Chapter 68 Wolf Nature
Two days later.
At a lodging compound about eighty miles from River State, Alexander quietly asked the owner, "How's my friend's injury?"
"Our medicine isn't working well; he's still running a fever," the owner replied softly, "It'd be best to have a professional doctor take a look."
"Can you find one? Money is not an issue," Alexander asked.
"I can find one, but these people can't keep their mouths shut. I'm afraid calling one in might cause you trouble," the owner hinted tactfully.
After considering for a moment, Alexander reluctantly responded, "Then get me some good medicine, at least to reduce the inflammation and fever."
"Alright, I'll have someone bring it from River State." The owner nodded.
Hearing this, Alexander took out some cash and discreetly handed it to the owner. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," the owner replied without pretense, pocketing the money and turning to leave. "I'll bring you some food in a bit."
Such lodging compounds were common in relatively safe yet undeveloped areas, primarily serving those who traveled to deliver goods. However, the internal environment was often poor, and the food depended on what the owner had in the kitchen, with no fixed menu. But the prices were low, and most owners were quick-witted and discreet.
After speaking with the owner, Alexander returned to the room on the left side of the compound. Eric, pale-faced, was lying on the bed and anxiously asked, "How's it going? Any news from Coco?"
"Don't worry; I'm handling everything," Alexander reassured him softly, "Just focus on recovering."
Eric had lost at least 40 pounds recently, his once chubby cheeks now noticeably sunken. "I'm just worried that if Andrew stays with them for too long, something might go wrong."
"I can sense that Coco wants to cooperate, especially after we took Tim," Alexander reassured him again, "I can talk to Andrew anytime; it's going to be fine."
"That's good." Eric nodded.
"Hang in there. I've already spoken to the owner to get some medicine." Alexander grinned. "If your fever doesn't break, I'll have to call Coco and ask her to bring a skilled doctor."
"I can hold on." Eric coughed twice, his eyes fixed on Alexander with a hesitant expression.
Alexander, good at reading people, picked up his e-cigarette and asked with a smile. "Do you have anything to say?"
Eric scratched his head.
Alexander took a puff and, looking directly at Eric, said, "The three of us have risked our lives together more than once. What can't you say to me?"
"Alright, I'll say it then."
"Hurry up."
"I want to discuss with you about running the route once we reconnect the drug supply line," Eric said, having unconsciously gotten used to seeking Alexander's opinion or approval in such matters.
Alexander blinked and frowned. "That wasn't what I had in mind."
Eric was taken aback. "So, are you planning to let the Anderson family handle the route?"
"That's impossible." Alexander immediately shook his head. "The three of us risked our lives to secure this line. Do you think I'd let them directly interact with Coco? If the sellers and suppliers get too close, what's the point of us being the middlemen? Even though the Anderson family is currently willing to depend on Samuel, if they directly connect with Coco, it would reduce our influence."
Eric hadn't thought that far ahead, so he nodded in agreement. "You're right."
"I originally planned for you to oversee the goods with Coco while I handled the connections," Alexander explained, puffing on his e-cigarette. "Because this job is dangerous; you have to travel between River State and Pine City. Plus, you have your mom and little sister to take care of. If anything happens, it's over. Also, as the middleman, you need to frequently interact with both the Anderson family and Coco, and you need to be tough and handle things well"
Eric remained silent for a few seconds before insisting. "Alexander, I want to give it a try."
Alexander turned to Eric and gently advised, "Don't take this the wrong way, but remember what happened to your brother Paul. This job isn't easy. The Patrick family might target the middleman if they find out the drug line is back. And even if the Patrick family doesn't act soon, you saw how brutally Alex was killed. This business is too lucrative, and competition is fierce. Andrew and I don't really want you to..."
"I understand. You and Andrew think I have my mom and sister to worry about," Eric said, his eyes slightly reddened as he looked at Alexander. "But I can't let you guys keep taking care of me. Alexander, I don't want to rely on others for my fate and hope anymore. I've learned that to stand up, one must rely on oneself."
Alexander was momentarily stunned.
"Let me do it. I'll do it better than anyone else." Eric insisted. "Because I have no other option. If I don't take a stand now, I'll never turn things around."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." Eric nodded firmly.
"Alright, then you'll handle it," Alexander agreed after a long pause, "Andrew and I will handle the official channels, and you'll take care of the ground work. The three of us will stick together and do something impactful."
"Okay." Eric smiled.
Alexander put down his e-cigarette and took out his phone. "I need to call Benjamin."
"To get the order list?"
"Yes, and to borrow money," Alexander replied casually.
Eric was puzzled. "Borrow money? What do you mean?"
"Coco won't give us goods for free. To get the first batch, we need to pay," Alexander explained, "Amongst us three, who currently possesses wealth? Who is capable of securing a loan?"
Eric was even more confused. "Benjamin should pay for the goods. And if not, we can ask Samuel. He should be able to handle it. Why do we need to borrow money ourselves?"
"No." Alexander shook his head. "We can't let Benjamin or Samuel pay."
Eric was thoughtful.
Alexander grinned and explained softly, "Samuel holds a high position as the police chief, giving him influence in official circles. Benjamin, despite recent setbacks from William, still has the ability to rally his team once the drug line is back. But what do we have? Besides your willingness to risk your life and Andrew's straightforwardness, what do we have?"
Eric thought for a moment and said, "We have Coco, the supplier."
"Exactly." Alexander nodded. "The supplier is the key link that connects everyone, and it's currently in our hands. We need to use this opportunity to restructure the drug business around us. So we can't let Samuel pay, and we can't always consult with the Anderson family. Remember, they are the end buyers; they will rely on us in the future."
Eric, understanding, looked at Alexander with admiration. "No wonder Andrew, who is so proud, listens to you, and Samuel supports you. You have something we don't."
"What is that?" Alexander asked with a grin.
"A wolfish instinct that makes your eyes gleam when you smell opportunity," Eric finally said.
Alexander smiled modestly and dialed Benjamin's number.
After a few seconds.
"Hello?" Benjamin's voice came through.
"Benjamin, I need you to send me an order list with the required drugs and previous purchase prices. I need it," Alexander said.
"Alright," Benjamin agreed, his eyes brightening.
"And I need you to lend me $30,000. I need it urgently," Alexander added firmly, "I'll pay you back slowly."
Benjamin frowned. "Do you really need that much? I don't have..."
"Figure it out. I need it urgently."
"Okay." Benjamin nodded.
"That's it."
After ending the call, Benjamin put down his phone and immediately called out to someone nearby, "Get me the previous order list. I need to review it. And gather $30,000 quickly."
"That much money?" a middle-aged man asked, frowning.
"Do it. If Alexander succeeds, the drug line will be back," Benjamin said decisively, "William has pushed us to the brink. If we don't take this chance, we'll never get another one."
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