[32]
The arrival of Sam’s car at the headquarters was met with some urgency by the elite forces stationed there. They made sure nothing was left behind from the twelve cars that began entering the vast courtyard one by one, unloading their cargo. Sam immediately got out of the car, followed by Hugo and Eland.
“Report, Boss!” One of Sam’s elite soldiers quickly approached him, walking with slightly hurried steps to keep up with Sam, who seemed eager to keep his pace. “Everything you asked for, from expanding the perimeter, positioning forces to block around the edge of the forest, tight security, and installing the grenade launchers, has been done according to your wishes.”
Sam simply nodded.Original from NôvelDrama.Org.
“The weapons supply you requested was also sent by Ferdi yesterday.”
“Good,” Sam said curtly.
The main door of his large house was opened by his subordinates. Hugo, as usual, trailed behind with a phone in his hand. His eyes were focused on what was happening there. Meanwhile, Eland didn’t behave much, only ensuring that everything Sam wanted was executed properly.
Sam chose to sit in the living room. He knew his guest wouldn’t arrive much later.
“Get ready, all of you. Put all the cars in the basement.”
“Understood, Boss.”
He took out a cigar from his jacket pocket. Eland helped him light the end that Sam had already cut according to his preference. Smoke quickly filled the air in the living room. Sam leaned back comfortably on the sofa he was sitting on. If his plan went as predicted, tomorrow morning he would be in the South Police Department’s jail.
Sam was never afraid to visit that room again. The room where he could humiliate Herry, the person in charge there. In the following week, he would be transferred to a prison for high-profile criminals. Sam had a feeling that Gerald’s men would intercept him and make their own calculations.
In Sam’s dictionary, as well as Gerald’s during his leadership of the clan, prison was just a temporary stop. Revenge was the primary goal. Sam had already carried it out when Yengki died at his hands. Because of that man’s actions, a trigger was pulled that hit Tony. Sam would never easily accept his death. Based on the conviction of the man with the dragon tattoo on his chest, Gerald would surely dislike the confrontation that Sam had at Jimmy’s residence some time ago.
With that in mind, Sam had devised a well-constructed plan. There was only one thing he needed to ensure.
Hugo and Eland. They must not act recklessly. They were tasked with intercepting anyone who tried to hinder the police car that would be moving Sam.
Inside the cell, no one would dare to disturb him. Everyone knew who Samuel was, the ruler of the Twin Dragon Clan. If anyone bothered Sam there, his subordinates would take their own measures. Sam wouldn’t dirty his hands to beat up those beneath him.
“I’m pessimistic about this,” Hugo said, still staring intently at his phone. “Damn it! Over there!” he cursed as he saw that his playing field was no longer as he desired. Despite making special strategies from the beginning with his team, Hugo had to work extra hard because of one of his team members’ actions, which caused significant damage.
“Me too, Boss,” Eland finally spoke up. “You know, Herry is not playing around. He really wants to bring you down, right?”
“And what do you think we should do?” Sam chuckled. “You don’t need to worry about me. Ferdi is there.”
“I’m not sure he can provide the assistance you want, Boss,” Hugo doubted Sam’s conviction. “It could be that he’s approaching you because he wants a promotion. We all know that the police force isn’t sane except during the appointment period. How long has Ferdi been Herry’s lackey? And how long has Herry been desperate to hold the highest position?” Hugo finished his game. “Don’t think short-term but end up trapped in it, Boss.”
Sam grinned widely, once again drawing deeply from his cigar. “Get me a drink from the cellar, Pong,” Sam ordered one of his subordinates. “Turns out it’s not pleasant when you don’t have a friend.”
Hugo and Eland exchanged a brief glance. Seeing that their boss seemed unshakable in his thinking.
“I know that even though it seems friendly in front of me, you can’t fully trust Ferdi. I understand the reasons.”
Eland averted his gaze while Hugo rubbed his forehead, seeming to ponder. “But Ferdi can’t do much in front of me. You both know that.” Seeing no one else speaking, Sam sighed deeply. “I don’t easily fall. I have you two by my side, loyal to me. You know what to do when we’re in a tight spot.”
“Ready, Boss,” they said in unison.
“But before they manage to capture me, you can have some fun first.”
Hugo and Eland’s smiles appeared instantly.
Shortly after, the guest Sam had been waiting for finally arrived. The convoy of cars made a deafening noise, breaking the silence of the night. Many of Sam’s other subordinates deliberately roamed around. It wasn’t that Sam didn’t want them around, but he didn’t want them to know that this was a setup. In fact, there was a special forces team already dispersed around the forest.
A man in complete uniform walked arrogantly. Armed soldiers immediately scattered around. Some of them aimed their rifles at Sam, who was still leisurely enjoying his cigar.
“This time, you won’t escape from me easily, Sam!” said Herry, the man in uniform. His eyes glared at Sam with a mocking gaze. This time, he wouldn’t let Sam leave quickly, especially after the reports from Alfred and when he checked the location where Sam’s assault took place. He made sure severe punishment would trap the man who appeared relaxed before him.
Herry was furious with Sam’s behavior, which seemed to make his heart work extra hard day by day.
“Long time no see, Officer,” Sam chuckled. “Have a seat. Let’s relax for a moment.” Sam patted the armrest of his sofa. “It’s going to be a long night for you, Old Cop.”
“Watch your words!” A gun aimed at Sam was drawn from its holster. It was ready to fire and render the authority helpless.
Was Sam afraid? Not at all. Instead, he laughed. He stood up and approached the person who had just shouted at him. With ease, Sam bent the gun and gave a thin grin. “Is this the kind of weapon the police use to capture me?” Then, with a strong pull and a kick to the officer’s stomach as a reward for raising his voice so freely.
That quickly changed the tense atmosphere. Hugo swiftly pulled out his gun from his pocket, pointing it directly at the two people who were pointing pistols at him. Eland also had his sword, which he never left behind on his back.
“We have a warrant, Mr. Samuel Aaric Cyril Kingsley. You must comply with the law to minimize the damage that can occur,” Ferdi said. He entered together with Jimmy Lee, who looked at Sam with contempt. Ferdi took out a document with the police letterhead, representing the organization he belonged to. “You are under arrest.”
Herry folded his arms across his chest, looking at Sam arrogantly. Jimmy Lee grinned in satisfaction. He approached Sam, who remained silent there. In front of Sam, Jimmy said, “Enjoy your punishment, you damn thug!”
Sam chuckled. “Then handcuff me, Officer.”
***[]***
Beatrice couldn’t close her eyes for a moment. Sam’s departure not long ago had left her worried. On top of that, she couldn’t reach Sam at all. The house where Beatrice stayed was bustling with activity. Many of Sam’s subordinates were on guard duty. However, for Beatrice, it felt empty without its inhabitants.
She sat by the wide-open glass door. The night breeze was strong. She didn’t care if her body became cold or if it made her fall ill. All she needed was news about Sam.
“Where are you, Sam?”
Although it had only been three hours since he left, it felt much more worrying than when she was dragged into Sam’s room before. She couldn’t shake off that feeling. The gazes of Hugo and Eland, two of Sam’s henchmen, seemed to indicate that their departure this time was related to a much bigger problem.
In addition to that, Ute and Anne were also involved in Sam’s plan. She was left only with Jack and a few other subordinates. Beatrice wasn’t afraid because she felt they would all be safe guarding her. But what about Sam?
What actually happened that made all of them prepared for battle? Was it still related to the evacuation of most of Sam’s subordinates here? And the sound of gunfire that Beatrice still couldn’t forget. She sighed deeply, not knowing how many times she had done so.
A knock on her door startled Beatrice. “Who is it?” she asked without wanting to move from her seat.
There was no answer. Instead, there was only the sound of an argument outside Beatrice’s door. And she recognized that voice very well; it was Bella. What did that crazy woman want from her? Wasn’t she satisfied with the lesson Beatrice had given her?
Reluctantly, Beatrice approached the door. She didn’t want to engage with Bella again. But Bella’s voice made her increasingly annoyed.
“Let me in! Tell Beatrice to open the door! Who does she think she is, a queen, huh?!” Bella’s shouts seemed deliberately meant to disturb the peace of all the occupants in this resort. Although they all knew what Beatrice was capable of, whether Sam was here or not. It seemed that if Sam wasn’t around, Bella could be rendered powerless by Beatrice’s anger.
“Don’t make a scene, Kak Bella!” Yongki’s voice quickly interrupted. “Beatrice is probably asleep. Don’t disturb her!”
“Who is she here anyway?!” Bella asked contemptuously. “Just Sam’s entertainer!”
Coinciding with that, Beatrice opened the door. She almost caused Bella to stumble, but the woman quickly regained her composure. Wearing a kimono that covered whatever clothes Bella was wearing this time, Beatrice looked at her with a disgusted gaze.
After being apart from Sam, oh my God! When Beatrice remembered how Bella was with Sam, spending many nights together, her blood boiled. And now, Bella looked even cheaper than before.
“What do you want?” Beatrice asked, staring at Bella with disdain. Her hands were folded across her chest. Behind Bella were Ompong and Yongki. Both of them had important tasks from Sam, which they wouldn’t dare to disobey.
“Don’t let anyone touch Beatrice. Anyone. Got it?”
Sam’s words echoed in their minds. That meant anyone, including Bella. They didn’t want these two women to fight again like that night. The night that shocked all of Sam’s subordinates. Beatrice managed to silence Bella with her courage. No one had ever dared to touch Bella before. That’s why many supported Beatrice being by Sam’s side.
Bella sneered sarcastically.
“Such an arrogant little girl!” Bella’s hand was itching to destroy Beatrice’s face as she stared fearlessly at her. But she refrained because she knew and realized that here, Beatrice had full authority. She used to have that privilege too.
Everyone obeyed whatever she said. Did whatever she pleased. And she couldn’t stand anyone trying to take that position away from her. Not ever. So, she had planned meticulously to make sure Beatrice was no longer by Sam’s side.
Bella retreated, locking herself in her room to devise her own strategy. And she made sure that Sam would regret sidelining her and choosing Beatrice. Meanwhile, the girl in front of her would experience something far worse than what she had endured. Bella made sure of it.
“If you don’t have anything important to say, Bella, go back to your room,” Beatrice retorted reluctantly. She prepared to close the door, but Bella’s movement was faster, preventing the door from closing immediately.
“Don’t think you’re on top of the world, Beatrice,” Bella warned. “You won’t believe how quickly Sam can cast you aside.”
Beatrice sighed softly. “Say whatever you want.”
“I will never forgive your presence in the Twin Dragons’ stronghold. I am the only woman for Sam. Not you!”
Beatrice never flinched in the face of Bella’s threats.
“I will retaliate for everything, Beatrice. Just wait for the right time.” After that, Bella sauntered away.
This made Beatrice smirk. “I’ll be waiting.”