Dame sat in his office, swiveling his chair while he read the morning paper. It is the daily times and features showed an article about the gang group that has been sweeping off in New york.
Looking back at times when Alex left without a word and he couldn't find her no matter what he do.
He was dazed when he heard his phone ring.
Gabriel: Have you read the paper this morning? His friend, whom he asks to investigate all the underground mafia groups and to help him find Alex.
Dame: Yes, he answered simply. He knew his friend was not done talking and he didn't want to interrupt.
Gabriel: I'll try to talk to the editor about the information on their news. I might find something that can lead me to know where she is.
Dame: Do it and please tell me asap what you might find out.
The editor of the Daily Times was a smallish man that kept fidgeting with his hands, touching here and there, either twirling a pen or spinning a letter opener till Gabriel got irritated and asked him to keep his hand still, he obeyed immediately.
Give me all the information of your news about the mafia gang that was been arrested and some were killed in an encounter.
The editor gave Gabriel what he need. But all information was just not connected to any of the gangs in the underground. It was an inside job conflict with the members.
Leaving the office, Gabriel realized that he felt disappointed. He had secretly hoped to find a piece of information to lead him to find Alex. But still, this one is another disappointing news.
After finishing up at the office that evening, Gabriel headed for the underground fighting arena. He's been doing it for a year just hoping that in one of the fights, Alex would show up. He heard from Dame how amazing a fighter Alex was. So he was thinking that She might show up on this kind of battlefield.
Hadn't been able to find a martial art fighter who could beat him, not even Bryan who was titled the best in the country.
Bryan was in the ring when he arrived, battling - or he was more like teaching a young boy who had a mask on. The boy didn't look like anyone Gabriel has been seen before and he was curious. After the fight ended and Bryan shook hands with the boy, they both headed over to him.
Gabriel did not wait for an introduction.
Gabriel: Bryan. You've decided to turn this into a ballet school huh? Are you giving classes now?
Bryan ignored the questions.
Bryan: Gabe this is Buck, a new guy trying out to join the crew. Buck, this is Gabriel, leader of the crew and owner of the fighting arena.
Buck: Nice to meet you, sir. The boy extended a hand.
Gabriel ignored it.
Gabriel: Buck? like your parents actually named you that?
When the boy opened his mouth to reply, Gabriel raised a hand.
Gabriel: Don't bother answering me, I don't care because you wouldn't be joining us anyway, from what I saw, you can't fight. You're supposed to beat Bryan not learn how to fight right there in the arena.
Bryan: Gabe?
Bryan started to say but Gabriel cut him off.
Gabriel: Why do you even have a mask on, do you think this is some kind of cult?
Bryan: He said he has scars he doesn't want anyone to see.
Bryan replied.
Gabriel: Let the kid talk Bryan.
Gabriel snapped, to the boy, and he continued.
Gabriel: If you can't even speak for yourself, how do you intend to face me as an opponent in that ring?
Buck: Bryan has already answered for me, I have so many scars.
The boy replied.
Gabriel: Nobody gives a fuck about your scars - look around you, all everyone here wants to do is fight.
Gabriel was pissed, there was something so vulnerable about the boy's voice, he sounded like a teenager.
Gabriel: How old are you?
Buck: I'm old enough.
The boy replied with a bit of defiance.
Gabriel: I wouldn't ask again.
Gabriel could feel the hint of warning and danger creep into his voice and he laid it on thick for good measure.
Buck: I'm twenty-one years old.
The boy replied. He sounded terrified though he did not break eye contact with Gabriel.
Gabriel: Well twenty-one, you wouldn't be joining us today - or forever, we don't need new members.
Gabriel dismissed him and strode forward into the ring. Leaving Bryan to talk to the boy, he challenged four men from different crews and then stepped into the ring. With any luck, they would be able to beat him.
Bryan waived them away.
Bryan: Still looking for someone to beat you, Gabe?
Gabriel: well what's that to you? it's obvious you can never beat me.
Gabriel retorted
Bryan: and if I do?
Bryan was smiling good naturedly.
Gabriel: If you do, your little boyfriend gets a spot with us.
Bryan: He's not
Bryan started to say then thought better of it. Showing any form of irritation at being called the boy's lover would cement the name. Taking off his shirt, and walks towards the ring and joined Gabriel in the ring.
Immediately after they shook hands, he took Gabriel down with his kick and watched his friend's eyes light up in surprise. He waited for Gabriel to stand before he attempted to take him down again, but this time, his friend deflected all his attacks and sent him flying down with a kick then it was like their previous matches over again, then in the end Bryan was on the floor, unable to get up, with his body ridden in pains.
Disappointed once more, Gabriel climbed out of the ring. He patted the boy on his shoulder.
Gabriel: Sorry kiddo, but your savior was just not much of a hero.
Buck: Then I'll fight you.