Michael stepped out into the cool night, determined to confront the gang that had been causing him so much trouble. He refused to wait for his uncle; for him, the best defense was a good offense.
**"Where do I start looking for these idiots?"** he muttered to himself. The clock was ticking, and he had to act fast before his uncle caught on to his absence.
His stomach growled, interrupting his thoughts. **"First things first, I need to eat."** He made his way to a nearby restaurant, ordering an assortment of dishes. As he devoured his meal, a curious old woman at a neighboring table raised an eyebrow.
**"Why are you eating as if it's your last meal?"** she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Michael shrugged, irritation creeping in. **"I just love to eat. Is that a crime?"**
The woman sighed, shaking her head. **"Young people these days."**
Finishing his meal, he glanced at the time. **"Thank God. I need to find those idiots and get back before my uncle arrives."**
He pulled out his phone, scrolling through social media to track down Tom and the gang.
**"They've been active lately,"** he noted, frowning. **"What kind of idiot assaults a police officer twice and remains free? They must be hiding out in the outskirts of town, in that abandoned project."**
Realizing the distance, he called for a taxi. **"Take me to this address, please."**
As the car pulled away, his phone buzzed again.
**"Damn, it's my uncle again,"** he groaned, answering. **"What now?"**
**"You scared me,"** came Matty's voice, his tone a mix of annoyance and concern. **"What are you doing out there?"**
**"I'm handling things, don't worry. I didn't ask for your advice."**
**"You think this is a joke? These people are dangerous. You could end up dead or worse—like them."**
Michael's patience wore thin. **"I'm not afraid of death. I refuse to live in fear. They insulted my family and tried to rob me. I'll show them what happens when they mess with me."**
Matty sighed heavily. **"Okay, just promise me you'll be careful. I'm meeting you at the gas station on the outskirts. Don't go in alone."**
**"Sure, old man. See you there."**
As he arrived at the address, he paid the driver. **"How much?"**
**"Twenty dollars."**
Michael handed over the cash, feeling a mix of anticipation and dread.
**"Listen, I know it's not my business, but you shouldn't be here. This place is dangerous, and you're still young. If you want, I can take you back."**
**"Thanks for your concern, but I'll be fine. You can go now."**
**"Alright, but I'll pray for you."**
With a sigh, Michael stepped out, annoyed by the string of unsolicited advice. **"All I wanted was to stay home and read my novels, not get pulled into trouble."**
He approached the abandoned building, noting the cluster of motorcycles outside. **"This has to be the place."**
He spotted two men loitering at the entrance. One was a towering figure with a bald head, a cigarette dangling from his lips and a dagger strapped to his hip. The other was shorter, with brown hair and a prominent scar that traced from his eye to his cheek.
**"I need to get past them,"** Michael thought, his heart racing. **"I should have brought a rope."**
Michael approached the larger man cautiously, hiding his nerves. **"Hey, can I ask you something?"**
**"What do you want, idiot? Don't bother us, or we'll kick your ass. Don't you know who this place is for?"**
**"Actually, I'm new in town and saw your motorcycles. I'm a motorcycle enthusiast and would love to join your club."**
The big guy scoffed. **"You think we let just anyone in? You better turn around before we change our minds."**
**"Please, I'm looking for something to do. What do I need to do to join?"**
The scarred guy chuckled. **"You want to join? You'll have to please the boss."**
Michael's expression turned incredulous. **"You're kidding, right?"**
**"Nope. You want in? That's the price."**
Seething with anger, but maintaining his composure, Michael offered, **"How about we make a deal?"**
**"What kind of deal?"** the scarred man asked, intrigued.
**"I'll give you each a thousand dollars if you introduce me to your gang."**
Laughter erupted from the big guy. **"You think we're stupid?"**
Michael pulled out two thousand dollars, placing them on the table. The two men exchanged surprised glances, suspicion etched on their faces.
**"What do you really want?"** the big guy asked, drawing his knife. **"We should catch you and see what the boss wants to do with you."**
The scarred man interjected, **"Make it four thousand, and we'll have a deal."**
Michael sighed, frustration mounting. **". If you want the other two thousand, you'll have to wait until morning."**
Michael could see hesitation in their eyes. "I only have two thousand now You can take the money right now, and I'll bring the rest tomorrow. What do you say?"
The scarred man thought for a moment. "Our leader isn't here now, but you'll have to keep this deal a secret."
"What if the boss finds out?" the bald man, Hammer, interjected.
"Relax, Hammer. The boss won't know, right?" Scar reassured him.
Michael took the opportunity to introduce himself. "By the way, what are your names?"
"I'm James, but you can call me Scar. This is Hammer."
"Nice to meet you both," Michael said, inching closer. "When will your leader be back? I'm eager to meet him."
"He'll be back in about half an hour," Scar replied. "Then you can join us."
Scar put his arm around Michael's shoulders. "We're friends now, and you'll take care of us once you join, right?"
"Absolutely," Michael replied, feigning enthusiasm.
Hammer shot a suspicious glance at Michael. "Why are you carrying a rod behind your back?"
Michael laughed, pulling out the rod. "I picked this up for protection. I've heard there are thieves around here."
Hammer's smile turned cold. "You think you can protect yourself with that?"
Michael chuckled lightly. "Sure, I know some moves. Want me to show you?"
"Go ahead," Hammer said, crossing his arms.
Michael waved the rod in an exaggerated manner, playing the fool.
"Is that all you've got? I expected something better," Hammer taunted.
Embarrassed, Michael admitted, "That's all I have."
Scar laughed wickedly. "Don't worry, we'll protect you."
Michael's instincts told him Scar had ulterior motives. "I'll be counting on both of you."
Suddenly, Michael seized the moment, launching an attack on Hammer. The blow landed squarely on Hammer's head, causing him to stumble backward.
Scar, recovering from the shock, scrambled to pull a hidden weapon from his hip. But Michael was quicker, spinning around and delivering a brutal strike that sent Scar crashing to the ground.
Scar screamed in pain. "You son of a bitch! You think you're getting out of here? When the boss comes back, you'll regret this!"
Michael kicked him, cutting him off. "Your boss will be back soon enough. I doubt he'll arrive before I finish what I need to do."
Scar spat defiantly. "I won't tell you anything."
"I don't need you to. There are five bikes here. Assuming each gang member has one, there are at least three more inside. I'm sure one of them will talk."
With that, Michael struck Scar's head forcefully, rendering him unconscious. He turned back to Hammer, ensuring he wouldn't wake up anytime soon either.
Dragging the two men inside, he closed the door behind him. "Well, that's the first stage complete. Let's hope everything goes smoothly from here."