His Protection

Zane's next client was less formal. Important meeting nonetheless but the stakes were not so high. Diego was good at what he did. There was no need for much attention to be given to him until he came back with answers.

In this next meeting though, the hope was to come away with either answers or a resolution. Time was important and in recent days, there was not a lot left to go around. Zane could not afford to be stuck in another waiting game that would delay his own moves.

The young Mafioso would not have chosen a park as the best meeting place. To open and far too many risks for such conversations to take place. The choice was not his, he just chose to respect the decision of the one who made it. Clive was also nearby if anything should happen.

"I'm so glad that you decided to meet with me again. I hope that you have been well since our earlier meeting?" Zane held his hand out to Juliet to shake. The latter declined and chose to sit on the bench instead.

"I have, thank you. I am sure that you know why I came here today." Juliet lay her hands on her lap without looking at the other.

"I have. You know though my expectation is not for you to feel pressured one way or another." Zane moved closer to the bench in order to keep his voice low.

"You can choose one option now and change your mind later if such a situation occurs." Juliet was quiet as she took in what the other said while watching the kids playing in the park. Two young boys were having a play sword fight. Their swords were sticks they took turns striking at each other with. By the huge smiles on their face, it was obvious how much fun they were having. Their parents, two young mothers were sitting nearby keeping a watchful eye while remaining out of the way.

"I have a son that is around their age you know. Maybe a little younger. Few people know about his existence though. His father didn't want him, my father thinks he's a disgrace but allows me to keep him because of his blood." Zane's face took on a darker appearance as Juliet went on. What kind of adult could treat a child that way?

"Everything I do is for my son. I don't want anything to happen to him even though no one accepts him. That's why the decision I make has to be one that will see no harm come to him."

"You're asking for protection for him or both of you?" Zane cut straight to the point as he pulled his phone out.

"You care not for money because ensuring that he's safe is far more important to you? What price do you want instead for the information you can offer?" The phone buzzed as a text was sent off.

"If there's a choice between the two of us, I would prefer the protection goes to my son. My father may not accept him but he would never hurt the child. I cannot say the same for my ex or those who target him. Not everyone will know that he cares not for the child."

"Say no more then. The protection won't come right away. Once I can ensure that the information you have given me is reliable, you will have nothing else to worry about." Juliet finally shifted her gaze to look at the young mafioso.

"I need to know everything though. If you leave out any important detail, there may be blind spots."

"I can tell you everything that I know but, I have to be absolutely certain that no harm comes to my son." Zane's large hand came to rest on her shoulder, a look of determination on his face.

"I very rarely ever fail when I make a promise or assurance to anyone. Especially when it comes to anyone going under my protection. Whether your son is three years old or eighteen, so long as he's in this world, he will be under my protection." Zane could feel as Juliet's shoulders began to tremble. Was she that afraid of what the answer to the request would be? None of this was the fault of the child thus there was no reason to deny the request.

"I might recommend that we move someplace different for the deep discussion. Is there someplace you would prefer to go?" Zane held his hand out to help Juliet stand. She did not take it right away.

"I think that there is a safe place that I know of. It is one that's rather far from here but better to not be overhead at it."

"Can you tell me where it is? I can have my driver take us there. I think that it would be best to travel together." Zane could not visibly see anything of concern, sixth sense feeling was telling him something else.

"I am fine with that. May I call before we leave to ensure that my son is still safe?" Juliet took the other's hand to stand before reaching into her purse for her phone.

"Use mine." Zane thrust his phone into the woman's face. Juliet took a step back in response to the unexpected action. What exactly was he doing?

"I assume you know the number? I will have someone take a look at your phone. For now, don't touch it." Juliet took the phone hesitantly before dialing the number of the daycare he was at.

Zane huffed under his breath. Was this woman really that careless or was there something more going on? There was no way that she would be able to protect her son on her own if she didn't brighten up.