Serendipity's Shadow
Rated T
Chapter 44
With a snap of his finger, the sound of three gunshots erupted from the room.
Mr. Jones flinched at the sound wondering silently if one of those bullets was meant for him. Meanwhile, Nick dusted off his jacket with a displeased frown.
"Have the concierge call our carpenters." Nick looked at the floor. "We will be needing some new carpet."
Nick looked away from the three traitor's lifeless bodies to examine Mr. Jones. He calmed his facial expression before speaking to the mammal.
"Mr. Jones." Nick stepped around the bodies approaching the scared individual. "I'll have you sent home safe. I suggest you stay put for a while." Nick then turned back to his guards. "And could you summon everyone back in please?"
"Of course, Sir." The lead guard nodded.
"Good man." Nick smiled before clapping his hands loudly against each other, making Mr. Jones jump in fear. "Now…Mr. Jones, please have a nice evening."
Mr. Jones looked at the blood-splattered carpet before giving an obedient nod to the Shadow.
"Y-Yes, Sir."
Nick watched Mr. Jones exit the room escorted by a guard.
"Do you want us to remove the bodies, Sir?"
Nick turned back to look at the three bodies in thought.
What sends a better message?
"Is my gardener still employed? I think our hedges need to be shortened a head…or more."
"Yes, Sir."
About an hour passed before everything was set up to the Shadow's liking. The useless parts of the bodies were removed while Mr. Jones was sent home. Mrs. Tao was the first to walk into the room. Her reaction to the scene set the bar for the tensity of the situation.
"Oh, my-"
Placed on a serving platter at their respective seats sat the decapitated heads of the three traitors. While Nick continued to sit at the head of the table admiring the crimson liquid on his wine glass.
"Sorry for the mess my friends. It is hard to do a decent clean up on such short notice."
Mrs. Tao, overcoming her shock, nodded in understanding before taking her respective seat. Taking the lead of the group, much to Mr. Wilson's displeasure, the others followed suit. A mix of fear and greed flowed into the room. Fear that one of them could be next. And greed that the lower-seated individuals could have a chance at getting closer to the Shadow.
"Some weeds have snuck into our flower bed." Nick sighed with a pitiful look. "I'm sorry my family and friends. But please be reassured that the garden has been pruned and weeded. And please accept my humble apologies."
Nick had gifted each member at the table with a bottle of aged fine wine.
"Mr. Wilde, please. It us who have allowed the weeds to enter in the first place, it is us who should be apologizing." Mrs. Tao bowed her head humbly to Nick.
I like her more and more.
"Fitting of you to say that Mrs. Tao." Mr. Wilson accused.
"Do you have something to say, my feline friend?" Mrs. Tao glared at the tiger.
"Only pointing out the elephant in the room-oops, sorry. I meant to say panda."
"You dare!"
"I dare!" Mr. Wilson slammed his head on the table.
How are you going to handle this Mrs. Tao?
No one was going to stop this fight if the Shadow wasn't going to put in any effort to stop it.
"You have been ass-kissing the Shadow for a while now. Don't you think you might be trying a little too hard to not have him look at you and your background business?"
"That's funny to hear from you. If I remember correctly, didn't you ask to borrow one of my districts for a month as you were moving supplies? Are you sure you're not just coveting my territory? Or maybe trying to hide your incompetence?"
"You overweight bitch-"
"Ahem." Nick coughed, catching everyone's attention. "I don't believe your thoughts of Mrs. Tao have any legs to stand on."
"Sir, please. Can't you see how untrue her intentions are?"
"Apparently not. Care to enlighten me, Mr. Wilson?" Nick challenged his sketchy subordinate.
Realizing his mistake, Mr. Wilson bowed in shame to the Shadow.
"I dare not think I know better than you Mr. Wilde. I just can't stand to see you be tricked once again in one day."
Nick stared at him for a moment refusing to allow the tiger to stand straight.
"Mrs. Tao you are to no longer aid in Mr. Wilson's endeavors. The same goes for you as well, Mr. Wilson." Only once Mr. Wilson was acknowledged by the Shadow did he retake his seat at the table. "Mrs. Tao?"
"Yes, Sir?"
"Your family is about respecting your superiors. I have massive respect for your family and its traditions. However, I hope you will find a way to stand out from the crowd without…how did you put it, Mr. Wilson?"
"Kissing ass, Sir."
"Right…I want you to grow stronger for the family Mrs. Tao. I expect bigger things than an obedient servant from you." Nick paused before addressing Mr. Wilson again. "And I will be keeping a close eye on you Mr. Wilson alongside Mrs. Tao. As I find those who accuse first often have either something to gain…or something to hide."
The chill from Nick's words scared Mr. Wilson stiff. Now Mr. Wilson lost the small aid from Mrs. Tao's district and has the gaze of the Shadow tracking his every move.
"Family. Friends. Go home. Enjoy your wine and we will meet again soon as…" Nick looked at the displayed heads. "Decisions have been made. Of course, I will welcome any recommendations for some new flowers to add to our familial garden."
Waving his hand to excuse the group, everyone left the Shadow in the room alone. Sending one last glare to the severed heads Nick called to make sure his driver was ready to pick him up.
Once in the car, Nick loosened his tie in frustration.
How did it get this bad?
It was a dumb question. Nick knew the answer to his question without hesitation. After Nick and Judy split the year that followed was…bad for business to put it lightly. Nick throwing himself a pity party was lax in his duties as the Shadow.
Lost in thought, Nick's phone began to ring.
"What?" Nick snapped.
"Touchy much?" Finn asked in defense.
"Sorry, Finn." Nick took a deep calming breath. "What's wrong?"
"Your moose doctor guy is here."
"And?" Nick knew the doctor was there since Judy was slightly injured according to his crew that was watching the building. When he first received the text Nick did his best to stay calm. But with Finn calling the panic slowly came back.
"She dragged the doctor into the room and kicked everyone out for a while. And now I'm hearing their voices get a little loud."
"I'll be right there."
Nick didn't hesitate to hang up the phone and order the driver to take all the possible shortcuts he knew. Thanks to hiring competent people Nick made it back to the hotel in record time. He didn't bother to exchange pleasantries with anyone. Immediately he entered the elevator and paced anxiously in the metal box.
My sniper said it was nothing serious. I need to calm down.
Once the doors opened he heard Judy and the Doctor's loud voices he made a beeline for Judy's bedroom.
Screw keeping calm!
"It's my business and my business alone!" Judy declared from behind the door.
"Miss Hopps, please. You need to think of the baby."
What?!