Liam's arrival cut through the tension between Francisco and Hazel, changing the mood instantly. He stepped forward with a polite smile and addressed Francisco.
"Yes, Master," he said, then glanced at Hazel.
Tilting his head slightly, Liam asked, "Is she your new PA?"
Francisco looked at Hazel for a second before answering, "Yes."
Liam smiled wider. "I hope she is useful, Master."
Francisco didn't react. He slipped a hand into his pocket and said flatly, "Let's go."
They started walking. Hazel stayed a step behind, her eyes sharp, silently watching the exchange. In that brief moment, she could tell Liam wasn't just a normal employee. He mattered... more than most.
Francisco caught her watching and turned back slightly.
"I'm leaving. I might be late," he told her.
Hazel nodded, trying to seem casual.
"Finally," she thought, "some time alone."
Her heart beat faster at the opportunity.
'Now I can search the mansion alone.'
Francisco gave her a faint smile. "I'll wait for your cook."
Hazel tried to smile back, but it came out awkward.
Francisco didn't push it. He simply turned and walked off with Liam, already deep in conversation.
Hazel watched them go, her brows furrowing in thought.
'What now?' she wondered.
Her feet moved almost on their own as her mind raced.
'I have a feeling he's planning new deals.'
'Where? What areas? I need to know more.'
Hazel moved with quiet determination, her mind working like a map... each thought marking a path to explore.
Meanwhile, inside the car, the low hum of the engine filled the space as Francisco and Liam spoke.
Liam, settled into the seat beside Francisco, began with an update.
"Our weapons landed safely, Master. I believe they've already reached the old factory."
Francisco gave a short nod. "Good. I'm glad James didn't interfere this time."
He paused, then shifted focus.
"What about her?"
There was a sharper edge to his tone now.
Liam's voice stayed steady. "What you gave wasn't fake. I double-checked... Ms. Hazel and that sheriff have no connection."
Francisco's jaw flexed slightly. "So her background checks out?"
"Yes, Master," Liam replied... but he hesitated. The air in the car grew heavy.
Francisco's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
Liam glanced at him. "One thing seemed… odd."
Francisco leaned in slightly, listening.
"She has no friends," Liam said. "No one from school or college. Not a single close connection."
Francisco's gaze darkened. He leaned back in his seat, his fingers brushing over his chin in thought. That detail... small, but unsettling... stuck with him.
"No friends at all?" he asked again, more to himself than Liam.
Liam shook his head. "None that I could find."
Francisco stayed quiet for a moment, absorbing it.
"What about her family?"
Liam replied, "Her father works in a corporate job. Her mother's a housewife. Pretty normal setup."
Francisco nodded slowly, though the weight of that single missing piece—the absence of friendships... still nagged at him.
"Nothing suspicious there," Liam added. "Except her personal life. That part feels… empty."
Francisco's fingers tapped lightly on his thigh as he stared out the window, his thoughts spiraling deeper.
"Liam, Max isn't here, so I'll handle the next dealings myself," Francisco said, his tone calm but firm.
"Understood, Master. Have you decided which states?" Liam asked, wanting clarity.
Francisco nodded slightly, his eyes on the road ahead. "Yes. We'll focus on the hospital, park, and school. But I haven't told the party which one yet."
"When will we do it?" Liam pressed.
"This month," Francisco replied, his voice steady.
The car rolled to a stop in front of an old chemical factory... one of Francisco's properties. As he stepped out, workers nearby straightened up and greeted him with respect. Francisco returned a nod and walked in with Liam.
Inside, they headed straight to the office room. Another trusted member of Francisco's circle was waiting there. He gave a slight bow.
Francisco didn't slow. The three of them moved deeper into the building, slipping through a concealed door at the back of the office. Behind it was a private room, hidden from view and soundproofed from the factory noise.
The door shut with a soft click.
The room glowed dimly under a dull yellow light. A man stepped forward, his face hidden in the shadows. He pulled a cloth off a stack of wooden boxes, revealing a hidden stash of weapons.
Francisco walked up, his eyes sharp and focused.
The man unlocked the boxes using a grubber. Francisco leaned in and scanned the weapons. He spotted an AK-47, picked it up, and inspected it. A small nod confirmed his approval.
"Boss, we've got more arrivals," Liam said, opening another box.
Inside was another set of weapons... clean, organized, and deadly. Francisco studied them in silence, his fingers brushing the cold metal.
"We need to be smart," he said at last. "Half of these go to Georgia."
Liam nodded. "Got it."
"Contact the local dealers," Francisco ordered without hesitation.
"Yes, boss." Liam pulled out his device and began making arrangements immediately.
Francisco left the shadowy room and headed straight for his car. He slid into the driver's seat, started the engine, and pulled away without looking back. Liam stayed behind, taking charge of the next move.
Instead of returning to the office, Liam drove towards a local drop point. A stash of drugs sat hidden in his car... meant to land in the hands of teenagers.
Meanwhile, Francisco drove through the city. Suddenly, his phone rang. He picked up without slowing down.
"Yes?" he answered.
A calm but familiar voice replied, "Francisco, it's me. Lilith."
Lilith!
The daughter of the Dragon Clan's leader. Not someone you ignored.
"Lilith," Francisco said, his voice edged with sarcasm. "How could I forget you?"
He chuckled, a short sound laced with shared history.
Lilith's voice softened, "My papa's not well. And you know how much he trusts you."
Francisco stayed silent.
The mention of her father stirred something in him. This was the man who had stood by Francisco after his own father died. A quiet presence during his darkest days. Despite everything, Francisco owed him.
"He wants to see you," Lilith added gently when he didn't reply.
After a moment, Francisco gave in. "Okay. I'm coming."
"Please… come home," she said, her voice calmer now, touched with relief.
The call ended.
Francisco sat still for a second, staring out at the road.
He felt the pull of a past he hadn't escaped… and maybe never would.