The Royal Contract

Chapter 589: A bullet right in between the eyes

“It is nice to see you again, my friend.” He greeted his long-time colleague, shaking his hand, as he settled on the seat reserved for him in one of the finest restaurants in the city. As he joined his guest for lunch.

He preferred to conduct his meeting in places such as this one. It was a legitimate establishment where many negotiations and businesses were usually discussed and closed.

No one suspected that many underground activities were also executed and planned in this place, right under the noses of the authorities and enemies.

“The pleasure is all mine.” He greeted back, signaling the attendant to take the order of his friend. “It had been a long time. I was wondering if you even remembered me.” He jokingly said as he returned to his drink.

He was first to arrive in their appointed schedule, not wanting to be late or for his friend to wait for him. It had been a while since they had seen each other, although they did communicate through other means from time to time.

Still, he was excited to finally see his friend in person again as the new Don of their underground association. As he promised, before they went on separate ways, if he called, he would answer.

“Who can forget a man like you, Mike?” He asked, a bit sarcastically, but both just laughed at their internal joke.

.....

He could never forget the brotherhood they had formed back in the days. Mike was assigned to work with him as his trainee. He was against having one, but the rules required that he took the young rookie under his wings.

He thought the rookie would only hinder his career as he struggled to make a name for himself. But this young man’s brilliance only highlighted his own. Together, they were unbeatable.

Now, Mike was making a name of his own. He could not be prouder of the protegee he had created and molded through his image. If he wanted someone to surpass his achievement in this industry, it would be him.

“I am glad to hear that. But honestly, I miss the old days.” Mike said, slightly reminiscing the past when he was just starting out with his career.

He could still remember how his boss would lash at him, ordering him around, making him quit every chance his boss could get. But he was determined to prove that his boss was wrong.

In the end, this man finally realized his worth to his work and his organization. Mike had proven that his contribution was more valuable than the rest of his legal team combined.

“Well, now that you are here again. We might be working on some new projects again, or rather, against each other.” He corrected his statement.

He was working in the private sector, and his friend was now with the District Attorney’s Office. There was a likelihood that they would be going against each other.

He could still remember when he asked him to take a job offered to him with another firm in another state. He was furious since they were already making a lot of progress with their tandem.

But he had a different view of progress. A future that did not only involve the small world they had dominated. He was looking at a bigger picture which could only happen if they would explore their potential separately.

“I am actually looking forward to beating your ass in court,” Mike said to the slightly older man in front of him, unafraid of his reputation inside a courtroom.

He might be one of the best in this city, but he knew he was better. He just needed the opportunity to go against his mentor and prove that he was not the same man he had asked to leave his office.

He had no grudge against him. He only wanted to prove that he had improved since he had been away. He might disagree with him from the start, but he appreciated what he did for him all this time. Now, he was back to serve him again.

“Me, too, Mike. I heard so many great things about what you have been doing.” He complimented his young apprentice. “I must say, I am impressed. I can not wait to face you in front of a jury.”

He certainly would like the challenge of facing a worthy adversary. He might have been his mentor, but this younger man had worked hard to be where he was today.

He could not rob that victory from him. He deserved recognition for his achievement. He also earned the chance to face and beat him when the time came.

“Anyway, I already made a few investigations about the lawsuit against Nickolas Travis.” He slightly lowered his voice, avoiding anyone from hearing their conversation.

It was a sensitive issue, and nobody must suspect that they had been discussing the merit of the entire case. If somebody would notice their association, they could easily explain their past working relationship.

“What is your status in the case?” He asked, turning a little bit serious this time.

He still pretended that they were discussing nothing of the ordinary. But he was interested to know the current situation on the other side of the fence.

He had nothing to do with the case since he avoided any involvement with the lawsuit, even when it was offered to him. But he wanted to keep track of everything that was happening.

“Unfortunately, I am still not the lead prosecutor for the case. But I am working on it.” He informed him of the latest development in his situation with his new office.

He was new, so it would take him a while to work his way to the top of the ladder. But, he was confident that he could manage to snake his way to leading the prosecution team against Nick.

“What have you heard so far?” He asked, wanting confirmation that the reports of his other teams were accurate.

He could not afford any mishaps at this point. Or else, his entire plan would be ruined. Even his delicate position as the new head of the underworld would be compromised. He could not let that happen.

“Nick had not breathed a word about you as far as the reports indicated. Nothing also about the underground organization.” Mike assured him. “But I still need time to dig more on his case and talk to him personally to confirm all this.”

He could not trust the papers sent to him. The other member of the prosecution team might still be withholding information. A hidden bomb that he had not seen that could suddenly blow off in their faces.

“What about Samson?” He heard the big man was only pointing at Nick this time, but he wondered if there was a chance that he might give his organization too.

He liked the big man when he first met him. He had actually met him and talked to him, but Samson was not aware that it was him. His big boss. Samson thought he was only helping a man having a bad day. But it was a long story for another time.

Usually, he would have ordered the execution of Samson for knowing too much and betraying him. But he owed him his life. For that, they were now even.

The next time Samson dared to cross him, he guaranteed to put a bullet right in between the eyes of the man who betrayed him. But not before he executed his family in front of him.