Chapter 226 Something Significant Happened
Sophie didn't kick the bucket, but she got messed up real bad and ended up in a coma. They rushed her to the hospital for some emergency TLC.
After the docs did their thing, she was out of the woods but had some nerve damage, meaning she’d be rolling around in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
Her accident was small potatoes compared to Larry getting crippled; it didn’t even cause a ripple in Rosewood.
James couldn’t care less about her fate. After ditching BH Pharmaceuticals, he made a beeline for Richard Manor.
Richard Manor was buzzing, packed with fancy cars and extra muscle. The big four directors were all there too.
Larry’s injury had clearly rattled the Mystic Alliance.
James quickly tracked down Richard.
Richard was chilling in front of a painting, looking the same as always—tall, lanky, with that dark red face. Dude seemed like he never changed.
He stood straight, like a spear stuck in the ground.
The soft light made his wrinkles pop, but his eyes were still sharp as ever.
When he spotted James, his cold eyes warmed up.
"James, you're here," Richard laughed, throwing his arms wide.
"Richard, sorry to drag you into this mess," James said, hugging him. "I’ll take the heat for what happened with Larry."
Richard’s eyes went wide, and he gave James a playful slap on the head. "What mess? There’s no mess here. Even if you had offed Larry, it wouldn’t be a problem. He just wasn’t up to snuff."
Richard didn’t give a hoot about Larry’s injury. "If there’s any mess, it’s Larry’s and the Mystic Alliance’s. Larry’s been a cocky jerk for decades, picking fights and hurting folks. Now that he’s lost his mojo, he’s causing us headaches instead of dealing with his enemies. Is he waiting for his family to get wiped out?"
James was taken aback but silently gave Richard props for his insight. The guy nailed it.
While James was dealing with Larry’s revenge, Larry, having lost his skills, was also in deep trouble.
James shot Richard an apologetic grin. "Besides Larry’s revenge, there’s heat from the Mystic Alliance HQ. No matter how bad Larry’s been, he’s still the president of the Los Angeles Mystic Alliance. By crippling him, I’ve embarrassed the Elder Council. And the deterrent stick I used was given to me by you. They’ll definitely come down on you."
"What heat?" Richard threw an arm around James’s shoulder and laughed. "The deterrent stick was given to me by the Grand President. Using it on the president or disciples is totally legit. You used it to put Larry in his place; nothing wrong with that. The Elder Council’s got no grounds to gripe. The stick’s meant to be used, not just sit around.
Crippling Larry might seem harsh, but it’s human nature. I’d have done the same. Otherwise, wait for him to come back at us?
No way. He’s a mid-level martial artist. Not crippling him would be asking for trouble. So chill out.
Just watch out for attacks from Larry’s crew, especially his top disciple, Ruby.
As for the Elder Council, I got it covered. No matter how big the issue, it’s not a problem here."
Richard made it sound like the whole Mystic Alliance drama was just a minor hiccup, like Larry and the Elder Council were just pesky flies.
"Thanks, Richard," James said, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.
"Your words put my mind at ease." He wanted to say he'd handle it if Richard couldn't, but he didn't want to make Richard dig his heels in more.
"As long as you're chill," Richard laughed. "Let's forget about this mess. Come to the backyard; I'll show you some martial arts moves. Stick around for the meal too."
He pointed at Bruce. "Bruce, get a whole roasted lamb ready. Tonight, James and I are drinking till we drop."
Bruce nodded, "Got it."
Three hours later, James left, stuffed and happy. Richard looked at the lamb bones and finished his wine.
The night air was thick with the smell of booze.
Bruce, who had just seen James out, handed Richard a cup of tea.
Richard sipped and looked at the dark sky. "Did James head back?"
Bruce nodded, "Yeah."
Richard gave more orders, "Tell Suzaku to head to Los Angeles and keep tabs on the Mystic Alliance. Also, have Logan pick eighteen tough guys to guard James 24/7."
Bruce replied, "Got it, I'll set it up right away."
He hesitated, "Boss, are you really gonna take on this mess for James?"
Other Mystic Alliance members nearby looked at Richard.
"Of course!" Richard's voice was rock solid. "Once a brother, always a brother. He saved my life. If I don't have his back, who will? Plus, if James gets really pissed, he might wipe out the whole Los Angeles Mystic Alliance. He's got it in him."
Bruce lowered his head, not saying another word.
"Do you know why Larry came to Rosewood City?" Richard's eyes were sharp. "He had orders from the Elder Council to send disciples here. Officially, it was for learning, but really, they thought I was weak and wanted to sneak in. James's fight threw a wrench in their plans. So, I gotta protect James. If anyone wants to mess with him, they'll have to go through me first."
His expression was calm and determined.
Bruce's body trembled. "Understood."
The Mystic Alliance members looked at Richard with admiration. He was their leader, their rock, who never abandoned his people.
Just then, Bruce's phone rang, breaking the quiet night and making everyone jump.
Bruce quickly answered.
Moments later, his hand shook, and the phone slipped from his grip.
Richard asked calmly, "What happened?"
Bruce's face went pale. "Larry's been killed."
Everyone fell silent, even the night wind seemed to hold its breath.
The flames from the roasted lamb crackled, reflecting their solemn faces.
Only Richard stayed calm. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled. "Rosewood City, a storm's coming."
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