Chapter 180 Conspiracy
In a desolate spot on the outskirts of Pine City, Joe tossed his old clothes into the fire and headed back to the car to grab a canvas bag.
"Did you bring us some cash?" Rodolfo asked with a grin.
"Taking a few days off," Joe replied, pulling out $200,000 from the bag. "Rodolfo and Bishop get $50,000 each. The rest is for you guys to split."
"That's a lot this time," a young guy nearby said, sipping water.
Joe threw the bag onto the car hood, lit a cigarette, and said, "It's not just about the money. Hubert's dead, so we're taking a break. We might have steady work soon."
"You made a deal?" Bishop asked, looking up.
"Yeah, almost done," Joe nodded.
Rodolfo squatted in the snow, washing his hands. "We've been at this too long. A steady gig would be nice. No more wandering."
"Alright, split the money, clean up, and let's get out," Joe said, taking a drag.
Everyone grabbed their share and started cleaning up.
Rodolfo stood up, shook the snow off his hands, and walked over to Joe. "Got a cigarette?"
"Don't blow all your money again," Joe said, handing him one.
Rodolfo lit it, grinned, and said, "I won't. Sending $40,000 back home."
"Your mouth's like an asshole; nothing true comes out," Joe scolded. "We risk our lives for this money. Appreciate your hard work. Have fun, but know your limits."
"Stop nagging," Rodolfo said, one hand in his pocket. "I said I'd cut back."
"I'm doing this for your own good," Joe said, looking exasperated.
"I know," Rodolfo nodded.
"You're old enough to know better," Joe finally stopped.
Rodolfo, cigarette in mouth, changed the subject. "Where you headed?"
Joe smiled. "Gonna relax for a few days. Be back in three to five."
"Seeing Jennifer again?" Rodolfo asked with a lewd smile. "You criticize others but can't see your own flaws."
"What flaws?" Joe retorted. "Even if I spent a year in bed with a woman, I wouldn't spend as much as you."
"You're always right," Rodolfo said, taking a drag. "Why not take me with you? I heard Jennifer has a sister."
"Piss off! Her sister's only ten."
"I thought she was older," Rodolfo said, pondering. "Is Jennifer's mom home?"
Joe was stunned andthen turned to leave. "Get out of here."
"Ask it for me, I'll pay," Rodolfo shouted.
"Fuck off!"
Joe got into the second car, started it, and rolled down the window. "I'm leaving. Call me if anything comes up. Listen to Bishop while I'm gone."
"Joe, be careful."
"Say hi to Jennifer for me."
Everyone responded as Joe drove the SUV, quickly vanishing into the night.
---
In the lobby of a swanky hotel in the Riverside District, Adam stormed towards the door, his face grim. "Did William's people at the precinct show up?"
"Yeah," Milton replied, trailing behind. "Reporters have gone too."
Adam's steps were erratic, his tone anxious. "Why the hell are reporters involved?"
"Routine assignment, I guess."
"Something's off," Adam muttered, shaking his head. "This is too strange."
"So, what now?" Milton asked, hesitant.
"Find William. He has key people at the Black Street District precinct," Adam said, picking up the pace.
With a thud, Adam's head smacked into the glass door, causing him to stumble back.
"Adam, you okay?" Milton rushed to help.
Adam held his forehead and waved him off. "Damn, didn't see the glass door."
Milton realized Adam was already in a state of panic and completely distracted.
Adam walked through the glass door and was about to step down the stairs when he saw William, Enrique, and Raymond approaching.
"Mr. Wilde!"
William hurried up the stairs, looking urgent. "I called you as soon as it happened, but you didn't answer."
"I've had family issues and haven't handled much of the district council's work. I was in a meeting, so my phone was on silence. I didn't hear it," Adam explained hastily. "Do you know what's going on with Hubert?"
William paused. "Mr. Wilde, it's strange."
Adam was taken aback. "Get to the point."
"After Hubert was killed, the Black Street District precinct arrived at the scene. While checking the clues in the house, they found Zephyr's company's secret accounts and records of bribing some officials," William said, looking serious. "My people couldn't get it; it ended up with Alexander."
Adam felt his mind went blank upon hearing this.
"And there's more," William added after a brief pause. "Just now, Jasper called me. He said Alexander found Zephyr's company's warehouse using the shipping orders hidden in the accounts."
Adam's eyes turned red as he looked at Milton. "Did you get any news from the warehouse?"
"No... No," Milton shook his head.
"You couldn't have," William interjected. "Alexander just got it, and not only did he find the goods, but he also captured the two people guarding them. They probably didn't have a chance to notify you."
Listening to William, Adam suddenly felt a ringing in his ears, his vision darkening, and his mind buzzing.
William was about to continue when he saw Adam suddenly collapse down the stairs.
"Adam!"
Milton reached out to catch him.
"Mr. Wilde!" William also helped him up.
Adam, leaning against William, mumbled with his eyes closed, "I... I get it. Zephyr's death wasn't an accident, nor was it over some $80,000 shipment. This is a conspiracy... Someone is trying to ruin me."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
