Chapter 8 Blood and Deceit

"Wait..." Nikolai uttered, silencing my footsteps.

What does he want this time? I hope he's not planning on doing anything foolish now, is he?

If he thinks he can outsmart me, it would surely be a mistake on his part.

I turned my gaze to him. "What, Nikolai?" I asked.

"As I said, the goods were delivered safely thanks to me, but there were some errors that almost occurred. Don't worry, I took care of it already."

"What errors?"

"Why don't you follow me, Mr. Hawthorne? I will show you."

A second thought I would think of was that, but what could be the sudden issue?

I nodded, following Nikolai, ready for any sudden change from him, for I trusted him not, and if I were to trust either, it wouldn't be a mafia lord like him.

A man who also understands tactics and logic, just like me.

He led me to a warehouse close to the ship, showing me a man tied to a chair being tortured by Nikolai's goons. His face was disfigured from all the punches.

"He's an informant, a spy. My men spotted him trying to take some pictures."

Really, they all just don't realize the danger they put themselves in.

I removed the tape used to silence the man's lips.

"Who sent you?" I whispered.

But all I received were no responses to my questions.

All he blabbered were, "I will expose you, Sebastian Hawthorne! I will expose all your secret dealings! You shall all rot in jail for the lives you have taken!"

His words sounded like a buzz in my ears. He had the guts to even threaten me, in my territory, no less.

My lane. His life was in my grasp.

I was thinking of other options, but he made it clear and chose his path.

So who am I not to give him his wish?

"Why is he still alive, Nikolai?"

"I wanted you to have a look and decide."

Really, what was he expecting me to decide? Did he think I would let him go and expose me?

Let out all my dealings and return me to the gutter?

That would be the last thing that would ever happen. All the efforts I had put up to gain and get what I wanted, I surely wouldn't let them all go like that.

"Give me the gun."

I uttered, grabbing the gun from one of Nikolai's goons as he handed it over.

I gave the man a last glance.

"Sure would be a favour to put you out of your misery..." I said without a second thought. I pulled the trigger.

Blood stained as little splashed on me. "Take care of his body, Nikolai." I ordered, returning the gun as I left the warehouse.

I slowly returned to where the packages were being brought out.

I halted them, stopping them as I slowly opened one of the packages.

My hands grabbed a tiny piece of the Euphoria, taking a sniff to confirm if it was the real stuff.

I wouldn't want to be cheated now, would I?

A sense of intoxication left my eyes; I felt closely getting high through a sniff.

It was it. Finally, the package had arrived, now to deliver.

"Put the packages in the trucks..." I ordered, and they continued bringing the packages, doing as told.

Six trucks had been parked to contain the entire shipment, with some of Nikolai's men stationed at the side to ensure safe delivery to the warehouse down the street.

Darius would surely take it from there. He would know how to handle the delivery.

All I am to expect is my share, and I'm sure they won't think of cheating me.

They wouldn't want to dare me on that now, would they?

As the packages were loaded into the truck, Nikolai came out, his hands stained with the blood of the dead man.

Just a simple disposal, and he got himself stained with the man's blood. He couldn't just do that in a clean way...

My work here was done. The packages were confirmed, and all seemed to be going quite well.

I gently approached Nikolai. "I will leave. Take care of things from here now. Two police officers are usually stationed at the path we move through. Tip off the captain; he's sure to let you off. I am sure I can leave my goods for you to handle easily."

I said, but he lit up a cigarette as he gently smoked it with a grin. "Sure, Mr. Hawthorne. Sure... I know how to take care of them."

He was a mafia lord. What more should I expect than bloodshed from him?

"I don't want anything happening to them, Nikolai..." I let out a warning, making sure it was clear enough for him to grasp.

I snatched the cigarette he was smoking from his grip. "Now get to work." I uttered, smoking the cigarette as I left, returning to my car.

With a last glance at my package, I drove off.

I noticed the glance Nikolai left. I knew he was somebody I could not trust. Who does he think he is anyway?

He may be a mafia lord, but when it comes to the underground dealings, he knew who was the boss of his. He served a useful purpose, and he should appreciate it. That's the only reason I allowed him to live.

I knew this wasn't surely gonna last long for him.

I drove back to my mansion as I gently got out, with my driver approaching me. I tossed the car keys at him as he drove the car, parking it.

I surely hope they won't mess things up... I thought as I went inside my mansion.

I was left stunned as my gaze fell on her. "Scarlet Everston..."

I mean, what was she doing here? I never said I didn't want her now, but she had requested a week, so why the sudden change? I knew she was here to stay, given the luggage I saw her with.