The Royal Contract

It was getting harder and harder to balance his professional job, illegal activities, and other secret life. It was like he had been hopping from one roller coaster ride after another.

But, of course, he knew why he had to do this. At first, he thought it was for his friends. But recently, he realized he had enough of the life he had been leading.

He started to believe that a change in direction was something he needed. It was not just for Gerald anymore. He also wanted it for himself.

"Mike, the boss will see you now." One of the bulkiest men he had ever seen stood straight, imposingly before him.

But, of course, size did not intimidate him. He believed everybody would eventually kneel or lay dead on the ground once he put a bullet in their heads.

He was a good fighter with a strong fist. But why would he waste his energy when he could end it in just a few seconds?

"Sure, lead the way." Mike smiled at the burly receptionist, not wanting to antagonize the man.

One significant thing he had learned from Gerald was never to pick a fight that would put him at a disadvantage.

And at that moment, he was swimming in a pool of sharks. It would be stupid to go into a battle that was impossible to win.

"Follow me." The man instructed as he ushered him inside the labyrinth hallways that seemed identical anywhere he turned.

An intruder would have difficulty finding his way around this expansive mansion if he did not have a layout of the place. That included him since this was his first time entering their new boss's residence.

Still, he took some mental notes of his new surrounding. He made sure he could absorb as many details as possible. Any information he gathered today here might become beneficial later on.

"Mike, please join us." The new right-hand man of the big boss greeted him, pointing to a vacant chair near where they were already sitting.

His eyes quickly scanned the room, determining if there was something odd about the place. But so far, all he saw was the expensive taste of their new boss as he stared at the priceless painting and treasures displayed on the walls.

"Thank you for coming on short notice." This time, it was their boss who spoke to him directly.

Of course, the older man was not new to him. He had met him several times before. Although Gerald usually dealt with him, not him.

He was the silent partner of the organization. He was always there for Gerald, mentoring, guiding, and helping him. But he should have known better that this man was a snake and could not be trusted.

"Of course, Don, I am here to serve." He knew he had to convince them he was still loyal to the organization. "You can always count on me."

"Would you like a drink?" Michael offered as he moved to pour drinks into two glasses.

"Sure," Mike answered, acting like he was at ease in their company. He knew they should not suspect anything, or he might blow his entire cover.

Michael grabbed another glass and poured him one too. Then, soon he handed one to him while Michael gave the other to their boss and one to himself.

"I know you are a busy man. But your role under Gerald had been invaluable. And we believe that we should formalize your new role in this new organization we are building." Don announced, addressing the statement to him.

He guessed that answered his question. It seemed he had managed to fool them. It meant he finally earned their trust.

"That is great to hear." Mike looked at the two men running the new show. He could not help but wonder what part he would play.

"I am glad that you are on board." Don seemed satisfied as he raised his glass to him. "But first, we like to introduce you to our new partner."

Of course, he was unsurprised that the organization was filling up with new characters. Under new management would mean new people. But he bet there would be many changes in how they ran things.

Then, the door opened, and another older man entered the spacious room. Once again, he was expecting his appearance.

"I want you to meet Mr. Alfred Rosley." Michael had made the introduction while the older man walked closer to him, offering his hands.

It was not his first time meeting the man, but it was under a different circumstance. "It is nice to see you again, Mr. Rosley." It was on the opposite side of the fence.

But honestly, he would never have suspected that the brilliant man could be involved in the illegal activities of this organization.

He had fought with his legal team on numerous occasions, but it was more on legal matters regarding business disputes. Nothing indicated that his company had been running illegal shipments.

"It is a pleasure to know that you are joining us. I heard many things about you." Mr. Rosley firmly shook his hand before letting it go.

He had created a reputation in his professional life. He had a solid stature as one of the best litigators. He had formed a great network in the government hierarchy, something Gerald had maximized during his reign as the King of the underworld.

He also had established a great rapport with the authorities. Those were skills quite beneficial in this business, making him a great asset to the organization.

"All great, I hope." He answered as he relaxed again in his seat. He had to continue his act, pretending to be one of them.

He still could not believe this man would put his life, career, and family on the line for more money and power.

His company was already one of the leading architectural businesses in the industry. His net worth was already in the millions, if not close to billions.

However, he understood what greed could do to people. Those who had none would like to have more. But those who already had enough wanted more.

"So far, I only hear how you are invaluable to us." Mr. Rosley also raised his glass to him, saluting his participation in their circle.

"But before we discuss business matters, there is one personal matter I wish to get off my chest." The older gentleman continued as he sipped on his whiskey.

He might have an idea of where this conversation was leading him. He could already read it in his eyes. But, of course, a good lawyer would never jump to conclusions.

He had to wait for the question and only answer what was relevant to the case, nothing more or less. Still, he had to prepare for all possibilities. The last thing he wanted was for the man to catch him unaware.

"Tell me, Mr. Rosley. Maybe I can help." He answered, putting on a stoic face. He acted as if he was dealing with an important client.

Somehow, he suddenly felt it might be his final test. If he passed this with flying colors, then he was all good. But if he failed, that was something he would determine if he should not succeed.

"Alright, but call me Alfred. After all, we are with friends." The man waved his hands to their associates, who were present in the room, silently observing their interaction.

"Ok. Alfred, if that is what you wish." He swore this man would not blow his cover. Still, he waited for the question that was already on the tip of his tongue.

"You are a known associate of Gerald. Am I right?" Alfred asked him, to which he nodded, confirming his statement. He could not deny that fact.

"My daughter had a relationship with Gerald when he was still alive. I wonder if you had a chance to meet her." Again, it was a statement that sounded like a question.

"We have crossed paths a few times." It was something he could not deny. They did run in some same circles. "And you seem to have a lovely daughter." He made it sound like a generic compliment.

He could see the older man's eyes turning as if he was thinking, at the same time, studying his reaction. But, of course, he would not let him read what was going through his mind.

"Yeah, she is. But how well do you know Haley?" This time, Alfred used a direct approach to the subject. "Would you say you might have an idea of her activities?"

"What is this all about, Alfred?" He asked, pretending to be clueless. "Is there something that I should know about?" He would not get caught in his trap as he stared at the man and the other two in the room.

"Well, you see, my daughter suddenly went missing after Gerald had passed away. I was wondering if you might know anything about it." Finally, the man informed him of the situation.

"Oh! That is quite unfortunate, but I have no idea." Of course, he could not claim that he knew his daughter that well. That would only increase his suspicion if he had any that he might be aware of something.

"Have you reported this to the police?" He asked. As a lawyer, it would be his first advice to his client.

"No. I don't want the police to get involved." Alfred answered, but his eyes never left his face. He probably believed that he might have information.

"Let me see what I can find through the grapevine. Maybe someone has heard of something." But he knew that the only few people who knew about this would never talk to anyone.

He made sure to seal their lips. Haley was gone until he said so. No one would find someone who only wished to vanish. For now, she was missing in action and untraceable.

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