Watson Wick rarely abandoned his flamboyant red tie for a more subdued dark one, meticulously combed his hair to achieve a mature look, and donned a sharp suit. He exuded an air of stern handsomeness. This observation wasn't made by John but by Mrs. Wick herself, who seemed to see in Watson a man smitten, heart in hand. A slight smirk played on Watson's lips, revealing a hint of his inherent rebelliousness and cool demeanor, which truly set him apart.
John expressed a desire to accompany Watson, who was initially reluctant. However, with Mrs. Wick's family en route by plane and the looming threat of their displeasure, Watson conceded. Despite being a wizard, John's understanding of his son's capabilities was limited, yet he recognized that Watson had come into his own.
Watson took the wheel while John settled in the backseat, dressed in a dark suit, looking solemn and distinguished, with a unique and intricate badge adorning his chest. Upon their arrival at Wallace Manor, the bodyguard recognized Watson and, after a brief greeting, allowed them entry.
"Mr. Wick, Sean has been expecting you," greeted the bald, middle-aged black butler as he approached the father and son duo. The sight of John momentarily surprised the butler. Watson, with a nonchalant air, advised, "Don't keep Sean waiting."
Watson carried with him several contracts, investments entrusted to him by Finn Wallace. The butler, recognizing the significance of these documents, led Watson and John through the grand hall without further comment. The presence of Watson silenced the murmurs of the gathered magnates, their eyes betraying their greed at the sight of the contracts. "Father is quite the catch," John mused, taking mental note of these individuals as he followed his father.
Sean Wallace, the eldest son of Finn Wallace, bore a somber expression, his brows knotted with the weight of his father's passing. Watson's arrival seemed to lighten his mood slightly. "Watson, I'm relieved you're here," Sean greeted. The atmosphere at the funeral was cold; no handshakes were exchanged, especially not with those who might stand accused of Finn's murder. Watson and Sean's handshake, however, was filled with a newfound trust.
"Those people, they might have killed my father. I know you wouldn't," Sean confided, a hint of vengeance flickering in his eyes. He ushered Watson to sit, presenting him with several documents related to investments and shares entrusted by his father. These documents, representing hundreds of millions of dollars, caught Sean's attention, prompting him to discreetly signal the butler to leave with his son, who also served the Wallace family.
Once alone, Sean leaned in, "Watson, you're the only one who can help me uncover my father's killer." His sincerity was palpable as he continued, "My father always said he trusted you above all others, and I've always considered you family."
Watson, touched by Sean's words, hesitated before responding with a wry smile, "Sean, you know my role has always been in investments."
"Watson!" Sean interjected earnestly, "Help me, and I promise you'll be the most respected friend of the Wallace family."
But Watson was at a loss; his expertise lay in finance, not in navigating the treacherous waters of their business rivals' conspiracies. He attempted to decline once more, but Sean's demeanor darkened.
Taking a deep breath, Sean's tone carried a veiled threat, "You control all of my father's legitimate business interests. That's a significant amount of money, and those men won't let you off easily."
Realizing that appealing to familial bonds was insufficient, Sean's message was clear: Watson's refusal could place them both in grave danger. Sean's sneer was filled with a chilling warning. "Your methods are commendable, but you're dealing with ruthless people. They'll target your loved ones, even going as far as to mutilate your son. You know the kind of monsters they are."
John, who had been silent until now, couldn't help but interject, his tone laced with disbelief. "I'm still here, you know. Isn't this a bit excessive?"
Watson's expression darkened considerably. The last thing he wanted was for his family to be dragged into this mess. Sean, lounging on the sofa with an air of confidence, seemed unfazed by the tension. Watson was torn; he knew some of his clients might hold key information about Fern Wallace's murder, but his professional integrity made him hesitant to exploit these connections.
A knock on the door signaled it was time for Sean to oversee the funeral arrangements. "Think it over," he advised, clapping Watson on the shoulder as he stood to leave. Just then, a voice cut through the room, startling Sean. "If my father doesn't comply, will Mr. Wallace target my family next?"
Sean was taken aback, having assumed they were alone. He scanned the room, searching for the source of the voice. John stepped out from the shadows, locking eyes with Sean. The sudden appearance felt almost spectral. "Who are you?" Sean stammered, the fear evident in his voice.
"John Wick," the young man declared, each word deliberate. "Watson Wick's son. The one you claimed would be mutilated." John raised his hands, showcasing his intact fingers, a silent testament to his defiance.
Sean, now visibly confused and anxious, considered calling for his bodyguards. Watson finally broke his silence, standing to face Sean with a resolved look. "I'll hand over everything related to Mr. Wallace. I refuse to be part of this any longer."
"Very well, Watson. That's your decision," Sean replied, his tone darkening with disappointment. John stepped aside, allowing Sean to exit. As Sean departed to fulfill his grim duty at the funeral, Watson and John shared a moment of silent understanding before heading down themselves.
At the sight of Fern Wallace's lifeless body, Watson couldn't suppress a twinge of sorrow for his old friend. John, however, remained detached, observing the scene with a critical eye. Among the mourners, he noticed something peculiar—a wizard mingling with the gangsters. His keen observation revealed not just one, but five wizards in total, each trying to blend in yet clearly wary of the others.
"It seems wizards find employment among Muggles as well," John mused silently, his gaze sharp. These were no ordinary wizards, certainly not Aurors, but likely dark wizards of mediocre power, employed by those who knew no better.
As the funeral proceeded, a tension-filled encounter with a formidable-looking man and his entourage hinted at further complications. Watson, ever protective, quickly ushered John away from the brewing storm.
Driving away, John's thoughts lingered on the sinister exchange he'd witnessed between the wizard with the mutilated nose and the imposing figure they'd just encountered. "It seems tonight will be eventful," he remarked to himself, a sense of foreboding settling over him as they returned home. Wick embraced her son warmly before turning her attention to her husband, examining him from head to toe. The dinner proceeded under the couple's astonished gazes. After eating in a rather detached manner, John excused himself and headed to the basement. Watson, scratching his head in bewilderment, hesitantly voiced his concern, "Did we frighten him today?" He speculated that John might have been intimidated by the gathering of influential figures they had encountered, while Mrs. Wick lamented her diminishing culinary skills, feeling increasingly guilty for not providing adequately for her son.
Initially, she had attributed John's rapid weight loss to a growth spurt, but now she was beginning to suspect that the meals at Hogwarts were lacking in quality. Determined to remedy the situation, she picked up the phone and dialed a number. After three rings, the call was answered by a woman with a languid voice, "Hello?"
"Lucy," Mrs. Wick began, her tone urgent yet composed, "you mentioned last time that you managed to acquire a recipe from Master Chen, the renowned chef from Tianchao Xiaodao. Please, send it to me. I'm willing to pay double the price."
This exchange highlighted Mrs. Wick's deep concern for her son's well-being and her determination to ensure he received nutritious meals, even if it meant going to great lengths to secure a special recipe.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge