Chapter 28 - We Shall Live Forever

After Ethan finished saying it last, a sepulchral silence filled the place, a pin could be heard falling. Both Job and Sugar focused their attention on Hood, wondering how he was going to act because Hood had given himself away.After a while, Hood looked at the photos on the wall and said calmly:—He used to work for Rabbit, and Carrie is his only daughter. Ten years ago she and I used to do jobs for him in New York, plan a diamond robbery, arrest me, and was sentenced to 15 years in Roscoe prison, and Carrie disappeared with Job's help, changed his name, and hid in Banshee with the loot, it was first of all, why he came to this town.Ethan knew the whole story, but he must pretend to be surprised and play along with these criminals.—Rabbit has been searching for Carrie's whereabouts for years, and seeking to retrieve the diamonds.Hearing that Hood finally told the whole story, Ethan arched his eyebrows.—So where's the real Lucas Hood?—Is dead —Hood said simply —. When I got to town, I was in this same bar. At that time, he had a conflict with Proctor's men, Munson and Randall.—All three died in a fight. Sugar was also on site and can attest to that.Sugar looked at Ethan solemnly and nodded hard.Ethan asked:—So why are you saying these things to me?—I need your help. Olek must have returned to New York. When he reappears, he will not be alone. —Hood exhaled and continued — Help me protect Carrie, I will take care of Rabbit.Job hit the table anxiously.— fuck you !, and what about me bastard?Sugar also pulled out a two-gun shotgun from under the bar.—My bones are old, but I can still give another round. If you really dare to come, I will show you some hospitality.—Wait a second. Even if you didn't murder the real Hood, there was no reason to stay and pretend to be the Sheriff, was there? —Ethan took a cigarette out of his pocket to lock him up calmly, after a drag he looked at Hood. —. Why should I help you? Also, give me reason why I shouldn't arrest you right now.Hearing Ethan say this, Sugar immediately pressed his hand onto the double-barreled shotgun placed on the bar.—Hey, I advise you not to be stupid. Because if you lift that shotgun I will empty my magazine in the face, before if you want you can think of shooting me. — I exclaim with a fierce look and his hand on his glock, if something was taken seriously Ethan was his own life, if this man I threatened him I would not hesitate to kill him without contemplation.—Sugar, there is no need to do this. —Hood yelled quickly —. Ethan is not our enemy, he has nothing to do with us, even if he disagrees he can leave this place.After Sugar withdrew his hand from the shotgun, annoyed Ethan put out his cigarette on the bar, Hood turned and said seriously:—I have nothing to offer you. There are no diamonds, there is no money. But I can promise to hand you over to the damn I tried to kill you last night. In addition to earning our friendship, and I'm talking about a real one, one you can count on to bury a body. — Hood had watched Ethan for a long time, had a strong character, and would never forgive an offense, so he had played that letter waiting for him to accept revenge on Olek.—As I just said, this criminal organization is going to take revenge. If you hurt Olek last night, they'll definitely put you on their list. Right now, you also need friends.—Also, from what I've observed in you, the fact that he pretended to be Lucas Hood is indifferent to you. You are, in essence, one of us, other than Siobhan or Lotus. They walk in the light or in the dark, but you ... you walk a gray path, where morality is distorted. When they attack you, you defend yourself without hesitation, and you do it with a coldness. So it was with the Moody brothers, you eliminated them, right?Hood had a smile on his face. Ethan didn't say much, his face showed no weakness or sign of nervousness. —The night of Cole's wake, I saw your truck near the Davis Bar. Although it was very hidden, I still saw you. After finishing talking, Hood took the cigarette case and lighter placed on the bar and lit two cigarettes.He handed one to Ethan, and the hand holding the cigarette was as firm as a stone. Sugar and Jabber looked at Ethan nervously.Before long, before his expectant glances, Ethan took the cigarette and Hood protected the lighter and helped him light it.When Ethan exhaled deeply, Hood laughed. —I guess we are now in the same boat. —Job shook his hand and patted him on the back.When Sugar reached out, Ethan grabbed her tightly. He thought Sugar wouldn't be able to bear it, but to his surprise, the old boxer simply frowned slightly.—Don't threaten me with a gun in the future.—I'm so sorry about this. —Sugar retracted his hands, saying he didn't want to hurt.—Old bastard.Ethan saw Sugar seriously apologizing, laughed, cursed, and hugged him.In fact, after Ethan knew he had come into this world, he had hesitated to join the lead group. After all, this group of people got into a lot of trouble, but after Olek shot him last night, he made a decision that had to end the dangers that threatened this town because of Hood's existence.Hood is right when he says that everyone needs friends, especially friends who can support him without morals or prejudice. He has never forgotten the memory his predecessor left him. The experience of being chased naked through three streets with a gun is truly unforgettable.—Sugar pour us a drink. With Ethan, our chances of not dying have just increased.Sugar happily took a bottle of whiskey out of the display case.—I have treasured this bottle of whiskey for many years. I guess now is a good time.Okay now let me know. —Ethan chewed his cigarette and looked at Hood and Job —. Based on what you two know about Rabbit, how many people can they mobilize and what kind of firepower will they equip?As Hood said, Ethan couldn't help but rub his temples.Before the Rabbit criminal organization acts, it generally sends people to request information and then organizes different plans depending on the strength of the target.If the target is difficult, Rabbit will even act personally. As for the firepower, Hood only described it as enough to destroy the Banshee Town police station.Sugar touched the old two-barreled shotgun placed under the bar and scratched her face in shame.—According to what you said, we have no chance of winning. —Ethan thought of something and looked at Sugar —. By the way, repeat what you just said.Sugar held out her hands confused.—I just said so many words, what phrase do you want me to repeat?Ethan thought for a moment and said:—Right now you said if they dare to come.—Well, that's right. —Sugar took the words gently —. I'll let those bastards know whose territory this is.—Yes, that exactly —Ethan nodded —.— Is there something wrong with this? —Sugar scratched his head.—Of course there is a problem, this is not your territory —Ethan hit the table hard with his fingers —. Although we don't want to admit it, in some ways, this place only belongs to one person.— Kai Proctor!Hood's eyes lit up.— Do you want to ask him for help?— Who is this Proctor? —Job asked confused.—You can understand that he is the Rabbit of Banshee. — Sugar said with a little inexplicable pride.—But I have no friendship with him. —Hood's eyes darkened and then he looked at Sugar again.—Hey, don't look at me —Sugar waved his palms quickly —. Although I have known him for a long time, in his eyes, I am nobody.Ethan drank the wine from the bottle at once.—I'll go, I've dealt with him several times.—Yes, you saved his life at the last welcome party —Sugar — quickly nodded. He owes you a favor, maybe what you said might work.—Thank you —Hood said thankfully —. Whether Proctor agrees or not, I will not forget this.—Now is not the time to talk about this. The situation is urgent. I'll go find him now —Ethan and the others nodded and quickly left Davis Bar.After Ethan left the Bar, he did not contact Proctor immediately. He turned the wheel and drove to the police station.After hearing Hood's story a moment ago, he felt that his preparations were not safe enough.At the time, Alma was the only one at the police station on duty. Ethan handed him a bag of donuts that he bought on the way and then walked into the equipment room.After searching for a bit he grabbed a soft bulletproof vest that could be worn under the clothes, and in the grooves inserted two bulletproof ceramics in the front and back of the vest, Ethan finally felt a sense of security. Although her waist was a little uncomfortable, now she couldn't care less.After saying goodbye to Alma, he returned to the car and called Proctor.A few minutes later, Ethan parked the car outside a tall building at a Proctor meat processing factory.There was a sign hanging on the high red brick wall with the words "Proctor Slaughterhouse" written on it. Bourton was standing under the sign waiting for Ethan. She wore black-mounted glasses, her always shiny hair and her impeccable outfit.There was also a bow tie around her neck. This outfit looked extremely strange in this place, coupled with his dead face.Seeing Ethan get out of the car, Bourton's mouth twisted and he forced a smile, then he turned around and walked in with Ethan.—Sorry, I just discussed something with my business partner and I didn't have time for lunch. I think you won't mind, do you?In the slaughterhouse operating room, Proctor was sitting next to a huge stainless steel operating table. He greeted Ethan with a knife and fork.There was a steak plate and a salt shaker placed on the operating table. Looking up, he hung a huge hook, the sharp point of which shone with a cold light.It was obvious that this place was used to cut and process beef.—I'm sorry to disturb you so late, Mr. Proctor, of course not.Ethan took the chair Bourton brought, thanked him, and sat down.—This is the first time you come to my slaughterhouse. Today's meat is good. Do you want to try it? —Proctor skillfully cooperated with the knife and fork, cut a piece of meat, and brought it to his mouth.—Sure, I haven't had dinner yet.Proctor paused and then smiled again. He swallowed the food in his mouth, turned to Bourton, who was behind him, and said:—Bourton, let us speak alone.Bourton nodded and turned to leave.After Bourton left, Proctor took off the napkin around his neck and asked with interest:—And well, why are you looking for me?—I am in little trouble. Someone will come to Banshee in the next few days for my head. Things will get ugly, and I don't think I can cope with them.Ethan did not beat around the bush and went straight to the point.— Aren't you a police officer? You shouldn't ask Sheriff Hood for help. I don't understand why you came to see me. I'm just a man who deals.—The truth is, Hood is also one of the targets. We both need your help.Proctor said nothing and slowly cut the meat.Soon after, Bourton came up with a plate and placed it in front of Ethan.Ethan looked at the sizzling steak in front of him and moved his index finger. After thanking Bourton, he took the knife and fork and ate itAfter Proctor slowly finished the steak in front of him, he thought about it carefully.Although he did not know what kind of problem Ethan and Hood had encountered, the situation was serious enough to ask him for help. It would probably be serious, and for now it shouldn't attract attention.Proctor put down the knife and fork and grabbed the napkin.—I don't know what you're talking about. I can not help you. I am so sorry.Ethan finished the meal in front of him in a few moments, took the napkin next to the plate and dried his mouth, looked directly at Proctor and said:—I remember you saying you owed me a favor. And I want to collect it.The movement of Proctor's hand stopped. After hesitating for a moment, he reluctantly left the napkin.—Tell me about the situation and I will only help you once. Then tell Hood that he will now be indebted to me.After Ethan left Proctor's slaughterhouse, he breathed a sigh of relief. He texted Hood and went home to rest.While sleeping soundly, the phone suddenly rang.Ethan reached out to grope and grabbed the phone. Unexpectedly, it was Proctor calling, so he quickly answered the call.—If I'm not mistaken, I think the group you mentioned has already arrived in town.Proctor's brief words woke him up.— Where are you?After asking about Proctor's location, Ethan got up quickly, put on his gear, and quickly drove the Challenger away from home.He called Hood as he grabbed the wheel.For some reason, Hood never answered and then called the number Job had left him.— Who is it? —Two seconds later, the call went online and Job's voice rang.—I'm Ethan, is Hood with you? —Ethan bowed his head and held the phone in his hands, holding the wheel firmly with both hands.—No, now I am alone at the Hotel Valley. What happens?—The Rabbit people are here, please notify Hood.—Damn, how did they get there so fast? Are you sure? —Job's voice panicked.Ethan stepped on the brake. Proctor was standing on the side of the road, next to a black van, parked behind his Rolls-Royce.—Find Hood and wait for my call. —Ethan hung up the phone.He got out of the car and ran to Proctor.—Half an hour ago, five cars with New York license plates entered Banshee. After buying some groceries, they headed to an unknown location.—According to the information, the person buying the supplies spoke with a Ukrainian accent.—Five minutes ago, two of the cars appeared, heading towards the Banshee police station. — Proctor looked at Ethan ——I understand. Thank youProctor nodded.—You're welcome. I just provided you with information, and the people in the back van will be your backup. With this we are at hand, and remind Hood that he is in debt.After speaking, Proctor left the scene in a Rolls-Royce.After Ethan texted Job, he walked to the van and opened the side door. Looking at the scene in front of him, his pupils suddenly shrunk.In the Bourton he was sitting in front, and behind him sat five big men. Except for Bourton, they all wore black hoods, revealing only a pair of cold eyes.Each of them had an AK rifle in hand, full of murderous intentions.Bourton bent down, took out an AK and a hood from under the seat, and handed them to Ethan.If he didn't take the gun, Ethan believed Bourton would kill him first without hesitation and then go straight.After breathing deeply twice, he took the AK and got in the car.Bourton took off his glasses, folded them carefully, and put them in his pocket, removing the lid from his glasses. His eyes looked like a dead man, lifeless.He looked at Ethan and took off his black hood.Under cover of darkness, the van moved quickly to the Banshee Town police station.