CHAPTER 4 ~ Well Played ~
|| CHAPTER THEME SONG:
Monster By Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber ||
[ Iris’s POV]
Frowning hard, my eyes swept over the unfamiliar black uniforms. The group definitely looked dangerous but they didn’t intimidate me as I was too tired and mentally exhausted. I sighed in exasperation.
“No more today! Please!” I complained to myself.
Where did they all come from anyway? My right hand slowly travelled up to my waistline to pull out my favorite weapon. They were instantly alarmed by my movement.
“Put your down hand little girl. Don't be stupid and follow us quietly.” The leader commanded.
Having a military grade rifle pointed at my head, I decided to lower my hand. I shrugged my shoulders before instinctively bringing my hands together behind my head. At the leader’s command, one of the individuals tied my hands together behind my back before covering my face with a black sheet. They quickly dragged me out of the cemetery, not caring if I tripped on the surrounding tombstones. I felt asphalt under my feet right before they tossed me into a car. Driving at a high speed, despite the heavy rain, I heard a lady’s voice beside me as she called her boss.
“We finally got her and we are the way.” She reported.
“Who was she talking about?” I wondered. “I just arrived in the city a few days ago.”
I hoped it had nothing to do with him.
...
[Xavier’s POV]
When I reached the office party, which was off of Elephant Road, the members looked excited– that is until I walked through the door. At my entrance they all stood up in unison and their faces paled. I don't know what made them fear me so much! I admit that I was a bit ruthless when it comes to dealing with my enemies, but that didn't mean I would treat them the same way. Why would I even think about doing that? They were my people for Christ’s sake! My mother found out that they had planned a party to celebrate my birthday tonight and she insisted that I join them. Even though I didn't feel like it, I came anyway because I needed to keep up the morale within the company. We had faced some difficult issues lately and they all deserved a break. I stood awkwardly in the middle of the big reception room, while my employees warily eyed me. I plopped down in my designated seat and all of them started to wish me well with brave smiles.
“Happy Birthday, Mr. President!” I heard one say.
“Long live the King of nation!” Someone cheered.
One after another, I received similar compliments and wishes for my continued happiness. With gratitude, I lifted my glass in a toast and everyone took a drink. I smiled and shook my head helplessly as I saw how the younger employees gushed with pride about how they decorated the cake for tonight’s party. I observed them talking happily amongst themselves, and was able to relax a little.
However, that didn’t last long as Scott made a sudden appearance beside me. He whispered cautiously in my ear notifying me about a sudden development. My eyes flashed in anger.
“Call Derek, I need him to reach the border now.” I ordered.
Scott gave a curt nod and disappeared. I stood up from my seat with my wine and drifted away from the crowd. I didn't want to bring them into the matter, nor did I wish to spoil their mood because of my personal vendettas. Standing in front of the glass doors, I watched the rain that was falling lightly onto the sidewalk. I only had to wait about five minutes for Scott's confirmation that my orders had been carried out. The man was truly exceptional. I smirked as my phone vibrated. The screen lit up and I saw the familiar number–for what seemed to be the hundredth time–before tapping the answer button.
“Happy Birthday, Mr. Gray! Ah... all your people should be celebrating this special day together.” He boasted proudly.
“Thank you!” I replied with a light chuckle.
I could tell he was taken aback by my nonchalant manner.
“Well, I prepared a present for you. Want to hear?” He asked sarcastically.
My eyes dimmed as I heard one of my men’s desperate pleas.
“Boss... Boss... They have... abducted… my daughter... Boss... please don't abandon me... Boss... Can you hear me?” He stuttered.
I clenched my teeth tightly and gripped my phone harder as I heard my man getting knocked out. I wrestled with myself to bring my rage back under control.
“How was that? Did you like my gift?” He asked. “Tsk... Some people never learn. Kind of like you. Neither of us ever wins at this game, but we still continue to play. I guess this time, the upper hand is mine! Maybe the winner was already determined by the gods... That's... m...”
He was interrupted in the middle of his stupid speech and a grin broke out across my face as I heard one of his men freaking out over the phone.
“Boss! We are finished! All of our contraband was stolen by another gang. What should we do now?! It was all worth nearly a billion dollars!” He yelled. “Then the gang was arrested by the police! They must be looking for the ringleaders by now. What should we do? We were so cautious and this has never happened before.”
My mood suddenly brightened and I took a leisurely sip of my cold wine. After shushing his lackey, I heard him falling into silence. I had the sudden urge to laugh when he raggedly blew out a frustrated breath.
“Well played, Xavier!” He congratulated me with indifference.
Before I could reply, he disconnected the call. I smiled victoriously while putting my phone away. It had been so many years and he still never gave up on trying to get the better of me. I was getting tired of playing these little cat and mouse games with this idiot. He had caused so many people to be killed or injured. Unfortunately, I was accustomed to matters that involved playing with blood. It was a fantasy of mine since childhood, which was not surprising considering my family. You can never escape your own fate no matter where you go!
Returning to the party, I clapped my hands to seize my employee’s attention. I formed a brilliant smile that made their eyes go wide with shock.
“Let's cut the cake boys! It's time to celebrate!” I said.