Chapter - 12

New Faces

Boredom makes you do crazy things, like how Neal was counting the little bulbs on the chandelier. He was bored. There was nothing to entertain him and he is tired of staring at the walls and the forbidden door. He tried his best not to look at it, because that brought the memories of events happened yesterday.

An odd tingles filled Neal's stomach when he remembered the things happened between him and Hunter. It was embarrassing. Neal pulled his hair with both hands urging himself to forget about that.

He sighed and stood up from the sofa. Neal poured some water into the tall glass from the jug on the nightstand. The glass didn't touch his lips before―

BANG!

Neal dropped the glass at the startling sound and the it shattered on the floor, sending its pieces to all direction. Neal put his hand on his hammering chest, eyes wide.

What the hell was that!? Gunshot?

Neal gulped in fear and looked down at the mess. He crouched down to clear the glass pieces scattered around the floor.

"Shit!" He cursed when one shard pierced his finger. He lifted himself up slowly and plodded towards the bathroom, careful not to step on the splinters of glass.

Neal put his wounded finger under the flowing water. It stings. He hissed in pain and searched the cupboards for the first aid, but it was nowhere to be found.

He sighed and looked at the wound. His throat also felt dry. Maybe if he could find the kitchen he can get some water and a bandage or something? Neal nodded to himself and exit the bathroom. He hesitated for a moment before opening the door, the hallway was empty.

Where is everyone? Neal wondered. He ignored the elevator and trudged towards the steps, his legs needed some exercise after locked up in that room for a long time. He saw the guards roaming around, giving him strange looks but they didn't stop him, because their boss had given them strict orders to not touch the guy. They will only take action if he step out of the mansion. Neal was relieved that they didn't stopped him. But he cowered under the sharp gazes.

Hmm... people here like to stare. Neal thought bitterly.

The steps are endless. He sighed.

"Uh....excuse me," Neal stopped a tall man with bulking muscles, who held a hammer and wooden box in his hands, "Um...where is the kitchen?" Neal asked politely.

The man narrowed his eyes before telling the way to kitchen. Neal nodded his head with a 'thanks' before scurrying away from there.

"He looks like a villain." Neal muttered under his breath and turned to the left side. Ah, there!

Neal felt happy that he found the kitchen himself. Ahem...not himself..but, he took the right directions right?

Neal stepped inside the vast kitchen in awe. It was red and white themed with a huge island at the center.

Why do they need two fridge? Neal wondered, gaping at the large electronic devices. There was a sliding door of glass on the left side. Neal had a glimpse of the backyard. The whole place was neat and cleaner than Arjun's room.

Neal's wandering eyes stopped at the chubby man in blue t-shirt and khaki trousers. He was washing vegetables, back turned towards Neal. It seems like the man didn't acknowledge his presence even after he cleared his throat.

"Excuse me," Neal squeaked. No response. He started to fidget. Why is the man not answering?

To his relief the man suddenly turned to grab a bowl, and his eyes landed on the fidgeting guy. At the first glance Neal knew he is japanese. He wore a plain green apron. The man stared for a moment before his face lit up with a smile.

"Hi." The man said cheerfully. Neal let out a sigh, at least the man looks harmless. But still, he needs to be cautious. He awkwardly smiled at the man, "Um...Hi, do you have alcohol?"

"Huh? Coal? Why do you need coal, young man?"

Neal waved his hand, "No..no, not coal. Alcohol, or Bandage?"

"Huh? Bondage?" The man's face etched into confusion.

Neal rolled his eyes. Is he deaf or something?

"BANDAGE. DO YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL KIT?" Neal yelled, a little frustrated now.

"What's going on here?" Kaiden came to the kitchen. He was surprised to see Neal downstairs. He looked at blood on his finger.

"What happened to your hand?" He asked and walked towards the cupboard, searching for the first aid box. He gestured Neal to wash his hand.

"Uh.. I was asking for a bandage." Neal said glancing at Kaiden and the japanese man while washing his hands once again.

Kaiden looked towards the man and rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on Jino," he groaned and stomped towards him, putting the hearing aid back in his ear. "How many times do I have to tell you to put this on?" He gave the man a pointed look who smiled sheepishly at him.

Neal's mouth formed an 'o' , now understanding the whole thing. Kaiden turned towards Neal, "I'm sorry, he can't clearly hear without that." Kaiden apologized and started to treat the wound. Neal hissed in pain, seems like the cut is pretty deep. He was surprised that the guy was so gentle while wrapping up the wound. He glanced back to Jino who already went back to his duty.

"Why are you keeping him here if he is deaf?" Neal asked quietly eyeing the chubby man.

Kaiden's hands froze, he looked up at Neal, then Jino. He pulled out a pocket knife from his black leather jacket.

"JINO!" Kaiden called out and the moment the man turned around, he threw the knife at him. Neal stood there in astonishment when the man caught the knife in a flash. Just one or two inch gap, if he didn't caught that on time it would have pierced his throat.

"That's why." Kaiden said catching the knife when Jino throw it back with a smirk. He pocketed the knife and placed the first aid back in its place.

"Why did you do that? He would have died!" Neal whisper yelled. Seriously, what's wrong with this people? Earlier the gunshots and now, throwing knives at each other as if it is ragdoll.

"He is one of the three person who mastered knife skills here. They are not fond of guns, but have a way with knives. Jino helps in training and he is a good cook too. And, he is not completely deaf." Kaiden explained. "Do you want anything else?"

"Just water."

Kaiden nodded and opened the fridge. He gave Neal two bottles of water. Neal gladly took it and gulped it down.

Phew....Neal felt a satisfaction when the cold water filled his system.

"Um... I heard gunshots outside." Neal stated as they walked out.

Kaiden smirked, "You want to die?" He asked giving the doctor a side glance.

"N-No?" Neal stuttered out, slowly distancing himself from the other man. Kaiden chuckled shaking his head, "You're funny."

**********

In Wyner's estate, Hunter sat patiently for Julian to end the call. They were in Julian's study with their men. Drake stood behind Hunter's chair with crossed arms, returning the glare Jayce sending his way, who stood beside his own boss.

Julian ended the call and took the file Hunter gave him.

"Kaiden didn't came?" Julian asked while going through the details on the documents.

"No." Hunter answered.

Jayce snorted, "I was expecting him." He glared at Drake who returned the hostility with same passion.

"Why? You need another scar?" Drake asked with a smirk, "Aren't I enough for you?"

"Try me!" Jayce sneered, hands already on his gun.

"Jayce..." Julian called warningly. Jayce composed himself and muttered a sorry before going back to his earlier posture.

Hunter had an another reason to not bring Kaiden with him. In the earlier meeting with Wyners, Jayce indirectly insulted Hunter that he don't know business. Kaiden wasn't pleased and he didn't hesitate to take out his knife, and next thing Jayce know the left side of his face was covered in blood from the cut on his left temple. Julian didn't said anything because he knew his man was at fault. That doesn't mean he would sit and watch next time anything happens like that.

Although Drake is anti-social and act before talk, he had great patience, unlike the hot headed Kaiden.

"So....did you find the mole?" Julian asked while signing the places where his signature needed. He sat elegantly in his expensive grey suit, handsome as always. Julian was almost 33 but still looked like he is in his twenties.

Hunter shook his head with a sigh, "On it."

"Didn't Roman said who sent him the message?" Julian enquired.

"He didn't. He said he won't tell even if I kill him. So I killed him." Drake answered nonchalantly.

Julian nodded his head, "Of course, Turners known for their loyalty after all." He folded the file before return it to Hunter.

"Tell me when you find him." Julian said and stood up. He shook Hunter's hand,

"Rendell." Julian uttered with a nod, as they always do as farewell.

"Wyner." Hunter returned the gesture. He handed the document to Drake before walking out.

Julian's eyes followed the duo until they exit. He turned towards his right hand,

"Jayce, I suggest you to shut up and stop questioning Hunter's capability. You better not mess with them," he pulled his coat closer to button it, "I don't care what other people say, for me, Hunter is far better than his father." He ended.

Jayce nodded his head, "I'm sorry Boss, it won't happen again." He assured sincerely with all respect. Julian smiled and patted the other's shoulder before walking out, Jayce following behind.

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