*RING* *RING* *RING*
Adrian woke up to the sound of the alarm clock. The first rays of the sun washed down on the closed inferior curtain that blocked the windows, painting them in bright golden colours.
'its already been fifteen years huh'
Adrian mused inwardly
Adrian in his past life was an ex special forces. One of the best in his league. He had various experiences and skills under his belt . But sadly, that also came with bad experiences too. Killing, blackmailing,extorting, kidnapping, he's done all sorts of dirty shit for the government as he was trained to do.
[OPERATION SHADOW] as it was called, was one of the most, if not the most secretive government program. So secretive that only the president and some other high ranking military officers knew about it.
It ook the best of the best and trained them.
Intense training day and night with only one purpose. Breaking and reconstructing them Into killing machines. They did the government's dirty work for them while they basked in the light claiming to be saints.
As he grew old, so also was his efficiency declining. It started with small mistakes to jeopardizing the entire mission.He knew his time was coming, so he retired, or That's what he hoped to do.
The "Authorities" had a problem with that as Those in operation shadow had access to too much classified information.
So they decided to "retire" him.permanently.
And they did just that. Bringing an end to a legendary existence.
But that was not the end. Adrian found himself as a baby again. Born to a noble family in England.
*YAWWWWWWN*
Shaking his head, Adrian suppressed those unfortunate memories. Going towards the bathroom,he prepped himself for the long day ahead.
Today, him and his brother Pierce, were going to moved the former garden vases from the shack to the basement and also fill them with soil in preparation for planting.
Vivian had one of the worst or best job of all.
She was tasked to take care of their twin siblings Cindy and Sebastian.Who were ten years old.
Arriving at the living room, Adrian saw his brother pierce sitting while watching tv.
And seeing his brother coming pierce said
"Good morning"
"Morning" Replied Adrian while also addressing him
"I hope your ready, we've got a long day ahead"
"No problem mate"
Pierce replied with a Brit tongue.
Look At the clock Adrian noticed that it was time for breakfast. Going towards the small kitchenette, he prepared a little something for his siblings. Taking into account, the twin. Mainly consisting of a toasted sandwich and milk.
After they both had their breakfast,mostly in silence, they moved towards the small shack outside.
Their house was situated in a small neighborhood that was not all that developed. You could see homeless men and women on the streets begging for the days meal.While street thugs blew themselves some smoke looking around with sharp eyes.
And since it was early in the morning, various people walked towards their jobs while thinking of the harsh life they all had.
These streets were ruled by a gang but Adrian did not know which. In this world gangs were rampant. Almost every street in the city had a gang overseeing it. From small street gangs to neighborhood gangs to district mobs, borough crime syndicate to the city mafia families.
Adrian had a ground plan for inserting himself in this tangled web of degenerates.
But not just that, he kept a saying by one of the greatest historical figure close to his heart.
'i came,I saw,I conquered'
Adrian chuckled at the thought of that line.
But in his cold irises bloom flames of determination as he promised to follow that statement till he could do so no longer.
From then, they spent a good part of the day moving all three of the four foot long vases in the basement and also filling them with soil suited for planting which the had gotten from the backyard.
And later that evening, Adrian freshened up and bid farewell to his siblings as he moved towards [Joy Grove Bar]. He also took a bit of cash with him.
Walking towards the bar, Adrian could not help but take in his surroundings. The Bronx was one of the poorest boroughs in NYC.
The poverty ratio was high and people struggled. The gangs were not making it easier for them at least in this parallel world.
He passed through houses, malls, shops and the standard city layout. But when he was afar of, he spotted a run down and rusty dojo. The sign above read [SHOTO'S DOJO]. Adrian took an immediate interest in that.
He had no desire to enroll cause he already has considerable knowledge in hand-to-hand combat as atested by his past life enemies. But he was open to a job opportunity with the dojo. He could teach. For a price,that is.
Although the money in his hand was enough to feed them for some time, they could not continue like this forever. Their 'legal guardian' who also happens to be their foster aunt sometimes took care of the meals with monthly monetary 'support' which was barely enough to feed them.
But she was good for one thing actually, as she was the reason they could still live in the house. Because none of them were up to eighteen years to legally own a house.
Adrian although, interested in the opportunity, had a goal for today and could always come back later.
Finally arriving at the the bar, Adrian paid the entrance fee and walked in. And the first sight he was made to gaze upon was, a strikingly beautiful stripper twirling like a hurricane on the extremely long pole that stretched from top to bottom of the two story bar. Men gathered around her with drooling and perverted expression on their faces.
Booths doted the bar as customers hired them for some clandestine activities.
LED light filled the whole arena as loud party music boomed through the speakers vibrating into his chest causing an unpleasant feeling for a fourteen year old.Both men and women screemed their lungs off and drowned themselves in drinks.
Shaking his head, Adrian walked towards the bartender who was a tall man with dark skin, a sharp and neat faded hairstyle adorned his head. The bartender looked at him weirdly but was not surprised at his age cause his seen much worse happen in this lawless place.
Sitting on the stool, Adrian spoke to the bartender.
"Can I get a glass of orange juice?"
Hearing that, the bartender smiled
"Coming right up little man"
"Thanks"
While he waited for his drink, Adrian observed the bar.
The two story bar was massive. At the lower levels, anyone could enter. The second floor though, was reserved for VIP's
Adrian's eyes scanned through the place. Taking in every detail and also, escape routes.Twas a habit which he still harboured due do his past life's undercover missions. He observed the dealers, mobsters, drug takers and others. Indulging themselves in their debauchery.
His train of thought was cut short when he heard clink in front of him.
*CLINK*
"Here's your drink"
"Thanks. Em excuse me can I ask a favour my good man"
Adrian thanked the bartender and said
Standing opposite the little boy with only the counter separating them, the bartender replied.
"Sure thing"
Adrian continued
"My name is Adrian and I was thinking if you could point me towards the right direction.you see, am looking for information"
"The name's Chris and although I think you're too young for this environment I won't judge. just go over to that booth you will find what your looking for"
The bartender, now identified as Chris replied to Adrian.
Adrian turned in the direction Chris pointed and saw a closed booth guarded by Two tall and large bouncers.
"Thanks, keep the change"
Adrian thanked him while pulling out a ten dollar note and sliding it across the counter top.
"Thanks, if you need anything, am your guy"
Adrian reached the booth and the two bodyguards stopped him. With one inquiring in a deep and somewhat intimidating voice.
"What do you want"
Adrian not at all impressed by this scenario, replied.
"I mean no harm gentlemen, I come seeking enlightenment on some of my questions and don't worry I've got cash"
The bodyguard impressed by the kid in front of him who spoke like a middle aged man, grunted and moved out of the way for Adrian.
"Most appreciated, gentlemen"
Adrian thanked them while walking into the booth.
Upon entering, he noticed first, a middle aged man who was about forty years old with a whisky glass in hand and the other hand surrounded a woman who had a smile on her face. The stopped their conversation when they noticed him enter the booth.
"*Cough*, what can I help you with young man.Since you know my booth you must come seeking information. And you are at the right place. My name Is Rowland Walker please, have a seat"
Rowland introduced Himself with a smile that did not seem to desist anytime soon from his face.
Adrian sat down while eying the man silently. noticing the sutble movement he made like dropping the whiskey cup on the table while also keeping his hand close to the table where Adrian presumed there was a gun under. But nonetheless, he still introduced himself with an almost expressionless face.
"Good evening sir, my name is Jackson Brown and I would like to seek your help as I hope to purchase something."
Of course Adrian would never give his real name to an info broker as they would very well investigate his life and he would have no power to stop them. He wanted to lay low for a while so he could not have prying eyes on him.
But he knew sooner or later Rowland would find out.
Turning his eyes to the woman nearby
"I hope we could talk matters privately"
Rowland understood and turn to the lady, a smile never leaving his face and requested.
"Felicia, why don't you wait outside. I will call you when am done speaking to my young friend here"
"Ok, honey bun"
And with a quick kiss she was gone.
Rowland, still eying the generous backside of Felicia smiled and the turned to Adrian and asked.
"So Jackson what Is it you want"
Adrian took a deep breath. He knew that his future would begin here and shivers of excitement coursed through his body as he held his breath. As of this moment, he's and his families future would depend on the man in front of him.
"I wish to buy cannabis seeds"