Chapter 31

Evening approached as Desmond entered Derek's office to report his findings.

"Hi Desmond. Let's hear your reports." said Derek.

"Let me start with our ex-boss." began Desmond. "What Mr. Owen and I found out was this gang hired is some low-ranking gang, nothing compared to the Mafia level; and get this...Mike is a part of that gang."

"Who knew." replied Derek. "So what are your plans?"

"I had help from Mr Owen to assemble our team to take out that gang before your event next week. We plan to take them down tomorrow night." reported Desmond.

"I wonder....do we really need to wipe them out?" Derek thought aloud. "If you were me, Desmond, what would you do?"

"These guys are still young. Putting them in jail would not help them. If we can convince them to join us and be our underground eyes and ears, they can benefit and so would we." replied Desmond.

"Good idea. Here's the plan...by tomorrow evening, capture every single member of that gang and bring them to the abandoned construction site you met Jocelyn. Notify me when done and I'll join you." instructed Derek.

"Will do boss." replied Desmond.

"Ok. Next on your reports...the Smith family."

"There's not much to report on the Smith family. Interestingly, the only report I have for you is Madison." reported Desmond.

"Oh? That is interesting. What about her?" asked Derek.

"One of the guys reported that he saw Madison at a Starb*cks cafe opposite the BDT mall. She was having a serious conversation with a guy and one of the cafe's employees." replied Desmond.

"I would guess the employee is someone I know. What about the guy? Any information about him?" asked Derek.

"Our guy followed him after they had their conversation. He was last seen going back to BDT mall where apparently he works at one of the shops...NL Suits if I recall correctly." said Desmond.

"NL Suits? What is Nick doing talking to Madison?" Derek thought aloud again.

"Do you know the guy, boss?" asked Desmond.

"We are childhood friends. He's one of the nicest guys I know. Still, it's puzzling to see all three of them on one table." replied Derek.

"Ok listen carefully. Just keep monitoring all three of them. No further action required. I'll probably have a chat with Nick myself." said Derek.

"Understood, boss." said Desmond.

"It's your first day here in the Quinton Tower. What do you think of our building?" asked Derek.

"May I say...it's a huge building. I took awhile but I found my way around here....and to think you own this whole building. Mind blowing." replied Desmond.

"Mr. Owen showed me to my office after the meeting. My gosh! Just the space alone is the size of our old office." said Desmond.

"As long as you keep on this right track, you deserve all these perks. There's reward in doing good." said Derek.

"I believe now. I have a top job, working for a boss who looked past my wrongdoings, and I now stay in a luxurious apartment with a beautiful woman. I'm overwhelmed." said Desmond, with a tear in his eye.

"Wait...you and Jocelyn share an apartment?" Derek sheepishly asked.

"Yeahhhhh..."

"What's with all the employees in Quinton Tower dating each other?" said Derek exasperately.

"Woah...my boss is bullying me." said Desmond, feigning sadness.

"Hahaha I'm just kidding. I'm actually glad you and Jocelyn are together. I wish you both well. C'mon, let's get a drink. Bring Jocelyn along. I'll ask Amanda to tag along too." said Derek.

"Errr boss, Jocelyn is having a girl's night out with Kimberly and Ms Amanda." replied Desmond.

"Oh? Great! Boys night out then. Let's go!" exclaimed Derek.

Both Derek and Desmond then exited Derek's office and went to a nearby bar in the business district.

Both men settled down quickly in the bar and was soon having a beer.

"Desmond, one rule outside the Quinton Tower. Just don't call me boss." Derek requested.

"Got it brother. Allow me to propose a toast. To you finding your real family, to me given a second chance and to the start of a new friendship between us." replied Desmond.

"Cheers!" they both said as their glasses clink.

Desmond took a look outside the bar when he noticed something that made his smile fade.

"Brother. Check it out. One of our ex-colleagues is outside." said Desmond.

"Yeah...Isn't that Wayne Cross? What happened to him? Why is he walking with a crutch?" replied Derek.

"Should we approach him, brother?" asked Desmond.

"Yeah. Why not?" said Derek. They both paid their tabs and exited the bar to approach Wayne.

"Wayne!! Wait up man!"

Wayne turned around and saw Desmond and Derek approaching. He stopped and allowed them to catch up.

"Desmond. It's been awhile. What are you doing here? More importantly...why is he with you?" asked Wayne.

"Long story, Wayne; but you know full well Derek was never the problem. That slimeball that fired us was the problem." replied Desmond.

"F****** B******! That A****** deserve to crawl on the streets!" cursed Wayne.

"He will by the time we're done with him. Right now, however, we need a place for you to sit. Let's go to that cafe nearby.

As they were entering the cafe, Charles Smith, the cousin of Madison Smith, just exited a nearby restaurant and was heading home when he saw Derek and Desmond entering a cafe with another guy.

"Huh! What bad luck seeing these two losers here." Charles said to himself before driving off.

Desmond and Derek assisted Wayne inside the cafe, when Derek heard a familiar voice.

"Mr Derek! Welcome back!"

"Oh Hi Steph. We'll have three bottles of mineral water please. We just had a beer nearby so coffee is not an option." said Derek.

"Yes Mr Derek. Corner spot is open." replied Steph.

"You know me so well." said Derek before bringing Desmond and Wayne to the corner table.