Chapter 33
"So you think Professor Handel has a connection with Antonio?", Jack asked.
They were at the club, two days after the attack at the building. Brian had told them earlier all about his suspicions of Serah's father with Antonio.
"Yes, I think so", Brian said.
He twirled his drink which was left untouched. Ever since he told Serah about his suspicions, their relationship hadn't really been the same. She refused to talk to him and the only time they did was when they told each other where they were going.
Brian knew she was hurt but he also knew that if he hadn't told her about his suspicions, she would be more angry especially if she learnt the news outside.
"I'm sorry to say this boss but that's a stupid assumption. I mean, Professor Handel is a pharmacist, a life saver and I don't think he'll be capable of doing that", Killian said.
"You'd be surprised at the things people do for money", Brian said.
"Wait, you think this is about money?", Jack said.
"Yes. If it isn't, I don't see any reason why the professor should be involved with a criminal like Antonio", Brian said.
He downed his drink in one gulp, pouring another shot into his glass. He hated feeling this way, hated to think that his mate now despised him due to what he said.
"How did Serah take this news?", Killian asked.
"Badly. Heck, she's not even talking to me", Brian huffed.
"I wouldn't expect anything less especially since you accused her father of something that might not even be true", Jack said.
"I think we should leave that issue for now and focus on our meeting with the army chief tomorrow", Killian said.
"Finally", Brian slurred.
"Man, I think you're wasted", Jack chuckled.
He took the drink from him, throwing the rest of the contents inside the sink. Brian slumped on the couch, stretching his legs.
"You guys talk, I'll listen", he hiccuped.
"We've done most the planning, what's left is to arrange the ammo in such a way that the government soldiers at the border wouldn't suspect a thing", Killian said.
"How do you propose this?", Brian asked.
"I don't know yet but I'll think of something before we finally send it in. All we have to do now is make sure the meeting goes well tomorrow", Killian said.
"And you need to be on your best behavior Brian. I can't have you dead drunk in front of the army chief", Jack said.
"Sure...sure.. turst me..", Brian slurred.
Jack placed Brian's leg on the couch as he watched him fall asleep. There was no use talking anymore especially now that their alpha was wasted. Killian sent a quick message to Serah to inform her that Brian wouldn't be coming home that day.
Serah replied almost immediately, informing them to take good care of him. She missed him but at that moment, she needed to clear her head.
The next morning, Brian woke up bright and early. The intoxicating drink had cleared away from his eyes.
"Who's driving?", Brian asked.
"You are", Killian said, throwing the keys at him.
The trio headed towards the car, climbing in as they made their way to the restricted area that the army chief lived in.
When they got there, Brian and his friends were subjected to a rigorous search. When they were certified clean, they walked into the building.
"Keep your eyes and ears open", Brian said.
"Yes boss".
They got to the large visiting area as each took a seat as they awaited the army chief's arrival. Soon, the port bellied man walked in, flanked by two soldiers.
"Welcome friends", he smiled.
Brian rose up from his seat, shaking his hands. The army chief shook the others as they sat down. Brian wasn't fooled, he knew that all these were just a cover up for why they were really here.
"I'm sorry for having this meeting this late. I've been... Engaged in recent times", Brian said.
"It's okay, the good thing is you're here", he said.
"So, let's get down to business shall we?", Brian said.
"Of course".
"Sir, you've requested for a hundred thousand ammos of different specifications. With all due respect sir, what's the reason for this?, Jack asked.
"I need them because after this, I wouldn't be ordering for a long time", he said.
He stroked his beard as he stared at the trio. Brian didn't understand what he said but he decided to flow along.
"So that's the reason why you're ordering a whole lot?", Killian asked.
"Yes".
"I'm afraid sir, there would be some problems", Brian said.
"Problems? Whatever do you mean", the army chief said.
"Ammos of that amount can't be transported through the borders. There are tons of security men who are guarding the border and once they get to know about what we're carrying, it would get seized", Brian said.
For several minutes, the army chief remained quiet, stroking his mustache as he was deep in thought.
"Is there another solution to this. I'm afraid that I do not control all the security outfits", he said.
"There's one solution but if we employ that you have to pay heavily", Brian said.
"I don't care how much I have to pay, I need those guns" he snapped.
"Do you want to know the solution or not", Brian snapped.
He wouldn't sit there and watch the army chief talk to him and his friends with that tone. It was a business discussion and not some order he was receiving.
"What's the solution?",the army chief asked.
"Underwater", Brian said.
The trio sat patiently, waiting for the army chief to decide whether he would employ that method or not. They could tell that he was having a hard time deciding whether to accept it or not.
"Alright, I accept", he finally said.
"It's a deal", Brian said.