They Are Not Simple - I

James's father was abducted and had his hand severed, with the word "Price" carved into the palm. 

Due to the brutality of the act, Reginald has kept the incident under wraps, and currently, only he, James, and Laurel are aware of it.

"The inevitable always arrives." 

The seasoned merchant paced his office with a grim expression. 

The issue of James's father did not concern him; to him, this farmer was merely an accessory to Laurel, and the fate of his nearly deceased father was irrelevant.

Reginald's concern was the underhanded tactics from other forces. 

Although he was the wealthiest in Pelican City and held some capital in the entire Watson territory, he was insignificant compared to the truly wealthy families of the territory.