Ch 496 - Don't Do It!

Alex was struggling to reconcile the honest and kind man from his past with the Ghost now standing in front of him. There appeared to be two very different versions of Neil Hall.

Everything must have been arranged for a long time, and the Ghosts seemed to be responsible for Joe's recent silence, Tabitha's threat, Harvey's appearance, and Neil's sneak attack.

"Joe and I were friends, and we spent a lot of time together," Alex said. "We were like brothers. You came to visit Joe once, and you took us both out for dinner. Do you remember that? It was the most delicious meal I had eaten in some time, because I didn't have the money to eat well when I was a student."

"That was a long time ago," Neil said, sighing. "Why bring it up now?" He took a step forward, holding the knife.

Alex winced, and a drop of sweat slid down his forehead. "I know you're a good man," he said to Neil. "Remember that."

Neil flushed with embarrassment. "I'll make it quick," he said. "That's all I can do for you."

"What will Joe do when he hears about this?" Alex asked. "Have you considered how he might feel about it?"

"Joe? He doesn't understand how the world works," Neil said, his expression hard. "Life is cruel, and we all do what we must."

Alex shook his head. "No matter how cruel the world is, you should stick to your moral code."

"You don't know what you're talking about," Neil said.

A loud noise came from outside, and then dozens of people in black uniforms swarmed in. Michael Murdoch strode through the door as if he owned the place, and Jonah followed, dragging Rose by the arm. He pushed her to the ground, and then he pulled out a cigar and lit it as he looked at the scene in front of him.

"Neil, I can pay off all your gambling debts," Jonah said. "And the contract on you will be canceled immediately, provided that you…" He paused to take a puff of his cigar. Then he pointed at Alex and said, "Kill him."

Alex felt Neil's determination grow stronger.

He searched the ground and found a broken blade. He tossed it at Neil, who ducked and then held up his own knife.

"You don't have to do this," Alex said. "You've made mistakes, but this will just make everything worse. Think about Joe. How will he feel about this? Do you really have the heart to kill me?"

Neil hesitated for just a moment, and then his expression grew cold. "I'm sorry, Alex," he said. "It's either you or me." He leaned forward and stabbed at Alex.

Alex was growing weak, and he was losing the ability to defend himself. He raised his arm to fend off the attack, and the knife slashed at it. Blood dripped down his arm.

"This is your own fault, Alex," Jonah said, watching him. "You offended one of the Ghosts."

Michael looked closely at Alex and gave him a grim smile. "Get on with it," he said to Neil.

Neil kicked Alex hard, shoving him into the wall, and then he raised his knife once more.

"Alex!" Rose screamed, getting up and rushing over to him. She glared at Neil. "How could you?" she demanded. "Isn't there any humanity left in you?"

A trace of remorse flashed across Neil's face. Jonah stepped forward, grabbed Rose, and dragged her away.

"Quiet!" he said, pushing her back to the ground. As she fell, her head hit the floor, knocking her unconscious.

"Why does everyone like Alex so much?" Michael asked, looking at Rose. Then he simply shrugged and smiled.

Alex took advantage of the distraction to stand up. Neil lashed out with his knife, giving Alex a shallow cut on his throat. A drop of blood fell and landed on the unconscious Joe.

"You've come a long way from that lovesick young man at university," Neil said, smiling at him. "You're very skilled."

Alex looked at him. "Put down the knife and walk away," he said. "I won't kill you, and I'll take care of your problems. There's no need for this."

"What can you do for me?" Neil asked helplessly. "Those are big promises, but I can't see any way you can keep them. Things have gone too far, and there's no going back." He frowned. Jonah's people were watching him, so he had to kill Alex. But how could he murder his son's best friend?

"You can always choose to turn back," Alex said softly. "Don't do something you'll regret." He remembered Neil's past kindness to him. Alex was a good person, so he wanted to give Neil a chance to do the right thing.

"I'm sorry, Alex," Neil said sadly. "I have no choice. You must die today."

Neil moved forward, aiming his knife straight at Alex's throat. He moved gracefully, betraying the fact he was an experienced fighter.

Alex made no attempt to move, but his eyes had become cold, and the previous compassion he had felt for Neil was now gone.

Neil frowned when he realized Alex wasn't trying to evade him. What's he doing? he wondered. Has he accepted his death? Or is he too weak to resist me?

It didn't matter. He was resolved to see this through. At least it will be over quickly, he thought. Alex has no chance.

At the very last second, Alex moved, causing Neil to lose his balance. As he fell, his eyes widened with horror as he saw the knife heading toward Joe's throat. Neil hurriedly pulled his hand back, but his reactions weren't fast enough. Although he succeeded in avoiding Joe's throat, the knife still scratched his cheek, drawing blood.