Chapter 118 Wolfman Makes His Move
From the group of menacing thugs, six or seven surged forward, pulling out their batons with a swift motion and charging straight at Eric.
"Mr. Phillips!" Both the director and Olivia screamed; their eyes wide with alarm.
To them, Eric was a benefactor who'd donated generously to their orphanage, and now he'd just stood up for them again.
What would it do to their conscience if Eric got crippled by these thugs?
Eric, however, remained unfazed.
"Wolfman, showtime," Eric said coolly.
"Eric, I've been itching for some action!" Wolfman replied, his tongue running over his lips as a gleam of excitement flashed in his eyes.
"Wolfman, there are a lot of kids watching. Make sure you don't go overboard. We don't want to traumatize them," Eric cautioned.
Eric knew full well how lethal Wolfman could be. His methods were designed to kill with ease.
"Got it," Wolfman nodded in understanding.
Suddenly, two burly men in black charged at Eric, wielding their batons fiercely.
Thwack! Thwack!
With lightning speed, Wolfman caught the batons in his bare hands and twisted forcefully.
Sounds of agony filled the air as the wrists of the two attackers snapped under Wolfman's grip.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Wolfman struck like a thunderclap.
In the blink of an eye, eight of the assailants lay on the ground, wailing in pain.
"Charge! Get him!" The bald thug roared.
Dozens of men in black drew their batons and surged toward Wolfman.
"Just a bunch of lambs," Wolfman sneered with contempt.
He then charged into the crowd.
Once in their midst, he was like a wolf among sheep; the men in black stood no chance.
Furthermore, Wolfman's resistance to blows was outstanding. Even when struck by the batons, it hardly fazed him – mere tickles.
Infuriated, Wolfman didn't hold back.
Soon, he had all forty or fifty men sprawled on the ground.
Only the bald leader was left standing, frozen in shock and fear.
The director, Olivia, and the children hiding in the distance were flabbergasted. Could someone actually be this formidable?
"Eric, what do we do with this one?" Wolfman gestured to the bald man.
"Bring him here," Eric commanded with a wave of his hand and an air of indifference.
With a nod, Wolfman grabbed the bald thug and hauled him before Eric.
"Let me tell you, we're with Donald Hall, the big shot in New York. Don't you know crossing him is a one-way ticket to trouble?" The bald bruiser spat out with a menacing snarl.
Eric narrowed his eyes. "Still talking tough, huh? Wolfman, slap some sense into him!"
"You got it!"
With a nod, Wolfman reeled back and delivered a pair of resounding slaps to the bald man's cheeks.
The force Wolfman packed was no joke. With those two hefty slaps, the bald man's mouth was bloody, and his face was swelling red.
Immediately after, Eric snatched the documents from the director's grasp, tore them to shreds, and tossed the pieces at the bald man's face. "Go tell Donald Hall to clean up his act and rack up some good karma for a change. As for the orphanage, it's under my wing now, Eric Phillips."
"You...you're Eric Phillips!" The bald thug's eyes bulged in disbelief.
He'd never seen Eric Phillips in New York before, but the name was infamous. He knew full well that Eric Phillips was the boss of the Power Group's New York branch, the grandson of Sean Williams, and a thorn in his boss Donald Hall's side!
"That's right, I'm Eric Phillips," Eric confirmed coolly.
Then, with a dismissive wave, "You're lucky there are kids here, or I’d do much worse. Now scram!"
Did the bald man dare to linger?
"Guys, let’s get out of here!" He barked, and the group made a beeline for the exit.
The defeated men in black struggled to their feet and scrambled out the door.
"Yay!!!" Cheered the kids who had been hiding. They all popped out and jumped with joy.
In their eyes, justice had triumphed over evil.
Olivia smiled in gratitude, "Wolfman, you're incredible. Thank you, Wolfman, and Mr. Phillips."
"Thank Eric; I'm just following orders," Wolfman responded humbly.
"Mr. Phillips, Wolfman, thank you both so much," the director also added her thanks.
Yet, the director let out a long sigh, unable to fully celebrate.
"What's wrong, Director?" Olivia inquired, concern painting her features.
“Although they were chased away this time, Donald Hall is a ruthless man. He won't let this slide. Mr. Phillips and Wolfman can't be here to protect us all the time, and if revenge comes knocking, I hate to think of the consequences," the director sighed, shaking her head.
"Doesn't Olivia know Hailey Anderson? That girl, Hailey, she's got some tricks up her sleeve. Let her watch over the orphanage," Eric suggested.
"Alright. I'll talk to Hailey about it," Olivia nodded in agreement.
"It seems that's our only option," the director acknowledged with a nod of her own.
"Olivia, if she can't handle it, don't hesitate to call me," Eric offered.
"Thank you, Mr. Phillips," Olivia and the director expressed their gratitude together.
...
Not long after Eric and Wolfman took their leave, a patrol car pulled into the orphanage's driveway.
Hailey hurried out of the car, concerned.
"Olivia! Where are those thugs?" She quickly scanned the surroundings.
"They've been chased away," Olivia informed her.
"Chased away? Who managed that?" Hailey looked puzzled.
"That good Samaritan from yesterday; he brought a bodyguard who's nothing short of amazing. The guy single-handedly knocked out forty or fifty of them," Olivia recounted excitedly.
"One person took on fifty? He was that impressive? Olivia, you're not pulling my leg, are you?" Hailey asked incredulously.
Olivia had training in combat herself and she knew all too well the improbability of a single person fending off forty or fifty armed thugs.
"Hailey, you know me. Do I ever exaggerate? If you don't believe me, just ask the director and the kids," Olivia insisted earnestly.
"Olivia's telling the truth," the director confirmed.
"I guess I have a lot to learn. I'm more and more interested in meeting this kind-hearted man and his bodyguard," Hailey murmured to herself.
"Oh, Hailey, there's also some fantastic news. This good Samaritan made a huge donation to our orphanage, without asking for anything in return!" Olivia shared, hardly containing her excitement.
The director nodded in confirmation, "That's right, I have the check right here."
"This donation greatly alleviates our orphanage's financial stress. With careful budgeting, we shouldn't have money worries for the next few years," a delighted Hailey rejoiced.
"Exactly, Hailey. That's why I said it's incredible news," Olivia beamed with a smile.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting this Good Samaritan," Hailey Anderson said with conviction. "Someone who's not only wealthy but has a heart of gold is so rare. When I see him, I'll be sure to thank him for his kindness."
Little did Hailey know, the benevolent individual she was eager to meet was none other than Eric Phillips.
The head of the orphanage spoke with a heavy heart, "Hailey, the orphanage is facing a serious issue. Though we managed to fend off Horizon Group today, they're not likely to back down. As a police officer, I'm begging you to think of the children and help us."
Olivia nodded in agreement, "Yes, Hailey. You're our only hope."
"Don't worry," Hailey assured them firmly. "I'll report back right away and request additional protection. I refuse to believe they'd dare to flout the law!"
Hailey went home and sought help from her grandfather.
Back at her very modest home, Hailey pleaded with her grandfather, "Grandpa, you've always taught me to stand up against this kind of wrongdoing and to live with integrity. I'm really counting on you to help me with this!"
Her grandfather, closing his eyes and sighing deeply, said, "Hailey, this time it involves Donald Hall. Twenty years ago, I might have had some influence, but now... I just don't have the power to intervene anymore."
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