Chapter 29: Sealed Deals

The room went dead silent for two seconds. “It’s possible,” Zalen was the first to speak. “But why?” Jack raised the question. “So she does have the ability to cause this much trouble,” Will nodded in confirmation after hearing the exchange between the two people that know her.

Chad remained quiet as he listened to their discussion. Who exactly is she? She’s been with them for some time but Chad realized that they never really knew her. What’s her relationship with the Vipers and what’s she planning to do?

The first day he saw her, she had this tough exterior on. He didn’t know how, but he always knew there’s a different side of her. He wanted to find out, to know her better but it’s hard for her to open up. She kept her guards on all the time. To the rest of the world, she’s simply straight-forward and rude.

Chad tried to connect the dots. They found her near Ivory when Zalen’s cousin was shot. She was wearing a Viper jacket but strongly denied being one. She didn’t like being in their clubhouse either. She ran out and ended up getting caught by the Vipers and getting injured. Due to the injury, she stayed in the clubhouse and helped with the weapons.

If he summarizes everything, all the clues pointed to her being in a tough spot with the Vipers. Did she really plan the attack? Was it a mere coincidence or did she really do it to save Nelly? She did seem to care about that girl.

That reminded him of the day when Nelly left. She was drinking alone that night. The way she drank was like the whole world was weighing down on her. Chad could remember vividly her expression while she drank. ‘You know, I’ll happily provide all the support you need. Let’s cut the evil head off,’ her voice echoed in his mind. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed possible that she’s the one behind the secret attack.

‘With us teaming up, Hank can start counting his remaining days,’ her words replayed like a promise sealed. The corner of his lips lifted slightly. ‘You wouldn’t leave us, would you? We are a team,’ he thought.

“Hello? Earth to Chad,” Jack’s voice pulled him back to reality. “What’s so funny?” Chad only realized that he was smiling when he heard the question. He shook his head. “Nothing. Perhaps we’ve never put effort into looking for her. Let’s start now. Do it in secret,” he said.

“In the meantime, let’s keep our eyes peeled for the Vipers. Observe their every move. We must keep our guards up especially during times like this when nothing is certain,” Chad added. The rest of them nodded. “Since they’ve already made a move on Nelly, we should start thinking of our strategy. What do you propose, Jack?”

“We’ve already moved to Rambler’s basement. I doubt we could stay for long until their next attack,” Jack replied. “What did Neil and Nelly have to say about this? Is there anything they wish to do in this situation?” Chad asked Jack. He’s in charge of the hideout group, acting as a messenger.

“Neil’s still unsure of their next step,” Jack answered. Chad nodded. “Tighten security. Continue assisting them for now. We’ll see what we can do,” his words marked the end of the discussion.

They left to carry out their respective tasks. The mastermind behind the secret attack of Buzz still remained a mystery.

Neil sat at the bar. He took a puff of his cigarette and exhaled with an audible sigh. “You look terrible.” He didn’t have to look up to know who the voice belonged to. “Tough time, Rick,” he answered as he reached for the can Rick left on the counter. He peeled it open with his right index finger and took a big gulp. Rick’s one of the bartenders in Rambler. They knew each other quite well.

Rick shook his head. “Those are here drinking because of girls. So are you. Too bad you’re related,” he nodded towards some men drinking their sorrow away in the bar. Neil gave him the side-eye before bringing his cigarette back to his mouth.

“Come on! You’re already single and bitter. Now you fuss over someone who couldn’t be your potential partner every hour of the day. I’m worried you’ll die lonely,” Rick said with his usual exaggerated gestures. Neil exhaled the cigarette smoke slowly, taking his time as he faced away to the right.

“So, what do you suggest I do? Leave her to die? I’ve not done my part for the years we were apart. Now I have to take responsibility. I’m the only one she has,” Neil countered.

Rick shook his head. “Have you ever thought that she’s stronger than you think she is? If you keep fussing over her, she won’t have the space for growth. You’re taking away her chance to grow out of her shell. That’s why she’ll only have you and you’ll only have her. You’ll only have each other forever. And you’ll die dry and lonely, together. The end,” Rick continued with his antics while emphasizing his point over and over with his gestures to add some effect.

“Jeez, thanks. If only we are lucky enough to grow old, I’ll treat you to a meal every day until the day one of us dies,” Neil almost rolled his eyes. “Deal! See, told ‘ya! You look better when you smile. Your frown ruins that handsome face. It’s an act of art destruction. It’s a crime,” Rick continued on.

“Sometimes I wonder how you stay so optimistic,” Neil commented. He relaxed visibly. Rick continued his work, placing glasses, pouring, shaking, stirring.. His hands moved smoothly like it’s on default mode while his mouth carried on without fail. “You have to live on even if you’re sad, stressed or scared. Why not choose only positive feelings? You can’t change the result anyway.”

“It’s easier said than done,” Neil sighed. “True. I’m lucky I don’t have any family left. I have only myself to worry about,” Rick agreed readily, “that’s why I date around. I need the fun! I can’t imagine dying alone like someone with a sour face over here.” “Oh, shut up,” Neil rolled his eyes.

Just then, a pair of twins approached the bar and took a seat near Neil.