Mr. King

Chapter Thirty Nine

Davis put his questions into words. “Y — you know about it?” His voice faltered.

Don't underestimate my intelligence, Mr. Montgomery," Mr. King's gravelly voice rumbled through the phone. "I have intel all over the world. I'm sure you know it too. As it happens, King hears! It was quite a scene to create back there with Thornfield then, I must say. Let's say maybe I was expecting this call. I knew you had crossed the line after that.” He laughed. “But it's you, Davis Montgomery! You command money, hence, you command power. Donovan Thornfield might be a force to be reckoned with, but he's not the only one with eyes and ears on the ground. I got you.”

He knew King was his best bet. This already proved that he had made a great choice. He wasn't too irrational to challenge Donovan Thornfield if he didn't think he was going to win.

A wry smile tugged at Davis' lips. "Indeed, King. That's precisely why I'm calling. Discretion and efficiency are your trademarks, if rumors are to be believed."

Mr. King chuckled, a low, humorless sound. "Come on now, Mr. Montgomery! You know these are beyond rumors. And then again, rumors have a way of being accurate, sometimes."

Oh, he knew; Davis thought. But he was Davis Montgomery after all. He wouldn't allow the lord of the underworld to think he was idolizing him.

“Then consider this an official business proposal," Davis continued, his voice hardening. "I need your muscle, your network, everything you can offer to neutralize Donovan

Thornfield's interference in my affairs."

“And what's in it for me?" Mr. King's voice was devoid of curiosity and laced only with pragmatism.

Of course, he knew it was going to cost him a lot; Davis thought. The bigger picture was what he was seeing and not all these trivial costs. He was ready to bear all of the consequences just to make his big plan come true.

“Name your price, King," Davis said, leaning back in his chair. "Money is no object."

Mr. King remained silent for a moment, letting the weight of the offer hang in the air. Finally, he spoke, "Five million should be transferred instantly to my offshore account within the week."

Now, this was beyond whatever amount Davis was imagining. Considering he had just paid a fortune to clear the Starkwood’s debt, he knew Silas wouldn’t like any of this.

“Done," Davis agreed without hesitation after a while. "Send me the account details. I want you to start with a strong warning to Thornfield. If he doesn't back off, you'll ensure my safety – no matter the radius."

A satisfied grunt emanated from the other end of the line. "Consider it done, Mr. Montgomery. A word from me usually suffices, but for Thornfield, we might need a more — persuasive approach. However, no matter how tough, when money is involved, the king of the underworld would deliver.” Mr. King boasted.

Davis rolled his eyes. He could care less about how significant King was in the underworld. He hung up and released a breath he didn't know he was holding. Relief washed over him as he let out a long sigh, quickly followed by a surge of anticipation. King was a wildcard, yes, but a powerful one.

.

After a hot bath, he ordered that his dinner be brought to him in bed. He was too tired to go down for dinner.

Soon, dinner was served to him in bed by four of his maids. They all curtly arranged his table and made sure he was comfortable before leaving. Davis picked at a morsel, barely enjoying dinner.

He imagined Silas's disapproval and he felt a twist in his gut. His manager would likely faint at the price tag.

He replayed King's words, "A word usually suffices but for Donovan… a more persuasive approach." It was very true. Donovan was more like a he-goat coated in human flesh. He, however, would prove to him that his power could overthrow Donovan’s reign.

He forced himself to finish his meal and was about to get ready to settle in bed when a knock resounded on the door. It was Silas.

“I came to check if you need anything more, sir,” Silas said.

A smirk played on Davis’s lips. He knew why Silas was actually here. “Don't worry, Silas. I contacted Mr. King and he’ll work for us,” he announced, watching the tension drain from Silas' face. "Sleep well tonight, my friend. We have muscle now."

“As happy as I am that we have more arms now sir, I can not begin to imagine how much that would cost you,” Silas said with sympathy.

If anything, Davis hated to be pitied. This wasn't a situation he couldn't bail from. He chose this. He wanted this. He had a mission to fulfill.

“Relax, Silas. It's just five million.” He shrugged.

A surprised silence followed his words. He expected Silas to gasp out in wonder but when Silas spoke, “Five million, Mr. Montgomery? Are you sure?" His voice was tight.

“It's necessary, Silas," Davis emphasized, bracing for the fallout.

But it never came. "Alright, sir," Silas said, his tone surprisingly level. "We'll deal with the financial implications later. Right now, your safety and this — your plan, whatever it is; they're our priority."

Smart; Davis thought. Silas was already able to deduce that he had a plan.

“I'm glad we are on the same boat, Silas.” He conceded. “King will send his account details soon. Send the money. I need some sleep.”

Silas bowed respectfully. “Sure, sure, Mr. Montgomery. Goodnight to you, sir.”

“Bye.”

Following Silas’s exit, Davis had his beauty sleep. He could sleep freely now that King was on board.

.

The next morning, the sun was blaring high. As Davis got out of bed, he remembered the Avalon family. They were his prime target. His prime goal. He shouldn't forget that.

He headed to his telescope and peeked at their residence. There, on the porch, stood Jordan with a bouquet of flowers and wrapped gifts at his feet. Davis burst into laughter that echoed through the room. His plan was unfolding perfectly.

They would all gravely pay.

That made a great start to his morning. He hummed all through his morning routine. Right when he was done and ready to leave for the office, he peeped at the Avalon’s once more.

Jordan wasn't standing on the porch this time. He had disappeared. Probably inside the house already; Davis thought. However, Evelina, dressed in a flowing white sundress, was standing on the porch, ready to leave for somewhere.

Davis could tell that the glow on her was different. Unlike before when she would shyly clutch at the strap of her bag while walking, her head was raised now.

“She is changing. I'm glad I am able to bring out this positive change in her.” He mused to himself before stepping away from the telescope and walking out of the room.

He left for the office with Silas.

“I hope we don't get cornered this time.” Silas breathed with fear.

Davis shook his head at his manager. “Cut the crap, Silas. Do you want to underestimate King’s efficiency? A warning would have been sent to Donovan Thornfield by now. I would receive the message if he took it or not.” He admonished.

The day passed smoothly, free of Donovan's

usual interference. Davis wondered; Was the warning already heeded? A small seed of doubt lingered in him, but Mr. King's reputation preceded him.

Later, a call came through from Silas. "Theodore Starkwood is back in school, sir."

Relief flooded Davis. "Excellent.” He replied. “Keep me updated on any changes and buzz me immediately before he's out of school.”

It was questionable that the boy said to be sick was already back in school the next day. If Ben Starkwood was toxically controlling his family, it would be beastly to keep a young boy away from school for no reason.

The sound of the pencil in his hand breaking into two snapped Davis out of his thoughts. He had been provoked too much that he didn't realize that his hold on the pencil had tightened.

Ben Starkwood, Donovan Thornfield – he wished to break those two into two just like this poor pencil.

He was still in his thoughts when Juliana flew into his mind. That was right – he was going to help her with her proposal.

He buzzed his secretary. "Arrange an impromptu board meeting," he instructed.

She seemed surprised and didn't hesitate to show it. “But, sir – not all the board members are available.”

“I want the ones who are available!” Davis snapped at her and hung up.

.

Some minutes later, he was in the boardroom was some of the board members. Davis, standing at the head of the table, cleared his throat.

“As you know," he began, "Juliana Avalon presented a proposal recently. It was met with — reservations. However, I have reason to believe there was foul play involved in its dismissal. Therefore, I'm proposing we give Ms. Avalon another chance to present her proposal. This time, let's ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation."

Stunned silence greeted his words. Davis could almost hear the gears turning in their minds. They must all have reckoned that he was picking a particular interest in Juliana Starkwood. However, it was for a different reason than they would have thought.