King of Hearts

Chapter 56 – Third Party.

Don Jeremiah Soul's POV, Soul compound, Boston.

"So that's it? They just jumped you?" I questioned as Vexer nodded.

"Out of nowhere." Stated Vexer as I looked to the side in thought about who this could have been.

"Was it Morgue's guys?" I asked Vexer as he shook his head.

"They weren't dressed in family colors sir. I think it was an outside group."

Sitting back, I replied.

"That can't be. No one other then Morgue and I know about this contract. And I know it wasn't me."

"What about the client?" Questioned Vexer as I realized the possibility. But still shaking my head I replied.

"That still wouldn't make any sense. Why would the client order this contract just to turn on us? Us?! Out of everyone, why go after the most powerful family alive to date?" I asked Vexer as he remained silent.

Looking to my desk, I slowly ordered.

"Go check on Hash for me. If he's able to move tell him to come see me immediately."

"Yes sir." Replied Vexer as he stood up to head for my office door.

As soon as he was gone I was debating the options. Who would want to turn on me? I could understand it being Morgue but not anyone else. Maybe the client got cold feet. But that still doesn't give him the right to hire some thugs and jump my best guys. As I continued to contemplate the answer, Hash came walking through my door in a mater of time. He looked pissed, but I knew how to handle him.

"Sit." I ordered him as he gently got before my desk to take his seat.

"I ran through what happened with Vexer already. But tell me what you think." I urged him as he rubbed his right shoulder to reply.

"It was an outside group of mercs. If I had any idea of who it was that did this I would tell you, but the only thing I can come up with in the end is the client. We should go have a talk with him. And if it was him who got me shot I'm going to kill him."

Looking to his quills to see some blood on them, I questioned.

"Are you sure your able to do this?"

Nodding he replied.

"Yeah. Just let me go find him and I'll figure out who did this." Stated Hash in confidence as I went to my desk to pull out the contract folder. Looking back into Hash's eyes, I said.

"The client's name is Lenard Russel. Here's a picture." I stated as I handed him the picture to order.

"You go find him. Alone. Do what you got to do. Question him. Beat him. Just don't kill him if he had nothing to do with this."

"And if he did?" Questioned Hash as I looked right into his eyes to reply.

"Do as you please."

Slowly Hash nodded to stand up and head for the door. Before he could reach it, I shouted.

"Hash!"

Looking back at me, I said in a strict tone.

"Uphold my family. Make sure whoever did those knows you never cross a Soul."

With a single nod, Hash made his way out the door leaving me alone to think once more to myself. I had one other person on my mind that could have done this. But it's an option that makes me look paranoid.

Could Shadow have done this?

Don Pitch Robotnik's POV, Robotnik compound, New York.

It was getting late and not a single move from Skier to my surprise. I wonder what he's waiting for? I asked myself as I made my way out of my office and towards the front door of my compound.

As I walked outside to see the night sky, I asked one of my men.

"Has Damien come back yet?"

Shaking his head he replied.

"No sir."

"I wonder what he's doing." I said to myself as I walked to the back of the compound to find the range Rover had set up empty.

I guess Lace left earlier. I hope she's okay.

Turning my attention for the pool, I found some of my guards relaxing the night away with some night swimming. As I approached however, they all stopped and one shouted in surprise.

"Don Robotnik!? We were just...!?"

Raising my hand I urged.

"It's okay. Just enjoy yourselves. But be sure your spots are covered on the perimeter. We can't have anyone getting in because you all decided to go for a late night dive."

Slowly smiles came to them as one replied in a happy tone.

"No need to worry about that sir. We tend to take turns."

"When Rover leaves right?" I asked with a smile as they nodded.

Chuckling, I then ordered.

"Well make sure you get back to your posts within the hour."

"Yes sir." They replied as I left them to their fun.

To be honest that was weird. But I guess everyone needs to have some fun at one point or another.

As I made my way back to the front I was caught off guard by Damien who came out of nowhere to ask.

"What are you doing?"

Stopping to look into my uncle's eyes, I replied.

"I was just looking around before I go to bed."

Nodding, Damien then stated.

"Okay, but I mean what are you doing about the slackers in the family pool?"

"I ahhh...?" Cutting me off, Damien said forcefully.

"We're at war and your setting that as a good example for our guards?"

In confusion, I tried to defend myself.

"I just figured they should have the chance to relax. It's late. Don Skier won't do anything."

Damien grew madder. I went silent as he replied.

"Don Marxist? Killed at night. Don Ortiz? Killed because his guards were caught off guard. Don Pitch Robotnik? No. Not happening on my watch. Be smart Pitch. Not easy. Go back there and tell them to get back to work."

Looking back at the pool, I hesitated. Damien waited as I looked back at him.

"I...I can't."

Very slowly Damien nodded to reply.

"Fine. I'll get it. Your not used to being an asshole to people. Your afraid of it. But listen to me Pitch you have too at times like this. You can be easy when your life isn't on the line. But when we're at war you need to take action. Now just stay here while I do it."

Quickly pushing by me, I tried to say.

"Damien I...ahhhh."

Turning to watch as he approached the men at the pool, it didn't take more then a few seconds for them to get out and head back to work. Damien kept his eyes locked on the men till they were back at their posts before making his way back to me to say.

"It's that easy. Next time you need to grow up and do your job. Your a Don. You have all the power. They can't question you or overrule you. Use your position and spend some time finding your balls."

Making his way away from me in speed, I took his words to heart. I mean he was right about the guards working and all, but there was no need for being an asshole like that.

Turning my back for the front of the compound, I carefully made my way back to my room.

I'm doing my best to keep this series going as fast as I can. Remember to leave a love and a hug and let me know what you think so far about Damien.

mT Shadow.