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CHAPTER 129

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"Deal, you have my word. You won't see my face during that time. I need us to do this. First to race there and back, wins and the other shut up about future boasting."

"Deal," Sky said momentarily.

"And Jay?"

"You know I am in for whatever challenge there is. I wouldn't miss visiting the yonder one more time."

"It would be one of the toughest challenge we would be having. Our sight would be distorted but that is the reason, we cannot afford to fall into his illusion trap again since he is now residing there."

"I bet he would be shocked to see us there once more," Jay said with a smile.

"Definitely. Who wouldn't be happy to see the terrible trio again," Sky said after a little thought on the matter. His lips tugged to the side, giving a corner smile as his playing spirit returned.

"That is the spirit. We need to visit the name of the Terrible Trio once more. Ready guys?"

"Ready whenever you are."

"Ready as can ever be," Jay responded.

Together all three of them walked over to the balcony of Xander's bedroom and changed into their natural forms swiftly.

"What about our blindfolds?"

"No need, I can tell if anyone cheats. Closing our eyes is as easy as anything. My dragon would ensure it remains closed. Now, go!"

***

Before long, two weeks was already over and Zale had finished his probation period. For him, he was now in the smooth zone and on a good run.

Even though he planned on maintaining a low key, he had ideas of letting others do the work for him while he deceived Xander.

In a game of chess, only the swift in thinking wins…

On a very good day, Zale met with one of the Mafia leaders in the city to seek for help. Unlike the last time when his men came to seek help that Xander barged in on the meeting, he had not had such opportunity again.

This time around, he decided to make this meeting count and start getting useful leads and tips as to where Jade was and Arctic.

Although he knew they had a lead on Arctic at another city that could not change the fact that he would remain there forever. For all they knew, he could still be playing them so they could not keep tabs on Jade.

"Hello, Mr Howard," Zale greeted the moment he entered the boot where Mr Howard was seated in the bar.

"Zale Anders. I never thought I would see the day so soon when we would meet to do business together," Mr Howard remarked, shaking Zale's hands.

"You flatter, Mr Howard."

"No, young master of the Anders group. I do not flatter. Everyone ion the mafia world knows that you guys, Anders wee the mighty foes in Moon Crest City. It was just a shame that you worked the most to keep the city at their level it is now and then the Frost family took all the glory."

"Hahhaaa…. It is for the glory of the city as you said. I am happy that there are those who recognize our efforts outside of the city walls."

"Of course, Zale. We are many that recognize it and that is why between you and I," he leaned his head close to Zale's ears and whispered some words into his ears. "We are happy that Frost is dead and finally the mantle of leadership can and will be passed down to someone else. All that I wish for is that you are swift and use this chance to fight for what is rightfully yours."

A nice smirk appeared on Zale's lips at the words he was hearing that day. It had been long since he met loyal people like this that believed in the strength of his family's mafia group.

He nodded his head once and then pulled away from Mr Howard.

"Mr Howard, what are you saying? Don't you know that if ears should hear of it, you are speaking words of treachery? How can you suggest such a thing? The mantle of leadership belongs to the Frost family. So it has been for over a hundred years now."

"Oh you misjudge me when I mean well for the Anders mafia family. Young master Zale, have you forgotten that before the power to rule came into their family, it was held by only the strongest mafia family in the city?" Mr Howard asked.

"I am very much aware, Mr Howard."

"Good, so you know now that no family can withhold the mantle forever," Mr Howard added.

"I do know that too, Mr Howard. But my question, what are the mafia families in Star Cross City doing about their own mantle of leadership in the hands of the Warner family for ages?"

Mr Howard looked at Zale sternly before bursting into an uproar of laughter attracting some stares his way.

"Relax," he advised Zale when he noticed he was on edge due to the stares. "Come."

"To where?"

"A private room upstairs where we can talk freely. Boys, be on perfect guard. No mouse should be found anywhere close to the private suite upstairs. Understood?" He ordered his bodyguards and when they nodded in understanding, he smile at Zale and lead the way.

They went far to the back of the bar and followed a door, leading to a staircase leading upstairs to the private room.

In no time, they both found their self in the private suite and were now more relaxed to speak freely.

"I understand what you are trying to do, Zale but unlike Moon Crest City, Star Cross City has his history as far back as the foundation of the city itself which was started by the Warners. For us it is not about passing on leadership to the swift as they would always remain the strongest."

"And why it is that?" Zale asked, feeling more curious about the topic they were discussing.

"Because they have always been. Like I said before, they made this city."

Even with what he was saying, Zale was not convinced enough.

"No one in their right minds would go against the Warners."

"And that is because no one has tried," Zale challenged.

"Not because no one has tried, Zale. People once tried long before but it did not end well and they were wiped out with ease. It is more or less like a monarchy system and no mafia family is has large as theirs. They have business in everything and control everything."

"There is no government that cannot be overthrown if you ask me."

"Not this government, Young master, Zale. You do not know the family we are talking about here, I think. Everyone fears and reverence them."

"I do know the family, Mr Howard and I have been graced with the opportunity to do business with them before and for that I am glad."

"Good, just leave it that way and fight in your city where you may have a chance."

"No one said anything about fighting here," Zale explained.

"Even at that, there won't be an insurgency. Ours is different. But since yours, your obstacle had been taken away, then grab it while you can."

"Thank you for your advice, Mr Howard but that was not why I asked to see you today."

"Oh really, then what is it?"

"Something different. Something important, something serious. Extremely important and I do hope you would be able to render me some help as I need you in what I came to Star Cross City for."

"Alright then. State it and I would let you know if I can be of help or not but know that it would cost you.," Mr Howard smirked at him when he mentioned money.

"Money is not a problem Mr Howard. We can repay you handsomely but before anything happens, I need to be sure that I have your trust and secrecy."

"Oh you have it."

"Not so fast though. Know that if whatever I tell you today, happens to leak out, that is it. There would be no more business deals and knowing for a fact that my family would seize ruler-ship of Moon Crest City, it would be wise to be in our best book so that you can benefit moire in the future."

"I am vast and wise, young master Zale. Worry not. My lips are sealed."

"Good. I heard that you know the in and the puts of this city. You know your way around things here and have eyes in everywhere."

"Technically speaking, not everywhere, young master Zale. Only the Warners can boast of that but almost everywhere, then you have come to the right source."

"Okay, good. I need someone like you for this job then."

"Now my turn, what is this job that you need me for?"

"I want to find a missing person."

"Missing person?" Mr Howard asked.

"More like a dead person."