Black market? John was momentarily stunned. "So, Black Three and his crew think I'm running a black market operation."
Thinking it over, John realized that his recent behavior could easily lead to such a conclusion. Even he would likely assume someone was running a black market operation under similar circumstances.
John maintained his composure. "Black Three, we've always minded our own business. If you've had people watching me, I think I deserve an explanation."
Black Three had initially planned to capture John tonight. But seeing John brazenly walk in with such confidence made him hesitate.
"An explanation? Who are you to demand an explanation from me? Boys, grab this guy and teach him a lesson!" shouted Tiger, one of Black Three's men.
Black Three, however, remained calm and motioned for Tiger to stand down. He looked at John and said, "It's nothing personal. It's just that you've been running a black market operation on my turf without informing me. That's against the rules. But I'm a reasonable man. I'm willing to let it slide. I even admire your talent and want to invite you to join us. I'll provide the facilities and equipment. All I ask is a small cut of the profits. What do you say?"
John felt a surge of anger. He now understood Black Three's true motive: to control him and use him as a money-making machine.
John turned his gaze to Joe, the sheriff. "Sheriff Joe, Black Three is claiming this place as his turf right in front of you. Is that sanctioned by the government?"
Joe, the sheriff, leisurely wiped his mouth and replied, "You folks can settle your own disputes."
Any lingering doubt in Black Three's mind vanished. However, he realized that having Joe witness today's events meant he'd likely have to cut him in on future black market profits.
Damn it! If John had just stayed home and waited for them to come, things would've been simpler. Doesn't he know that witnesses get a share?
Joe's response didn't surprise John. He smiled, no longer looking at Joe, and turned back to Black Three. "What if I refuse?"
Black Three sneered. "You'll agree whether you want to or not."
Black Three's men began to surround John, but without orders, they didn't make a move. John's demeanor made Black Three cautious, prompting him to test the waters further to ensure there were no surprises.
John sneered back. Suddenly, a loud buzzing came from outside the bar. Black Three turned and saw a massive drone flying through the bar's entrance.
A drone? That drone had a black metal tube underneath it, resembling a gun barrel. A machine gun mounted on a drone—an armed drone?
Holy crap!
The customers who had been watching the confrontation gasped in unison. Joe, the sheriff, sat up straight, and Black Three stood up in shock, staring at the drone, speechless.
An armed drone was not something an ordinary person could acquire. Even the local sheriff's office couldn't get one. Only the Earth Guard or top-tier gangs, wealthy individuals, or large security companies could possess such equipment. Black Three's small-time gang was outmatched.
An armed drone implied a skilled operator. Where was the operator hiding? Surely, the operator wasn't alone—there must be armed personnel nearby.
Damn it! No wonder John dared to come alone. There could be a whole team outside, possibly with dozens of guns aimed at the bar right now!
The drone hovered steadily, its powerful rotors blowing debris around. No one dared move.
Seeing the drone's gun barrel, no one wanted to risk being shot.
Sweat trickled down Black Three's face. He looked at John and asked nervously, "Who are you really?"
John's face twisted into a mocking smile. "Do you really want to know?"
Black Three shivered. "No, no, I don't. Let's call this a misunderstanding. How about we settle this over drinks another day?"
John's smile widened. "Black Three, come over here."
Black Three, slightly hunched, walked over to John. He thought John wanted to whisper something, but instead, he felt a sharp pain in his chest. All his strength drained away.
John, taking advantage of Black Three's distraction, stabbed him in the chest with the dagger. John had done this before. The stab was Accurate and ruthless, ensuring the knife went in clean and came out bloody.
Black Three collapsed to the ground, his eyes filled with disbelief. His lips moved as if trying to speak, but he said nothing and took his last breath.
Chaos erupted in the bar. Some people screamed, others were terrified, and a few seemed ready to act. John brandished his bloodied dagger and shouted, "Anyone who moves dies!"
He then maneuvered the drone to hover higher, its buzzing growing louder, and the crowd fell silent again.
The armed drone's threat was too great to ignore.
With everyone quiet, John kicked Black Three's body and spat on him. "You're blind!"
Sheriff Joe's face darkened.
No matter what, John had just killed Black Three in front of him, a blatant challenge to his authority. Feeling confident in his official capacity, Joe stood up and said, "John, no matter what grudges you had with Black Three, killing him isn't the answer."
John smiled but didn't respond to Joe. Instead, he looked at Tiger, who had been vocal earlier.
Tiger was now pale, sweating, and motionless with fear.
"Tiger, right?"
Tiger trembled. "Yes, but my name is Lee."
"Lee, how much of Black Three's monthly earnings did he give Sheriff Joe?"
Lee managed a shaky smile. "Two percent of the monthly income."
"Starting this month, it'll be three percent. You handle it. Understand?"
Lee was stunned but slowly smiled in relief. "Yes, yes, I'll take care of it!"
John laughed and turned to Sheriff Joe. "Sorry to have disturbed your evening, Sheriff. Here's a small token of my apology. Let's have a drink, Sheriff!"
John's move was calculated. He needed to ensure that Joe wouldn't interfere with his operations, and by increasing Joe's cut, he hoped to secure his complicity.