Chapter 41: Unstoppable
Kain Amos scanned the latest report from the Gund Intelligence Network. His heart pounded with anticipation and greed as he read through the detailed accounts of the world’s wealthiest collectors. Just as he suspected, most of their valuable collectibles were illegally obtained through black auctions or theft.
His lips curled into a sinister smile as he began to comprehend the immense wealth within his grasp. The Amos family had always thrived on chaos and disorder, and Dalton was ripe for the taking. The allure and reputation of the city would be enough to appease wealthy collectors, especially with prominent local hotels like the Rising Phoenix Hotel. Plus, the Luxe Luminary Gallery already had a reputation in the black market for its auctions. Their activities wouldn’t draw any suspicion at all.
He could almost see his soon-to-be victims’ riches flowing into his hands—the artifacts, the money, the power.
As his attention turned to Dalton and the notable powers that dwelled there, he took meticulous notes of their security measures, dangerous personnel, and activity habits, looking for vulnerabilities he could exploit. With the Hall family long gone, all the other powers residing in Dalton were child’s play to Kain.
His mind raced with plans and schemes, each more ambitious than the last. He envisioned himself at the top, the ruler of Dalton, with all its wealth and power at his disposal. The thought intoxicated him, his greed consuming him entirely. He craved it all. He yearned for the satisfaction of knowing he had outsmarted everyone, that he had won.
But as his excitement grew, so did his paranoia. His last exploit had gone smoothly until the last minute when new security measures caught him and his team by surprise. Thankfully, he, his brother, and four of their men made it out alive and were able to escape with most of the stolen artifacts. However, ten of his men were either trapped inside or crushed by steel barricades.
“Curse that Tammy Gund,” he growled, recalling their previous conversation. If it weren’t for the fact that he needed the information she provided, he would have strangled her himself.
This time around, things were different. Tammy hadn’t just provided the information he requested for his scheme, but she went a step further. She set up a live newsfeed from the Gund Intelligence Network that would continuously update with any new information relevant to his plans.
This feed was a game-changer; it was like having a spy on the inside. It gave him real-time insights into the movements and strategies of his adversaries. Any changes in patterns, any new players entering the scene, any unforeseen obstacles that might pop up, he would know about them instantaneously.
If he had known something like this was possible, he would have offered more for their previous transactions. This was power, and with it, he was unstoppable.
Just then, the live feed updated with a new report from one of Tammy’s spies. It contained information about an unusual person of interest, a young man at the age of seventeen, who was only identified as ‘David.’ Kain’s eyes narrowed as he processed the report. The details were intriguing; at least seven other operatives or guards were also following him.
Kain had never come across a ‘David’ in his schemes or dealings. Indeed, he had only heard of a few of the significant powers in Dalton, most notably the Hall family empire. However, this ‘David’ was much too young to be anyone of consequence. Yet, the level of surveillance on him indicated a different story. The attention on him was remarkable; it suggested that he could be someone of considerable importance.
This sparked Kain’s interest. He decided to keep a watchful eye on David. Although the young man didn’t appear to be of any threat, Kain knew better than to underestimate anyone. He couldn’t afford to take any chances, especially considering the grand scale of his plans.
As he continued to peruse the report, he became aware of an unusual stillness settling around him. Then, it struck him—the howling and cries that had been echoing from across the hall had ceased. The sinister soundtrack to their operations, usually punctuated by the sounds of their captives’ despair, had been replaced by an eerie silence. Kain raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging on his lips.
Hmm, I guess Dent is finished with his negotiations with our guests.
He imagined the various violent methods of torture his brother might have employed, finding a dark amusement in the situation.
Not more than a moment after, the door swung open, and in walked Dent, a sinister grin distorting his face. His eyes gleamed with a cruel satisfaction that could send a chill down the spine of anyone who dared to meet his gaze.
“Dent, how’s our guest of honor?” Kain asked, his eyes flicking up to meet his brother’s.
Dent chuckled darkly, his grin never leaving his face.
“Oh, he’s more than cooperative now,” he reported, his voice laced with sadistic pleasure. “Once we threatened to break his precious wife’s and daughter’s legs, his spirit crumbled.”
“Excellent job, brother,” Kain chuckled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Bring him in. It’s time we have a little chat.”
Horace Lim, once a dignified figure, now hobbled into the room on one leg, streaks of tears trailing his face. His other leg was grotesquely twisted, clearly fractured. His face, previously composed and stern, was now etched with a grimace of pain. His glasses, which used to shine a brilliant gold, were now dulled and bent out of shape, one of the lenses marred by a web of cracks.
“Horace Lim,” Kain announced with mocking reverence.
A sly smile crept onto Kain’s face as his eyes met Horace’s in a chilling stare.
“Now, that wasn’t too difficult, was it? As I said, my brother can be very…persuasive.”
***
Horace bit his tongue, doing his best to muffle the excruciating pangs of pain radiating from his leg—a visible testament to the brutality he had been subjected to. His eyes, usually filled with a spark of determination and resilience, were now broken and indignant. He couldn’t bring himself to maintain eye contact with Kain Amos, his tormentor.
The situation was as dire as it could get; he was trapped and forced to play a dangerous game he didn’t ask to be a part of.
“Yes,” he murmured. “I’ll do as you asked. I’ll host your auction. Just, please, don’t hurt my wife and daughter. Please let them go; they can’t do any harm to you. I promise I’ll keep my word.”
“Oh, but I know you will,” Kain replied, clearly savoring the despair in Horace’s eyes. “Don’t worry, your precious wife and daughter won’t be far from me. Just remember, if there are any slip-ups, if I sense anything suspicious, it won’t be my brother who’s left with your family. It will be me. In fact, I hope you do slip up. They look absolutely ravishing.”
Horace was on the verge of shouting in rage, but he managed to swallow down his protest. Kain Amos’ reputation was far more sinister than that of his brother, Dent. He couldn’t risk anything happening to his wife and daughter. The thought of the unspeakable horrors Kain could inflict was too much to bear. He simply couldn’t risk inciting Kain’s wrath.
“Take Horace back to Dalton to prepare for the auction,” Kain commanded his minions as he took a few steps closer to Horace.
“If the police or anyone else asks, you had a terrible fight with your wife. She went crazy, destroyed the house, and took your daughter with her. You say whatever you need to convince them that’s true. Understand?”
“Yes...y-yes,” Horace stammered, fresh tears streaking down his face.
Dent pushed Horace to the ground, his eyes devoid of any sympathy.
“C’mon, let’s go,” he sneered, “There’s work to be done.”
Copyright © 2024 by A. J. Knight
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