Chapter 113 Jonas's Embrace
Although the Chaotic Zone isn't under anyone's control, it can keep the forces from the other three districts in check. The power structure inside is deeply entangled - far more complicated than it appears on the surface.
"There were originally eight major forces here. After The Black Talons fell, seven remain: the Saunders family, Golden Lions Crew, Copperhead Syndicate, Black Eagle Syndicate, and others. They control the core businesses - water, electricity, food, and smuggling."
Matteo's expression turned serious. "The remaining thirty-four smaller forces mostly rely on the major forces to make a living, helping collect protection money and watch over territories. A few have aligned themselves with outside forces."
"What's the relationship between them?" I pressed.
Matteo answered in a low voice, "The seven major forces have signed agreements and always present a united front against outsiders. Their interests are too deeply intertwined. When they join forces, they become a giant that even the Government District, Co-governed District, and even the Northern District has to be wary of them."
His tone shifted, taking on a colder edge. "But once there's no common external enemy, the private disputes never stop. Fighting over territory and profits is routine. The smaller forces pick sides, and every clash leaves plenty of casualties."
I nodded in understanding. These local forces band together for mutual protection. If I want to take over the Chaotic Zone, I need to break up their alliance first.
"Golden Lions Crew controls the water and electricity supply. Last month they suddenly announced price hikes. Anyone who can't pay gets cut off immediately." Matteo's voice dropped when he mentioned this. "Irene's father is a builder with decent income, but all his earnings were scammed away. If it weren't for that, she wouldn't have had to drink dirty river water."
"Are there many people who can't afford the utilities?" My fingers tapped lightly on my knee.
Matteo gave a bitter laugh. "Too many."
"Most people here survive on odd jobs and scavenging trash. Being able to barely fill their stomachs is good enough - where would they get money for utilities? Only people in the north can afford water and electricity. The south is pitch black at night. Without clean water to drink, more and more people are getting sick like Irene."
"What do you usually eat?"
"Copperhead Syndicate and Black Eagle Syndicate control the grain stores and grocery shops." Matteo's voice was hoarse. "As long as they can grab territory and collect protection money, they have money to buy the cheapest bread. One dollar each, big enough for an adult to eat for three meals, but it tastes terrible - the texture is like chewing sandpaper. People without means can only scrounge moldy bread and drink from drainage ditches to get by."
I changed the subject. "What about the Saunders family?"
Matteo lowered his voice. "They deal in human trafficking. Many people can't afford to raise their children, or can't survive themselves, so selling themselves or their relatives for survival money is common. The middlemen take five percent of the sale price as their fee."
"This kind of dirty business exists everywhere." I made no effort to hide the disgust in my voice. "If Night Wolves' territory could expand to twice, three times its current size, what would you do?"
Matteo's eyes were firm, his tone sincere. "When I first formed Night Wolves, I just wanted my people and their families to have better lives. Even if the gang grows, that won't change."
I chuckled softly. Far from looking down on him, I felt more respect.
If Matteo's ambitions were too big, I wouldn't dare give him important responsibilities.
"I need intelligence on the seven major forces - combat capability assessments, personnel and weapons distribution, defensive habits, and common fighting tactics." I stared at him, speaking each word clearly. "I'm giving you one week. Can you find out?"
Matteo straightened his chest, his voice ringing out. "I'll do everything I can!"
A few days later, I got a call from Edgar.
Just as he was about to speak, I said, "Let's talk in person. Lunch or dinner - you pick."
Edgar didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "You're making me choose between offending Jonas and offending Lucas."
"Show the courage you had when you were pursuing me." I teased playfully.
"I choose lunch!" Edgar sighed. "Jonas isn't often in Starstream City, so I can still avoid him. Lucas, I really can't afford to cross."
At noon, I went to a fast food place near the police station.
There were few customers. Edgar and I chose a corner seat.
"About that psycho killer - do you have any new leads?" Edgar spoke first.
I shook my head.
Edgar looked worried and warned, "The Northern District, Government District, and Co-governed District have all been searched. If that guy hasn't left Starstream City, there's a good chance he's hiding in the Chaotic Zone. Be careful."
I nodded, then asked back, "You're looking for me just to say this?"
"Of course not." Edgar's eyes were bright with curiosity. "Recently eighty percent of the pharmacies in Starstream City changed owners. That was you, right?"
I'd been planning this for a while. Though I kept it low-key, there was nothing to hide.
I admitted frankly, "Yes, it was me."
"So it really was you." Edgar murmured, then his expression turned serious. "The news has spread. I received solid intel - someone's planning to rob the pharmacies!"
"Is that so?" A sharp gleam flashed in my eyes.
"It's the Saunders family." Edgar lowered his voice. "They've set their sights on that chain pharmacy on the eastern edge of the Chaotic Zone, at the border with the Co-governed District."
He made a "killing" gesture. "Need me to handle it for you?"
"They can't hold back anymore and want to test my limits." A faint smile played on my lips. "Do you know when they're planning to move?"
"The day after tomorrow night, one in the morning."
"You don't need to do anything. I'll handle it."
Hearing this, Edgar didn't ask more questions and moved on to other topics.
When I returned to Platinum Haven Hotel, Jonas was standing outside my office, looking resentful.
I rubbed my forehead helplessly and walked up to greet him. "Good afternoon, Jonas."
"Are you avoiding me?"
"Of course not!" My tone was firm in denial.
Jonas shrugged, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I have to leave again - annual routine business, inspecting properties. I probably won't be back for a month."
"Have a safe trip, stay in touch. I'll miss you." With genuine feeling, I reached up and patted his shoulder.
Jonas opened his arms. "Can I have a hug?"
His tone was pitiful. I hesitated for a few seconds, then gave him a light hug.
Jonas suddenly tightened his arms, pulling me closer.
"Jonas?" I pushed against him, and he sensibly loosened his grip.
"That date you promised me before - does it still count?" He looked into my eyes, asking seriously.
I nodded. "Of course."
"Good. Wait for me to come back." Jonas smiled at me slightly, raising his hand to brush the stray hair by my ear.
A flash of surprise crossed my mind. Jonas never used to make such intimate, ambiguous gestures.
I watched him walk away with confusion, then withdrew my gaze. Just as I was about to enter my office, I caught sight of a familiar figure in the corner of my eye.
Lucas stood there holding a cigarette, the slender stick crumpled and wrinkled, with bits of tobacco falling to the ground.
I didn't know how long he'd been standing there, but his face was dark as he stared at me.