The Royal Contract

Chapter 1319: The endless possibilities

He parked his car on the almost deserted street. It was already late, but a few people were still strolling along the pedestrian side.

But would he trust his life to these people? Maybe not. But he came here with a mission. And he would not leave until he accomplished it.

He quickened his footsteps until he saw the narrow alleyway leading him to the person he sought. But before he could even step inside, somebody blocked his way.

"You don't seem to belong to this part of the neighborhood." A man in a sleeveless shirt, loose denim pants with tattoos inked almost all his exposed skin stood before him.

He could only suspect that he must be one of the gangs that ruled this street at night. But the likes of him did not scare him.

He also once lived in this kind of neighborhood. He was not proud that he was also part of a local gang that caused problems rather than solutions in their small community.

"I did not come here to cause trouble." He raised his hands in surrender, avoiding an unnecessary confrontation.

After all, he did not come for them but for another reason. And he did not need to start a problem unless he had no choice.

"Are you sure?" He said as he studied his face before scrutinizing his body. He was probably checking if he had weapons in him.

Still, he prepared himself if things would get out of hand. He knew that once trouble started in the street, it was just a matter of seconds before things were over.

Then, he would be facing the consequences. It was either he would be the last man standing. Or he would be lying on the floor in the pool of his blood.

"You look like a cop." He accused him as he circled him with his buddies nearby. "You look like a detective that circled this area." He reiterated.

It must be his cheap suit that looked almost identical to what the cops usually wore or his lean physique that had made them suspect he was here to bust them.

"Fortunately, I am not." He insisted, pulling his coat to show them he had no badge or gun on his waist. "I don't want any trouble. I am just looking for a friend."

He closed his jacket after assuring them that he came in peace. Finally, some backed away, leaving just two who stood before him.

"So, who are you looking for? Maybe we can help." The shady man offered, but he knew not to trust a man like him.

"I think I can manage to find him on my own." He suggested, hoping the man would take the hint and leave him alone.

But such was not his luck as the man persisted in assisting him but for a price. Of course, he knew when he was being harassed and hassled.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" A familiar voice resonated in the dark alley, bouncing on the walls until it reached his ears.

He and the other guys turned to see who it was, focusing on the dark shadows that moved toward them.

Continue reading at m|v-l'e -novelhall.net

Or someone adopted him but decided to return him because of some complications in the adoption process or some other problem.

"No. I am happy where I am. I have my family right here." He pointed to the man that was lurking in the shadow.

He could understand his reasoning, remembering how he considered the people in the street his only family. But in his experience, the boy could never depend on them in the long run.

Eventually, he would be left alone to fend for himself in this chaotic city jungle against the ferocious lions, the wild bears, and the poisonous snakes who wished to dominate the land.

"I hope you will indulge me for a few hours. Come with me." He asked him. "If I can't convince you by then, I will never bother you again."

He guessed that was his last chip. If his gamble did not pay off, then he lost forever. His chance of winning him over and Serena, too, would disappear. Then he would have nothing.

"I will give you an hour." The boy said after his long silence.

But an hour was not enough, so he haggled for more. "Three hours." That should be long enough.

He guessed Serena somehow finally persuaded him to like the boy more than he would like. She was right about him. He was intelligent, kind, loyal, and trustworthy.

Serena had finally convinced him that she should adopt the boy and take him out of this place. He deserved more than what fate had given him so far.

"Fine," Ken answered as he walked away from him, back into the dark alley. "Wait in your car." He said before he finally disappeared with his friend.

He watched the shadows slowly fade before he moved toward his car and climbed into the passenger seat.

After a few minutes, he wondered if the boy had fooled him and decided to ditch him. He checked his watch, wondering if he should continue waiting. Or should he start looking for him again?

"Five minutes more." He mumbled to himself, checking the clock every minute that passed. But a few seconds before the time lapsed, a shadow emerged in the alley, and the boy finally appeared, moving to his car.

He did not mind looking for him, but he was glad the boy had kept his promise. It was a good sign that the boy also had integrity.

"Shall we go?" The boy climbed on the passenger's side and strapped himself to the car seat. "But I have to get back before the sun goes up." He reminded him.

He guessed they still had plenty of time to do his plan and return to this place. Like the boy, he intended to keep his promise.

He did not want the boy to think the earth was full of crooks and bad people. He already thought of the world bad enough.

"Ok." He started the engine and immediately pulled away from the parking lot. Soon, they were cruising on the almost empty street on their way to another part of this incredible city.

He only hoped that he could open the boy's eyes to the endless possibilities that awaited him on the other side.