Leo stood in the warden's office, the two objects in his hands feeling heavier than any weight he'd ever carried. In his left hand was the Blackwood Card, a sleek black rectangle edged with shimmering gold. The warden had said it held one hundred million dollars and that there were only five like it in all of Boston. In his right hand was the Phoenix Ring. It was crafted from a dark, mysterious metal, with a phoenix carved so intricately its feathers seemed to ripple in the light. This ring could command the legacy of Silas. A network of influence that ranged from the political power players on the East Coast to the business titans on the West Coast, and even into the shadowy depths of the underground world.
He turned them over, his mind reeling. This was power. Absolute, unimaginable power. And it was now his. But did he want it? All he'd ever dreamed of was living a simple life but then again, it had never turned out for him like that. Maybe this was his path after all.
"I need to see him," Leo said, his voice quiet but firm. "I need to thank Silas. I can't just walk out of here without.m.."
Warden Briggs shook his head, cutting him off. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Mr. Vance. Mr. Silas was very clear. He said, 'The gifts have been given. There is no need for thanks. He must focus on his own path now.'"
Leo was puzzled. "Why? Why would he give all this to me? He knew I never wanted it. I was just… an unambitious man who wanted a simple life."
"Mr. Silas saw what others could not," Briggs replied cryptically.
He was still yet to wrap his mind around the suddenness of what was happening when the powerful, feared warden did something Leo never expected. His knees hit the stone floor with a soft thud. He bowed his head, his voice choked with a fear that had nothing to do with prison riots or angry inmates.
"Please, Mr. Vance. I beg you. Now that you have that power… please, save my daughter."
Leo was startled. "Get up, Briggs. What are you talking about? Tell me what's going on."
The warden stayed on his knees. "My daughter, Chloe Briggs. She's the CEO of Briggs Corp, one of the three biggest companies in Boston. She's… she's in terrible danger. Powerful people are targeting her, trying to destroy her company and her life. They even approached me here, trying to force me to help them. I couldn't go to Mr. Silas's people directly. But you… you can help. Please. In exchange for the card. In exchange for any mercy I showed you here."
Leo understood. The warden's kindness during his two years. the extra food, the books, the protection from other inmate. It hadn't just been orders from Silas. It had been an investment. A hope for this very moment.
Leo looked at the ring on his finger. His path was clear now. He nodded. "Get up. Tell me where to find her."
A wave of relief washed over the warden's face. "She's at Briggs Corp headquarters downtown. Thank you, Mr. Vance. Thank you!"
*****
Across the city, in a penthouse apartment with a glittering view of Boston, Elena poured a glass of expensive wine for Adrian Wright.
"It's done," she said, her voice sweet and ingratiating. "I signed the papers. That chapter of my life is finally closed forever. Leo is nothing but a pathetic memory."
Adrian took the glass, a satisfied smile on his handsome face. "Excellent. I knew you were a woman who understood opportunity," he said, swirling the wine, "You have really made me proud and as a reward, I'll take you to Briggs Corp this afternoon. I've secured a meeting to discuss a new partnership. My family can get them a better deal on their international shipping than their current partner."
Elena's eyes lit up. Briggs Corp! Its status in Boston was legendary, far above even Adrian's powerful family and lightyears beyond her own new-money company. A partnership with them was the ultimate validation, a prize her ex-husband could never have even dreamed of providing in a thousand lifetimes. She couldn't help but fantasized on how much admiration and how much people would respect her.
She beamed. "That's wonderful, Adrian! It seems I made the right choice after all."
A few hours later, Elena walked arm-in-arm with Adrian through the sparkling, modern lobby of Briggs Corp headquarters. She felt powerful and important. She gave her name at the massive reception desk and was directed to a luxurious waiting area filled with sleek white chairs and modern art.
And then, her perfect moment was ruined.
Sitting in one of the chairs, looking completely out of place in simple, clean jeans and a t-shirt, was Leo. What on earth was he doing here.
Adrian muttered under his breath, "Ugh. Unbelievable. What is he doing here? Talk about bad luck."
Elena's shock quickly curdled into anger. How dare he? How dare he ruin this for her? She stormed over, her high heels clicking sharply on the marble floor.
"Leo?" she hissed, her voice a low, venomous whisper. "What are you doing here? How did a convict like you even get past security at a place like Briggs Corp?"
Leo looked up from his phone. His eyes were calm, devoid of the heartbreak she'd seen just hours before. It unnerved her.
"Did you follow me here?" she demanded, placing her hands on her hips. "Are you that desperate? I signed the papers, Leo. It's over. We are over. You need to leave before you embarrass yourself even more and get thrown out by security. Or worse still, ruin this cooperation for me. Leave now while you can still walk with both your feet."
She waited for him to stutter, to beg, to look ashamed. But he didn't. He just looked at her with a cool, detached expression that was somehow more intimidating than any anger.