Xavier Stone: A Tale of Redemption

Dark Room.

ONE WEEK LATER.

In a dark cold room, Xavier who had been locked in here for a long time and had eventually lost track of time sat in a corner, with his head buried in between his folded legs.

His loud and shaky breathing filled the place.

Few days ago, he was brought in here after the interrogation session with those unknown men and due to the unending darkness inside this room, he couldn't tell how many days had passed.

And the most disturbing thing was the acrid smell of gunpowder that filled the air. Where was this place? He asked himself only to be interrupted by the growling sound coming from his stomach.

He was hungry and tired and most of all, Xavier was angry and filled with nothing but rage and the urge to kill somebody—maybe the woman who accused him of killing her husband.

However, the sad reality was, he couldn't do anything to fight back. Not only was he locked inside in here and for days, he was powerless as a man. He held no power to defend himself, he was weak while the people who were mistreating him were stronger and powerful.

Xavier groaned but out of what? Was it hunger or anger—or maybe both...

Just what was he missing, he had done everything he could, he worked hard everyday but still it wasn't enough to get him to where he wished to be—at the top.

He was still the poor wretched man of Pico-Union. He had nothing. Another groan escaped his lips and Xavier forced himself up from the cold and damp floor.

At that moment, his weak legs shook once he stood up and they felt like jelly but he wasn't bothered. All he cared for was how to leave this hellhole, he wanted to leave, he was no animal to be locked up in a dark place and not to mention, he was innocent.

Now fully on his feet, Xavier walked with his hands on the freezing wall, trying to locate the door. He moved close to wall, his hand desperately on the wall trying to find the way out when he suddenly heard sounds coming from outside.

His mind raced and his heart pounded with the thought that somebody was here—to rescue him, he would finally be out.

Xavier walked faster with great effort towards the sound coming from the opposite side, but before he could reach it, the door was forcefully pushed open and Xavier was met with the shadow of someone standing at the door.

The person stepped in and Xavier felt relief wash over him, he was really going to leave this place.

"Please, help me out of here..." He spoke only to be grasped by the collar of his shirt in response.

"Mr Biller has called for you." The husky voice of the man informed Xavier.

However, Xavier was sure he didn't like this news—Mr Biller again...his jaws clenched tight and he felt himself being pulled and was made to move forward.

After passing arrays of doors, Xavier was led to an open room that had chairs and tables arranged everywhere, it wasn't a spacious place but it was big enough.

The room was a bit dim with little light coming from the binders, but Xavier could clearly see the intricate interior of this place and what caught his eyes the most was the chandelier-like thing hanging up on the ceiling but it had no lights.

He then caught sight of a man whose back was facing Xavier and was seated on a wheelchair, Xavier could already guess who he was, Mr Biller.

"He is here sir," The man informed in a loud voice. Mr Biller must've heard it because he turned his wheelchair and was now directly facing Xavier who stood rooted to the floor.

This was Mr Biller... Xavier thought and he immediately turned dazed and his face blank with the tiny zap of memory that crossed his mind.

In this flitting memory, it was bright and sunny and he saw a little boy, it was little Xavier, happy and was smiling. And then, he saw a young man approaching his little self with an equally bright smile.

However, the little memory travel ended but Xavier couldn't recognize who that man was and why the sudden reveal of memory. Strange.

"Come closer, boy." The rich but husky voice of Mr Biller woke him from his tranced state. But Xavier didn't move an inch, he only stood still and was staring at the brown eyes of Mr Biller.

"Are you deaf? My father has ordered you to come closer! Now!" Another voice spoke up, and that was when Xavier noticed there was another person present too, it was the young man from few days ago who punched his face.

Seeing the other person whom he now recognized, Xavier quickly turned angry which was evident from the ticking of his jawline and the tight clench of his fist.

However, he obediently moved forward, not wanting to cause any more drama.

Deep down, Xavier wished he would finally be freed from this place, he wanted to leave by all means, but...

"So," Mr Biller started, his right hand placed on the arm of the wheel chair, supporting his jaw.

"You were the young man who crushed my car with your truck the other day, hmm? Almost causing me to loose my life." Mr Biller now had a blank stare which caused Xavier to be a bit unsure but he responded anyways.

"It wasn't me." He stood few feet away from Mr Biller's wheelchair. His thoughts running a million miles per second, looking for what proper way to explain he had no hand in the accident.

However, Mr Biller laughed out loudly on his wheelchair while Preston stared at him with a smirk, it made Xavier wonder what they had in mind for him.