The Royal Contract

Chapter 670: A riddle wrapped in a mystery

“The case will probably be close,” Mike proudly uttered over the line. Satisfaction was evident in his tone. “You are almost free, Gerald.” His friend’s voice boomed on his receiver, full of jubilation.

“Was that your handiwork, Mike?” He specifically asked. His mind had been wondering about the case that was airing all over the news.

He heard about Nick’s death last night, but he was sure he had not ordered the hit on him. He still had plans for the man, and killing him was at the last of his agendas.

However, he considered that Mike might have misinterpreted his plans. Therefore, he wanted to clarify it before jumping to any conclusion.

“Nope, that was not me.” Mike quickly answered. “Wait!” Realization began to dawn on him. “That was not you.” His friend expressed his surprise, making him cringe at the sound of his loud voice.

Afterward, he could hear from the other line that his friend was probably shuffling some papers then, typing on his keyboard. He could only wonder what he was searching for while talking to him.

But he was used to his friend. As long as he could do his job well, he had no issues with that. He could employ any method he saw fit.

.....

“No, it was not me either. But Nick could have acquired several enemies inside that might have wanted him dead.” He finally concluded, realizing that it was not them that had done the job but someone else.

Nick was an arrogant son of a gun. He would not be surprised if he had offended another of his inmate and caused him or them to retaliate. Those cases were common inside the prison.

But it was also a chance that someone hired an inmate to get rid of him. Until a suspect was arrested, which he doubted was a possibility. This incident would remain in unsolved cases.

“Well, if that is the situation, we should be thankful that they had finished the job for us,” Mike said as a loud bang resounded on his end.

“What was that?” Gerald asked, curious about what his friend was busy doing while talking to him.

He would have met him today, but his morning and his table were full of papers that needed reviewing, and clients, demanding his time.

He could not neglect this other part of his life. It was the pain and sacrifice of having a double life.

“Working for the DA’s office has its perks, but it also has many downsides.” His friend started complaining. He could sense that he hated to be back in this manual labor.

But for now, he needed his friend, in the meantime, to be his inside man in that office. He knew he would tolerate his current situation as long as he wanted him to be there.

“Just concentrate on the perks, and you will do just fine.” He jested at his friend, trying to change his mood.

He was about to say something else when his peripheral vision caught something outside his glass wall. It would seem he had another visitor, but he doubted that he was one of his clients.

“Make sure that you increase my perks if I have to continue doing this.” His friend warned him, but those were empty threats. He was used to his loud mouth.

But he was not interested in listening to his friend anymore. On the other hand, his eyes focused on the man looking in his direction instead.

“As much as I enjoyed our daily chats, I would say adios, for now, my friend, because I have a visitor waiting for my services.” He abruptly ended their conversation when his unexpected guest stood by the door, guided by his secretary.

“Sir, Mr. Hamilton insisted on talking with you, but you have an appointment in fifteen minutes.” His secretary explained to him, but she kept looking at the imposing man beside her.

“I don’t think you need to worry. I will not take fifteen minutes of your boss’ time.” His guest moved forward inside the room, not waiting for him to invite him. “Do you mind if I sit down? I am not as strong and as young as I used to be.”

He took the available seat before his table. Again, not waiting for an invitation. He wondered if this was how he acquired his wealth all this year by bullying his way around.

He had not met him before, but he heard great things about the man from his associations. But it was different from what his father had told him about this seemingly honorable man. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ ɴovelFɪre.net

“Make yourself comfortable, Mr. Hamilton.” He waved his hand, but it was pointless since he seemed to be already enjoying his position as the man crossed his legs and squared his shoulder on his chair as if he owned the place.

He watched his guest’s eyes roam around the room as if he was sizing up his office, studying every nook and crook around him. He wondered what he was doing in his office anyway.

“First, thank you for seeing me without an appointment, Mr. Brown. I heard that you are a busy man. But, do call me Ethan.” His guest stated, but he never attempted to shake his hand.

He continued to sit on the chair, staring at him. He seemed to be studying him this time. His eyes were sharp but friendly. He did not see any contempt or untoward anger at him.

Therefore, he could only assume that this might be business-related or something to do with his daughter’s case. It could not be about his association with Nick and the kidnapping.

“It is my pleasure to meet the great Ethan Hamilton. It is an honor that you should grace me with your presence. I think that you are busier than me.” He never liked pleasantries, but now, he believed it was required.

“Great seems to be such a strong word. I am just an ordinary retired citizen now.” Ethan smiled at him. Suddenly, he realized that the man did not look as imposing as he used to be when he looked at his pictures.

He had been his motivation to strive to be on the top of everything he did. His father had told him everything this man had done to his family.

His father had to hide him and his mother from the world because of this hateful, vengeful man. He could not take his place in the community as his father’s son because this man kept harassing their family, especially his mom.

“Oh, yes. I heard about what happened to you. I am glad that you are ok now. It seems that your son-in-law is managing your business quite well.” Time was ticking, but he still did not know why this man was here.

But telling him that he was retired would mean his intention had nothing to do with business but something else. But now that Nick was dead, he doubted also that it had something to do with the case.

Could he have something that would implicate him in the case? Was he here to blackmail him from coming after them? But he doubted that from the look on his face.

Mr. Ethan Hamilton might be retired, but he was no fool, that he was sure. But his smile gave him a goosebump. He could sense that he was trying to tell him something. He could see the older man as a riddle wrapped in a mystery, an enigma.