The next day,
Adrian and his siblings were gathered around the dining table. Extra seats had to be procured for the twins. They sat while having breakfast.
They ate silently each observing their dining etiquette as they were British nobles.
Though they had lost their titles and lands to their scheming uncle, they still had the poise and grace any noble would have. Because, they were inculcated with such since they were able to walk and speak
After breakfast, pierce did the dishes. Later, they gathered around the table when he was done. With the exception of the twins.
Adrian started by telling them the gains he procured from his late night journey yesterday.
Then he spoke at length of his plans forward.
"From here on out, things are gonna get dangerous. We are gonna need somewhere small to lay low and avoid detection while also having enough space to slowly gather our strength. Soon, the [Street Tigers] will find out about the increasing marijuana sales in their territory. Which will push them in search of the perpetrators"
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before he continued.
"They will find us because, we did not take any precautions to remain anonymous. Causing us to be out in the open. After finding us, they will offer to take some shares of the business at least half and if we refuse, they will take it all by force."
Vivian and Pierce had solemn expressions on their faces as their eyes slowly narrowed.
The threat of the [Street Tigers] needed to be curbed imminently or as the Americans call it 'ASAP'.
Adrian continued his speech.
"Luckily, I've thought of a foundational plan. We will start by gathering more members."
Dropping a cup of water after emptying it's content, he continued.
"We will Persuad them with money and inculcate the concept of strength through cohesion. We will train them, feed them, clothe them, give them a place to call home. In the end, we will gain their appreciation.
"and in exchange, they will dedicate their lives to us. First, our targets will be the homeless, the poor and the needy. We will strive to unify them under one banner. Our very own mafia."
Adrian continued his speech as emotions filled his being. Emotions he tried to suppress but could not. And he knew why.
It was excitement. Adrenaline coursed through his body invoking in its wake unlimited gusto.
The emotions of others in the room was off the charts. Vivian and Pierce could see the fierce fire burning inside their eldest brother and it also seemed to affect them as both their eyes mirrored his determination.
In their heart was the zeal to achieve all their dreams, take their destines in their hands and fuck Mrs Fate in the asshole.
Adrian gave a little grin. then concluded.
"From now on, we will begin our descent to the very button of the underworld. Demolishing the food chain and setting up a new place of power for ourselves in this country then, we will march to Europe to remit vengeance to our bastard uncle for what he did to us."
Pierce could not hold it any longer. He let out a loud cuss.
"FUCK YES MATES"
Vivian and Adrian giggled at the antics of their brother.
After that empowering speech they proceded to go about their doings. That is until a knock distracted them.
*************************************
Michelson after yesterday's incident, went about his day like usual. Going to his various part time jobs around the neighborhood trying to patch through the day with his bruised up body. But, his mind always wandered back to the boy he met the last night.
That boy disposed of the enemy swiftly, efficiently and without any fancy moves.
Mike couldn't help but brood over his offer seriously. He speculated that the kid might be into some shady stuff yet he still had to try his luck as he got nothing to loose.
He traced the address given by the boy and followed it to this place. Getting on the front porch, he knocked. He expected to see his savior at the door but, his savior was a ..... girl?.
A young and extremely beautiful girl opened the door. She had skin so white it mirrored that of a cotton candy. Her hair was blonde and her irises looked like the Pacific ocean. deep and blue.
"Can I help you?"
Mike's thought stream was interrupted when he heard her speak. He only now realized that he was staring. When he regained his bearing,he apologized.
"Am sorry, my name is Michaelson Ackworth and am here because someone directed me to this place."
Vivian's eyes lit up in understanding and she nodded softly before ushering him inside.
"Come on in, the one you are looking for is my brother. I will go get him. In the mean time have a seat".
Michelson entered the humble abode. Looking around, the first thing he noticed was the tideness of the place. Everything just fit in their rightful places. Nothing looked out of place even though there was a significant lack of some appliances in the house.
He sat down and not long after, his savior was spotted coming out of a back room.
Adrian seeing Mike simply nodded in greeting before saying.
"I see you are interested in my offer or at least want to have a hearing"
Mike nodded back then answered
"Yes. I want to know what am getting myself into"
"Follow me" Adrian ordered with a hand gesture.
Mike walked into a basement. And the sight before him was simply astonishing to his small world view.
Four vases were filled with brimming plant life. Branches,flowers and most of all the leaves. Everything was as lush as it could be. The purple LED lights enveloped the entire room bringing with it warmth like a mother's hug.
It was all so beautiful but it could not distract Mike from the fact that this plant life would be otherwise illegal to be grown by a minor.
Towards a corner, stacks upon stacks of cardboard boxes were placed. Michelson deduced that, those were the finished product of the above mentioned "plant life".
A voice cut through his revier.
"You now see what is it I do and why I need your help as an employee. If you agree,you shall help in supplying some finished products to various contacts in some clubs of the district."
"You will collect the payments from the customer and will bring them to me. At the end of the night your share of 500dollars will be given to you. Remember. This amount is not fixed and will increase according in the future"
'500DOLLARS, that's more than all the wages of my part time jobs combined. And I would get this cash after only one night! and it will still increase.
Michelson exclaimed in his mind.
His brain turned into mushy meat paste after hearing the pay amount for only one night of supplying. He could not think of anything for straight five seconds.
Some would ask. Why is Adrian wasting his time trying to convince Michelson to join him instead of just paying him to deliver the goods. Well, Adrian saw from the beginning that, Mike was not ordinary.
The way he carried himself and also the way he spoke all pointed at the fact that the boy had seen hardship and tradegy. He was a hidden jem. And was extremely complex on the inside.
When Mike returned to the earth plane, he shook his head. Then after realizing what he did, he nodded fervently and readily agreed.
"I agree. don't say no more. I will do it. But before I do this, what's the catch?."
Adrian nodded his head in approval. At least Mike knew that there was certainly no free meal in this world. This instinct will save his life many times.
Answering the question he said.
"Naturally. If you agree to this deal, you will be granted a place by my side. I am planning to recruit you as my right hand man. You see, am building the greatest underworld empire ever and I will need capable hands to help me manage it."
Mike could feel deep within himself that he was signing a deal with the devil. It did nothing to help as Adrian at the moment, had a demonic and antagonistic grin on his face.
He spoke further outlining the pros to Mike
"You will be trained, so as to not remain forever powerless in this world. You will become the master of your own fate. Your destiny shall be yours and yours alone to control. And finally, you will, from now on control your choices. Remember that. Every decision you make comes with it's corresponding consequences".
The law of conservation of your life as Adrian liked to call it.
After that speech, Adrian stretched forth his hand for a handshake.
"Join me. And you'll never go hungry for anything ever again"
Michelson gazed at the outstretched hand before him. His instincts warned him not to take that hand. The devil was closeby but again he remembered that fateful night. In the cold and dark alleyway where he nearly died but was saved by Adrian in the nick of time
He could feel it in his blood. Adrian was no ordinary person. Mike knew that if he followed this ambitious teen before him, he would go through a road of thorns and they would stab him. His blood will be spilled for the cause of another. But he also knew that, at the end of the tunnel, there will be absolute power, excessive money and most freedom than he could ever have.
without any further hesitation, and a determined aura about him, he brought forth his hand and enveloped that of Adrian in a powerful handshake.
They both smiled. This was the beginning of a true friendship.
In the future, Michelson will look back at this very moment with pride remembering the best decision he ever took in his life.