubborn as ever, trying to convince me he’s ready to jump back into the action.” “I understand how he feels. I kind of feel the same. It’s weird sitting indoors all day,” Hannah said with a smile, though her tone said otherwise. “I think it’s fun to stay
“You know,” Joe continued, “since Aaron’s in jail, his parents are probably going to want to meet with me—see if we can discuss terms on how to drop the charges. They’ve got to be feeling the pressure of their son being locked up.” He glanced over at Hannah. “What if we make it look like we’re going there to discuss terms, give them a reason to let us in?” Joe glanced at Hannah beside him. Her expression was focused, but there was a flicker of excitement in her eyes.“That’s a brilliant angle, Joe. It gives us a reason to be there and won’t raise any suspicion.”Joe nodded, his mind already formulating the next part of the plan. “Exactly. While we’re discussing terms, I can excuse myself and wander into the house, looking around for anything suspicious. If we’re lucky, I’ll find something we can use.”Hannah grinned, obviously pleased with the idea. “I like the way you think.”Joe looked at her, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I know. I’m pretty good at this.”She playfully rolled her
The tension in the room was thick as Joe locked eyes with the man who happened to have acknowledged his presence. The man’s face darkened the moment he spotted Joe, his features twisting with anger.Without hesitation, his voice rang out,“What the hell are you doing here?” he demanded, his tone loud enough to silence any whispers in the grand hall.Joe kept his composure, straightening his shoulders. He couldn’t believe this was the same man who made him feel less of himself. Joe couldn’t help but see him as an ordinary being.“Didn’t you hear me?” The sound of the man’s voice caught his attention, and he turned to look at the man, who happened to be staring at him furiously.“What are you doing here?” The man asked again.“I’m not here for you, James. I came to speak with Mr. White.” Joe replied calmly.James’s face highlighted further in rage, and he jabbed a finger toward Mr. White. “Mr. White, this is the bastard who put your son in jail! And if that wasn’t enough, he’s the same
“What do you think of the offer?” Hannah asked, her gaze not leaving Mr White.Mr White was quiet, and at first, Joe was scared. He thought he wasn’t going to agree to their demands, and he was going to change his mind.Joe tried not to think of things heading in that direction. He hasn’t even gotten the chance to do what he came for.“Mr. White?” He heard Hannah call out and, at that moment, placed his gaze on Mr. White.“It’s a nice offer, " Mr. White finally said. But I need a guarantee, at least something that would make me trust you.”Hannah, who was two steps ahead, leaned forward. “I knew you would say this. I will have a signed document sent to you to back up our words.”Mr. White, whose face has been expressionless for a while, flashed a smile their way.“That can work.” He said. Joe saw this as an opportunity to flee and do what he came for. He stood up and turned toward Mr. White. "Mr. White, I’ll be right back. Just need to use the bathroom.""Down the hall to the left. I
“You’re going to be our eyes and ears,” John said flatly, as he flickered his gun about. “You’ll let us know every move the Sanchez gang makes before they make it. Got it?” The man’s eyes widened in panic. “I can’t do that! If they find out—if they even suspect—I’m dead! My family’s dead!” John didn’t flinch. He lowered the gun slightly, only to press it firmly against the man’s chest. “If you don’t do what I’m telling you, you’ll be dead a lot sooner.” The man froze, trembling under the cold weight of John’s words. “It’s better you just kill me now,” he said hoarsely, his voice cracking. John sighed, the frustration was very clear in his voice. “You’re not thinking straight. This isn’t just about you anymore. It’s about your family and your life.”The man didn’t say a thing, and John leaned forward. “Don’t you get it! We are offering you an opportunity here.”“That doesn’t sound like an opportunity.” The man said in a flat tone. “Just kill me like I said before.”“For the lo
The car rolled to a quiet stop, its headlights cutting through the darkness of the neighborhood. Rusty buildings lined the empty streets. The silence was unnerving, broken only by the occasional shuffle of rats scurrying through the debris. Joe sat in the passenger seat, his brows furrowed as he stared out at the scene in front of him. “This doesn’t look safe,” Joe muttered under his breath. “Are you sure we’re in the right place?” John, sitting behind the wheel, didn’t look half as worried. He leaned back in his seat, a small smirk playing on his lips. “What, are you scared?” he teased. Joe shot him an annoyed look. “I feel like I’ve walked into the lion’s den. Don’t you think we’re being a little reckless?” John waved off the concern with a hand. “Relax, Joe. Nothing’s going to happen. Besides, if you’re scared, you can stay in the car. Hide out here while I do all the work.” Joe narrowed his eyes. “I’m not staying in the car. That’s not happening.” John chuckled
Joe stared at the screen, as his hands moved swiftly across his screen. Once the message was sent he turned to John. “Done!” John smiled. “Good!” “What do we do now?” Joe asked. “We wait for his reply.” John said, in a low tone. John sighed, staring at the open sky. Him and John didn’t say anything, for what felt like minutes until John decided to break the silence. “Any messages?” Joe pulled out his phone which he had kept in his pocket. The dim light from his phone screen illuminated his face as he stared at the message he had sent to Victor minutes ago. Victor hadn’t replied the text and Joe informed John about it. “We would just have to wait a little.” John said. Minutes passed. Then half an hour. Still no reply. Joe sighed and tossed his phone into his pocket , rubbing his temples. “Any word yet?” John’s voice rose. Joe shook his head, glancing up at him. “No. Nothing.” John folded his arms, leaning forward , before speaking. “Well, you texted him. That’s a fir
“So, where exactly are we going?” Joe asked, in a firm tone John kept his eyes on the road, gripping the wheel confidently. “You’ll see.” Joe frowned slightly, shifting in his seat. “You’ve been driving for almost an hour, John. You took the wheel like you had somewhere specific in mind.” John smirked faintly but didn’t look at him. “I do.” “And where is that?” Joe pressed, turning his head toward him. John’s jaw twitched as though he was mulling over his response. “Just wait and see how.” Joe let out a small, tired laugh. “I don’t think I have that patient.” “Well, too bad,” John said firmly. “It looks like you’re going to have to acquire a bit of patience today.” Joe shook his head, staring back out the window. “This is worse than standing in line for ice-cream.” “What a nice way to describe this moment,” John said in a corky tone and Joe wasn’t buying his corkiness in fact he didn’t like it, but he didn’t say anything. The car kept rolling, and it felt like they were dri
When Joe rounded the corner, the sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks. Mr. Adam was there, sleeves rolled up, fists bloodied. Two men—beaten to a pulp—were slumped against the wall, barely conscious. Mr. Adam’s face was a storm of fury as he grabbed one of them by the collar and hoisted him up, delivering another brutal punch to his ribs. The man cried out, while his companion looked on with fear in his eyes. “Mr. Adam!” Joe shouted, stepping forward. “That’s enough!” Mr. Adam didn’t look up, his chest heaving as he pinned the man against the wall with one arm. “Stay out of this, Joe,” he growled. “I’m not done.” Joe, undeterred, moved closer. “I said enough!Look at them! They’re done. You’re going to kill them if you keep this up.” Mr. Adam finally turned his head toward Joe. “Maybe that’s what they deserve.” Joe stood his ground, his voice was firm as he spoke. “They’re just pawns, Adam. This isn’t going to solve anything.” Mr. Adam released the man, who dropp
The days leading up to the launch party for Joe’s new corporation were filled with relentless work, late nights, and endless planning. The fact that things had been stable contributed to making Joe’s planning easier. There were no threats, no near misses, and no weird messages. Life, for a brief moment, felt… calm. This made Joe feel relaxed. A day before the launch, Joe and John drove to the new corp’s headquarters to finalize preparations. The building itself was modern and striking—sleek lines of glass and steel that gleamed in the sunlight. As Joe stepped out of the car, his gaze swept across the building, and a rare smile tugged at his lips. John stood beside him, hands in his pockets, and observed Joe’s quiet pride. “You know,” John began, breaking the silence, “your father would be proud.” Joe turned to him, a small laugh escaping. “You think so?” “Yeah,” John said sincerely. “Not just proud, Joe—he’d be impressed. You’re doing something he never could. You’re tur
The day of John’s mother’s remembrance was quiet and intimate, just as John had wanted. The house was transformed into a warm and welcoming space with simple decorations—a few family photographs, candles, and flowers placed strategically around the living room. Lady Penelope was among the first to arrive, dressed elegantly in a navy blue dress. She greeted John with a tight hug, expressing her condolences. “I told you she was the best of the best.” Lady Penelope said after freeing John from her hug. Her eyes were on Joe, who immediately understood what she was talking about. “Madeline did a good job.” He said. “I’m really happy that things turned out well.” John looked between the two. “I’m lost here.” “Lady Penelope had referred me to the event planner who decorated the house.” Joe said. Without hesitation John thanked Lady Penelope, who waved off his thanks letting him know she was just helping. When John and lady Penelope stepped inside, Joe stood at the entrance, ensurin
Joe wandered aimlessly through the house the next day each room feeling more suffocating than the last. He shuffled through the house, aimlessly moving from one room to the next. He felt restless, like he couldn't find a place where he could sit still. His thoughts kept circling back to everything that had happened—his father, the gang, Hannah, the endless pressure. The walls of the house felt like they were closing in on him. As he walked into the study, something caught his eye. Tucked in the corner of the room, almost hidden beneath a pile of books, was a scarf. It was a soft, pale blue fabric. He recognized it immediately as Hannah’s. His heart lurched in his chest. He stood there for a moment, staring at it, and then the weight of it seemed to drop on him. His mind flashed back to all the time they spent together, the conversations, the moments that seemed to matter. But that was over now. He had to let go. "Roland!" Joe called out, his voice rough. Roland appeared almos
The day started like any other for Joe, with him arriving at the office early to tackle a packed schedule. He greeted Jeremy, and moved through the lobby, his focus already on the list of meetings he had ahead. But as he approached his office, his steps slowed. Something was out of place—a box sat on the floor right in front of his door. Joe frowned. Packages weren’t unusual, but this one was different. It was unmarked, plain brown, with no indication of where it came from. His instincts kicked in, a chill creeping down his spine. "Jeremy!" he called out in a sharp voice. Jeremy appeared almost instantly, confusion etched on his face. "Yes, Mr. Whitmore?" "What is this?" Joe pointed at the box. Jeremy looked at it, puzzled. "I don’t know. It wasn’t there when I got here." Joe’s unease deepened. "Has anyone checked this? Who delivered it?" "I’ll check with security," Jeremy said quickly, already pulling out his phone. Joe debated waiting but decided against it. He cr