“Sure thing sir so can you tell me the name of the student who you say is your son and also call him in front of me? While on the call, ask him for permission to come inside as that’s the only way I can let you through this gate” The security man said and Mr. Rogers who has tried calling Johnathan multiple times during the months that he vanished but couldn’t get a hold of him cursed in his head.“My kid’s name is Johnathan Cross but why do I have to call him in front of you? That’s very disrespectful, especially coming from a simple security guard like yourself. Just open the gate and let me through” Mr. Rogers said and tried walking past the security man but the man stopped him.The security man placed his hand against Mr. Rogers’s chest and prevented him from getting closer.Mr. Rogers stopped, and looked down at the security man’s hand on his chest “What’s the meaning of this?” He asked then stared at the man’s eyes and frowned “Sorry sir but even if you said the name of one of t
Johnathan jolted with shock because of how familiar the truck seemed.“Johnathan, what’s wrong?” George who noticed his expression asked but that’s when the gate was opened and Johnathan snapped out from being worried.“There’s no way that’s the same truck. I’m just being paranoid. Is the drink from yesterday still affecting me?” Johnathan thought then drove in a little which is when he discussed with the security man who told him that he had a visitor.The security man couldn’t believe that Mr. Rogers was Johnathan’s father as they seemed so different from each other and so when asked he told Johnathan that he didn’t know who the man was. Mr. Rogers also didn’t prove his identity to the security man so it wasn’t like he was lying.After that, everything unfolded the way that it did and now Johnathan was at the school’s entrance gate with George and the two security guards, looking for Mr. Rogers but is being informed of another gate that the man could have used.“Should we drive ther
It was like Johnathan's world crumbled when he heard the first security guard say that. All he could think about is what he was going to say to Margaret when they eventually talk again He remembers promising to call her soon and knowing the elderly woman, if he doesn't do that tomorrow then she's very likely to be the one who calls to ask him why he hasn't called yet.Feeling defeated, Johnathan sat on the ground and held his head."Kid, are you okay? How important is that stolen item anyway?" The second entrance gate security guard asked Johnathan."I don't know where he got it from because he always had it when we met and I also haven't seen the full necklace before but from the way he's acted I'd say it's very important. I'm sure he has a sentimental attachment to it" George said in place of Johnathan and the two security guards grunted."Necklace huh? That's usually it. Because it’s jewelry I'm sure that the person who stole it will be finding a place to sell it if they haven't a
“Hey kid, that’s a dangerous thing to do in situations like these. You always have to be forthcoming with everything you know or else we won’t be able to help as much as we can—“ the second security guard reprimanded Johnathan but then the first security guard interrupted.“Hold up and let the kid speak,” he said to his partner then face Johnathan “Alright kid, what’s this information that you didn’t give us before?”Johnathan was silent for a moment and then answered “The man who stole from me, his name is Rogers and he’s also my adoptive father. I had allowed him into my apartment and that is where everything started going wrong. He might have escaped from me now but eventually, he’s going to have to return home and I’ll be there waiting for him”Both security guards eyes widened when they heard what Johnathan said.“So you know where he lives,” the first security guard said and Johnathan nodded.“Of course. For over two years I did stay with him and his wife. Instead of searching f
“How dare that sleazy bastard even think of doing something this unforgivable let alone actually carrying out?! The audacity!” Abraham exclaimed, punching down at the air when he heard the full story from Johnathan.His blood was boiling. This was a necklace that he knows means a lot to not just Johnathan but also to Margaret, Zebadiah, and Jaxon, his previous and now late master, and Mr. Rogers just insulted all of them with his actions.“Does he know that the Blood Cross necklace has been passed down through generations?! The historic significance of that precious necklace surpasses even the most famous art pieces like the Monalisa. That heirloom has been around since the Cross family name was first known around the world and he just took it for himself like it is some cheap trinket?! That bastard needs to be punished for his crimes!” Abraham yelled.The maids who were close by and had been waiting outside the living room so that they would be quick to act if for any reason their at
“Master Johnathan, even though I hate it, Rogers and his wife did save you from that orphanage regardless of the fact that it was for their own greedy reasons. Just a moment ago, the way you talked about Rogers as you explained what happened shows that you still have some attachment to the man which I’m sure is shaped by your gratitude” Abraham said and Johnathan grimaced.“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Gratitude, what’s gratitude? What on earth should I be grateful to him for when every day I spent in that house was nothing short of a nightmare but if you say I sound like I have gratitude to Mr. Rogers then I’m not going to argue. All I want to know is what does that have to do with anything and why you don’t want me to come with you?” Johnathan asked and Abraham frowned“That’s because I can’t forgive them for taking something so important to your family and I did mean it when I said that they will be punished for Rogers's crimes. Because it’s my job to protect you both ph
In front of one of the hotels in town, Mr. Rogers drove his truck to a stop and then parked by the road next to it.This hotel was located towards the outskirts of town and so it was relatively cheaper than the rest which becomes considerably more expensive the closer you get to the center of town.He quickly got out of the truck, locked it then checked if it was actually locked by pulling on the door handle because this side of town isn’t the safest. To get relatively cheaper accommodation, you would need to sacrifice on some commodities like safety but that’s what he and Matilda could afford.Mr. Rogers straight for and went into the hotel and then came across the receptionist who greeted him.“I thought you would be gone until tomorrow, Sir. It’s nice having you back so how was the activity you went to take care of” the receptionist said in a welcoming and light-hearted manner but was cut short.“Mind your damn business! Nobody pays you to ask redundant questions” Mr. Rogers said a
“The manager will be here any second now so please speak to her with respect, sir,” the receptionist said then went around the counter to return to his position.Mr. Rogers scoffed “Respect my ass. It should be the other way around.” He said then smacked his tongue “If it wasn’t for moving out from that useless place with shitty neighbors not so long ago and fixing my truck I would have had enough money to get a better hotel instead of this dump”The receptionist pretended like he didn’t hear what was just said about the place he works and at this point, he’s seen with evidence that Mr. Rogers is a terrible and bitter person so he does what he can to tune him out.Just then, the manager arrived. She was wearing a beautiful and well-fitted women’s suit and she oozed both confidence and grace as she stepped closer to the receptionist counter.“So you’re the guest my receptionist has told me so much about. Nice to finally meet your acquaintance Mr. —” she said warmly as a way to lighten
For those who enjoyed Anthony’s backstory and would like to follow it, The Midnight Heir is a book of its own. It follows Anthony’s adventures up until the Summit and beyond that.What was given here is just the first 22 chapters of a book with more than 300 chapters so you guys just barely scratched the surface. Please go check out that book if you find Anthony’s story and character interesting. I wrote that book before Wish To Be Rich so you can see the difference in writing skill and quality— not to say that it doesn’t have quality cause it does.I’ve said what I want to say so for now, this is goodbye from Johnathan Cross and the crew. If this book gets the love it deserves then I’ll be back to continue with a new volume. I’ve already mapped out everything that’s going to take place. There’ll be higher stakes, cross-overs, more world-building, interesting relationships, and all that jazz.I promise that future volumes will be bigger but that’s only if the book gets traction.Befor
The paramedic who had the syringe in his hand paused, jaw dropped, leaning back and filled with utter confusion.Anthony who was seeing all of this instantly got a look of disgust aimed at Franklin and what he just did."What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do that, take away the only thing that’s saving your life right now?!" Anthony asked while he grimaced.He pulled himself away from Franklin and then with the anger still in him but now also mixed with a state of confusion, he pushed a weakened Franklin to the ground."Just what the hell do you want from me?!" Anthony yelled in an exasperated manner, looking down at Franklin who was holding on to his neck and trying to breathe in as much air as he possibly could.Contrary to being the one who had inflicted pain on everyone else, physically or otherwise, Anthony looked like he was in more agony than anyone else, huffing and trying to find a way to get calm."Alright you fool, that's enough from you. Just take a look at wha
Chaos ran wild as many of the patients in the main entrance of The Meteor Garden hospital scattered for either their safety or as a knee-jerk response to Anthony and Franklin.Some were patients with high sensitivity like epilepsy, autism, or Tourette so the sudden act of violence was enough to trigger them.Being among the few staff there and a proactive one at that, the nurse behind the counter hurriedly grabbed the landline and put out a call."Can we get some medics over here in the main area, right now?! We need as much help as possible with handling the patients and also to put a stop to a visitor who's gone crazy!" she yelled into the mouthpiece then slammed the landline back on itself.The nurses were able to get to the more mentally balanced patients who only fell to the floor while trying to move away from Anthony and Franklin.As for those currently going crazy, they needed more serious help from the paramedics who were able-bodied enough to appropriately handle the situati
["Hello? Who is this?"] Finally, after three attempts his call was answered."This is Anthony, Mr's Faller. I was just calling to see how Samuel was doing" he sat in the bed with his shoes off but still had his casino dealer outfit on.["Umm, he's fine. It's already way past his bedtime so he should be in bed sleeping. Is anything the matter?"]After hearing this, Anthony second-guessed himself on if Samuel was okay or not.Anthony thought that he might just be worrying for nothing. "It's nothing, I just wanted to call since it's been a while since I last did, that's all" he smiled["It has been a minute since you called but honestly I can't blame you, not when you and my husband have something so serious like Ama— Oh, sorry I mentioned that"] she covered her mouth.Anthony chuckled as a way to lighten the mood "You don't have to be ma, I also know how this has shaken your family so don't hold yourself on my account. I'll be just fine" he smiled["I'm glad to hear that and you make su
'The features, the resemblance, it's all so uncanny' Even in the intensity of the reproach, a conflicting thought lingered in Franklin's mind as he stared at Anthony.Anthony's face didn't undergo any negative changes after being accused, he remained as unfazed and stoic as ever "What are you talking about Sir, cheating in what game?""Don't play dumb with me kid, the others may have been too distracted to notice but I had my eyes on you the entire time and I know sleight of hand when I see it. Nothing can escape these trained eyes of mine" Franklin said."Okay sir, sounds like you're talking about a magic show you must have gone to. Sleight of hand? How does that have anything to do with me, a simple part-timer?" Anthony scrunched his eyebrows, tilting his head to the left."Why you!" Franklin exclaimed, smacking his tongue afterward.'Who is this kid? He couldn't be him could he?' Franklin's glare became even more intense and with that, it was evident that he wasn't going to back do
Since the beginning, the manager had had his head bowed ever so slightly that it looked like he had a slouch but in truth, he didn't ("Oh, one last thing. Always remember to lower your head when in the presence of these guests.") The manager told Anthony during the interview but Anthony responded with silence at the time.The manager took that as compliance but he was wrong as he has been glaring at Anthony but Anthony wasn't lowering his head to the guests. Instead, he was looking them straight in the eyes.Angry at Anthony, the manager wanted to address the topic but couldn't in their presence so he would have to remain quiet about it until they leave.However, what he didn't expect was that both VIPs didn't seem bothered about Anthony not acting overly subservient around them. They were even more accepting of him than the manager had calculated, especially from the man on the left."So how did you get so skilled in cards kid? You also gamble a lot?" Asked the VIP on the left, puffi
"Ah! I caught you!" Exclaimed a panting voiceSeeing Samuel getting shoved and falling towards the street, Anthony screamed out his name, reflexively reaching out with one of his hands even though the distance between them was too great that he wouldn't even be able to do anything.The driver of the incoming truck panicked and smashed the brakes as hard as he could.Unfortunately, the distance between them was so small that their impact was certain, but still, he tried. The truck's tires skid forward, about to hit Samuel while at the other side of the road Anthony watched, unable to do anything.Suddenly, his eyes flicked to a few meters behind Samuel where he saw a man, an aged man in a carton brown pants suit, reaching out for Samuel.Everything happened so fast that before Anthony knew it the aged man had grabbed onto Samuel's wrist, then pulled the preteen towards himself.*VROOM*The truck passed, nobody was hit and the person on the passenger seat, whose heart felt like it was
Outside the Grand Blue Restaurant, Anthony brought out the ID card to stare at it, about to make a left turn into the next road."Who could have thought that this tiny thing would mean the difference between being jobless and under the control of my f*cking in-laws and now having part-time jobs in three different locations? I could have gotten my share of her hospital bills already if I had just done this since day one" he mumbled, finally turning the corner He scoffed "I guess it all happened for a reason because I wouldn't be trying to regain my power if I ha—" out of nowhere, a kid ran into him and fell to the ground."Ouch, my butt!" The kid complained, wincing and rubbing his butt "Why don't you watch where you're walking Mr." The kid yelled, not even looking up to see who he was talking to"Huh? What the hell did you just say to me you stupid brat?!" Anthony was furious, glaring at the kid who finally looked up at him and saw who he had just run into.Instantly he shriveled, sm
He picked up his ID card, not caring about what she had going on beside him."Okay, good luck with that" he started heading for the exit but…"Good thing you said that because you're the one who's gonna need it" she smirked and he stopped with his hand on the knob, turning around to face her."What's that supposed to mean?!" He asked with a frown, sensing that what she said was a threat.She got up, walked back to her seat, and sat down without any restraint that it almost broke the spring in the seat.She continued stuffing her mouth with her food while glaring evilly at Anthony."What did you mean by t—" he asked again but then she interrupted him."Since you're looking to work for a restaurant of this level, you should also know that there are benefits or I should say, connections, that being the manager has presented me with. Businessmen, lawyers, doctors, politicians, Mobsters, and even families in the Hierarchy all pay a whopping amount of money just to reserve seats around my t