Chapter 10 Panther

Xavier's POV:

I look dumbfounded at the Lord. He is far younger than I imagined. But to think he couldn't handle the case or make the rumored Panther work for him just showed how truly dangerous she is. But the more astonishing thing was that she outright refused. She didn't bother even telling me the reason even though I was paying whatever price she asked which I never do. Not ever.

I see the Lord simply sigh, "I was hoping if I had shared a few details, it would convince her to say yes. But it looks like I have no other choice."

He takes out a cigarette and lights it after taking a hit once or twice, he looks me dead in the eyes, "The man you're after is protected by people who are better not known or spoken of. If you want to really take him down, do keep in mind that the people you care about need to be heavily protected."

"I know. I have that in mind."

He puts up his hand, "No, no you don't. I consider them kids. What you need are people who've had practical experience in the field. My suggestion is to request the services of Campbells. They are top in their field no one can match up to them."

I simply scoff at that, "Not even Panther wanted to take the case. Her name is known throughout the world. She is known to be a ruthless killer with no mercy. Even more, if it involves innocent children. So, I doubt the people you are recommending can be anywhere as good as her."

"If you weren't sent by an ally of Grandfather, I would've killed you by now. I don't like people who talk back to me. As for Panther, she's always been a loner. She's never been really part of all the sh*t I have been doing. The only reason she joined hands with me is to save people worth saving. So wise up and let her go. You won't be disappointed by the people I recommend. Again, if you don't opt for the option then don't regret it. Good evening." He leaves after leaving their card with me.

I want to punch the guy but I know it won't be a wise choice. So, trying to drink in my anger I get up with force causing it to fall backward. Heading to the front entrance I am surprised to see the police; I walk towards my car only to hear the whispers in the air that they have finally arrested the gruesome rapists and human traffickers but in the state, they have been caught it can easily be said that someone got to them before them and tortured them and left them as a gift for the police.

I have a hunch who's behind this as there was a bit of blood on the mask of Panther. Damn it, just remembering how she outright refused to help me when I could've made her life a living luxury pisses me off more than I thought it could. Unlocking the car, I slide in and slam the door with more force than needed because of a damned woman.

I know very well that this isn't going to resolve anything. I head back home and am glad that everyone's already asleep. At least I can avoid questions.

Morning comes and I couldn't be gladder. Hitting the gym for a whole 2 hours, I am surprised at my mother's voice, "Son, is everything alright?"

Stopping in mid-punch, covered in sweat, breathing heavily; I straighten my pose and take a deep breath letting go I turn towards Mom, "Yeah, just had a bit of a bad day."

"Hmm, I can imagine if slamming your car door as if you meant to break it meant anything."

"You were awake?"

"Son, I got back from the hospital a bit later than usual due to an emergency, so I saw the whole scene. You were so occupied; you didn't notice me. So, will you be sharing with me what happened or are you going to share it once sh*t hits the fan for my patience?"

Taking the towel, I set it aside on the bench I wipe my sweat and then face her, "It's a bit complicated. Can you give me a few days and I'll explain everything?"

She sighs, "Alright, clean up Bloom is already awake and wanted to discuss something with you. She's waiting for you and me at breakfast."

I nod and head upstairs, I head straight for my room, taking a quick shower allowing me to clear my thoughts and get my head back to the work that's important right now. Wearing my watch from a favorite collection of mine and taking my phone I head for breakfast.

As soon as Bloom spots me she gets up runs towards me and tackles me with her hug. Making me smile and allowing me momentarily forget the anger brewing in me since last night. I peck her forehead and hug her back.

After the incident, we've gotten close. I can't believe it's already almost 3 weeks since everything. But in a way, I am glad it happened. The differences and the shyness to speak up finally gave way and we started to understand each other the way we should've from the first day.

Settling at the table, Mom, seated at the head of the family chair I, on her left side, and Bloom on her right side While eating, Bloom brings up the conversation I was anticipating, "Mom, bro, I wanted to ask, if it was okay to bring over a friend due to English assignment we have to prepare?"

Mom immediately smiles, "Of course! Sweetie, I would be delighted to meet your friend. Does she have any specific preferences also, would she be staying for dinner?"

"Umm... It's not a girl but a boy. He wanted to complete it at school but since that'd be impossible and well, I don't feel comfortable going to his home, I thought it'd be better to invite him over at our home. Before that, I wanted to have your permission." She looks over at the both of us to see our reactions.

I'd rather not have boys flocking around my sis but since he'll be under our roof, it'd be impossible for him to do anything so I nod towards Mom, "Alright, sweetie. You can invite him over. What day should we expect?"

"Umm... I'd say today if he agrees. But if not, I am not sure but probably be within the next 2 days as the assignment is due by Friday. He's really a difficult person to understand. It's like he's able to lock the entire world out. So maybe a quiet place would work better." She sighs at the end as if she knows even, she doesn't believe what she saying.

Dropping her off at her school, I take out the card that I got and dial the person who referred to him in the first place, Brian King. When I explained the situation, he was unable to offer his help as he had no allies here except him the feared Reaper. A name that needs no explanation. After getting a good look at him it made sense why people would call him that.

"Ah, Kingston! I wasn't expecting you to call so quickly. I presume that he accepted."

"If by he, you are referring to Panther then sorry to disappoint but she didn't accept even though I was willing to offer any price she asked. But they have referred someone else who offers protection services that no one's seen as of yet. I need to know what you know about Campbells Inc.?"

Connecting my phone to a wireless Bluetooth headpiece I put the phone on the dashboard and am surprised to hear nothing but silence, "It looks like it's a more serious threat if they've recommended them. They're a fearsome group from what I have heard of rumors. But one thing I know for sure, is there have been times when international or national security has required their help hacking into the enemies' bases and even fighting them capturing them dead or alive. They don't take orders from anyone other than the CEO of Campbells Inc. The astonishing thing about this is that many people have met them but none have the guts to even reveal the name of the person behind it all."

My fingers tighten on the wheel as I hear the entire conversation, "What should I be prepared for?"

"Simple. Don't order them to do anything. I know for a fact that they'll accept the case but how they do things is completely up to them. Don't question their actions." This is not what I was expecting.

"Are you fu*king serious right now? Do you know how much I hate when I don't have control over a situation?! Which is why it has escalated to this extent."

"I am being damn serious right now, Xavier. What is more important to you right now? Your sister and family's safety or do you need to be in control? As much as I know about the Lord is that if an ally asks for his help, he accepts with no hesitation knowing he'll get it back ten folds. But for him to pass the case to his right-hand man and then for him to decline is not at all common... Wait, previously you said she? Panther is a female?" Brian asks at the end clearly shocked.

"Yes. The way you're surprised tells me she's more than meets the eye?"

"Obviously. The reason I recommended Panther is solely due to the fact she's known to be a ruthless killer with no emotions and singlehandedly defeated a group of people who at the time were known for their terror. To her, only the innocent children's lives mattered not what happened to her. Whereas, even the police who are a symbol of justice were hesitant to do something about it."

"She must've had something to gain from it otherwise, there is no way she'd do it. Because if she did, she wouldn't have rejected my offer that came at a price nothing is impossible." Just remembering the way, she rejected me makes my blood boil.

"Xavier, the last time I heard, Panther retired after taking the last case almost 5 years ago. She lends help sometimes to the Lord. So, I assumed if I directly talked to him, he might be able to convince her. She must've had her reasons for declining. Just try the people he's recommended. He has never disappointed up to this point."

"What sort of reason could she have to refuse?" I remark anger coursing my veins.

I hear a sigh at the other end, "People don't choose the disposition they are handed in their platter. My thoughts are probably that she has settled down. Maybe even has a family. She can't be doing these dangerous things anymore. Of course, these are only my thoughts. No one, who wasn't born in the darkness wishes to stay in the darkness. Everyone wants and strives for the day that they can walk in the day without keeping their head down."

When he reasons with me like that I can understand where he's coming from as women from their families have been through hell and back but never gave up their motive to keep walking forward. But not everyone is like that. Considering Panther's reputation, I can not fathom the idea of her settling down.

Hanging up after a few minutes, I call the number on the card provided and make an appointment and want to applaud their audacity that they aren't available for a week. Damn just my fu*king luck. I just hope they are worth the hype they are. Or I don't mind destroying them.