The Phantom Executive (Part 2)

"Well, I'm waiting." The man remarked again.

Maxwell gulped loudly. He opened his mouth to speak, only for it to close again from the lingering fear.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I should probably turn on a light. I apologize, really. I'm so used to dark rooms, and I never have guests!" The man said, rising from his desk as the gaslights above flickered on.

The room became clear now. The floor was a thick brown granite, shiny with a tint of gloss to it. The room itself resembled a large library rather than an office, as bookshelves lined the walls of the octagon shaped room.

It was all rather lavish, sprinkled lightly with small furniture of high value. The desk in which the man sat at was made of a large oak, blackened with ink. The slab was filled with stacks of papers of various sizes.

Then, the man himself. He was of average height, a somewhat muscular build to him. He wore a white dress shirt with a red vest over it, black slacks at his legs complete with matching dress shoes. His sleeves were rolled to the elbow, signs he had been working hard.

His hair was a nest of black and dirty blonde hair. The back of his head was a deep raven color, the front of it being a dark blonde, almost orange color. He had a well kept goatee on his chin, with some stubble around. His skin color was rather light, but certainly a tad darker than most brits. His eyes were sharp along with his jawline. His eyes, a deep crimson color, insinuated genuine interest. Then, he stepped forward around his desk, ready to greet the boy.

"Welcome to my office. If you'd like, we could sit down."

"This is fine, sir. I'm Maxwell. Maxwell Riley." Riley said sheepishly, slowly extending his hand forward.

"Ah Mr. Riley! We've heard some great things about you! I was certainly looking forward to meeting you in person. Do have some tea!" The man offered, pointing to a dish with small cups on it. Accepting the offer, Riley took a swig, savoring the vanilla honey flavor.

"It's tasty, isn't it? I have it imported from America. They have lots of good stuff, you know. Oh! I've almost forgot to introduce myself! Riker Maddox, leader of the Spectre guild. The pleasure is mine." Finally the two shook, Riker's firm, respectful grip dominating Riley's smaller hand.

"Happy to be here, Mr. Maddox."

"Oh, just call me Maddox. We're glad to have you, Maxwell. I've heard of the events of your night, and I cannot imagine the amount of pain and confusion you're feeling right now. But I've recognized as this guild leader and a man of good will, that a boy in your situation should not suffer more than he has to. Please, take a couple of days in our company."

"I appreciate it, Maddox. I am going through a lot right now."

"Yes, as I've heard. I give my highest condolences. But as you may know, I've brought you here for another reason. Might you know what it is?"

Riley began to sweat again, realizing he'd have to tell Maddox the truth. He wasn't prepared to be shoved back out onto the streets again. Should he be spotted by the police, he'd be executed on sight for escaping imprisonment. It wasn't a good choice to lie. It didn't sound too good to tell the truth either. It was a split second decision Riley had to make.

"Maddox, I have a confession. I'm sure you're well aware of my black hand. Yes, I know it's a very unique ability that could have a lot of use. But the problem is...I have no control over it whatsoever. I take anything and everything by accident. When I do, the item I take just disappears for a long time. Sometimes it'll appear in my position. Most of the time, whatever I take is gone forever. I...I can't use this power at all. I'm sorry to let you down. I don't expect any further care or treatment." Riley stood his ground, expressing himself as the truthful boy he was.

Maddox stared at Riley for a moment, scanning his saddened expression as a small grin began to appear on his.

"My boy, it's not what you currently have! It's what you can be! I didn't expect you to be a master of your ability! If you were, I don't even think you'd be here!"

"But Maddox, I'm no thief! I've never taken anything on purpose! I'm an honest boy."

"I see that in you, Maxwell. But you possess great potential. We can shape you into the perfect thief. I know how to work with your power. I can help you unlock and control it. Your new life as a member of our guild can start now! I and the rest of our faction welcome you with open arms. We can give you a new life, Riley. All you have to do is join us."

Shocked and surprised by his reaction, Maxwell began to see the exact opposite of the monster he had imagined. Maddox was an incredibly understanding person with just as high morals and standards as himself. He was a natural gentlemen with a soft yet assertive voice, a man who could speak and have others join at his beck and call.

Riley, who was still in deep thought over the matter, held his chin in his hand. Maddox kneeled to the boy, placing his hand on his shoulder, looking him in the eyes.

"Maxwell, we need you. And you need us. Let us be your new family. I'm not quite sure if I can speak on this yet, but I trust you. A few months ago, our squadrons lost a few standout members in a devastating struggle in Canterbury. Ever since, we've been on the look out for new contenders that can help us in our pursuits. We are in a good position right now. If we continue at this pace with promising members under our belt, we can reshape this country and fight for the greater good. All we need is a few pieces to the puzzle." Maddox raised an eyebrow comically, referring to Maxwell.

It all made sense. He had to accept. This was his new destiny. Riley, the good little boy from liverpool, would become a thief that day.

"I accept your offer, Maddox."

Riker smiled, shaking the boy's hand again.

"Welcome to Spectre." He said assuringly.