Novels2Search

Ch. 15 - Business Proposal

The scene changed to the interior of a warehouse. The warehouse was devoid of all but a single desk and chairs in the infrastructure's center. Chief Barry was sitting on one side, and standing behind him were two British soldiers.

On the other side of the table sat Theodore, Harvey, and Amelia. Like Barry, they had two individuals in black suits and top hats standing behind them.

The warehouse was filled with silence, which frustrated Barry, as indicated by the constant tapping of the table with his index finger. The suited trio remained calm, with Harvey even smoking a cigar.

With a loud exhale, Barry broke the silence.

"Sigh, you have requested a meeting with me, yes?" Barry said.

"Ahem, you are correct," Harvey responded. "On matters regarding Jack the Ripper and other criminal activity. Having big threats like Jack will be bad for the country...and bad for our business."

Barry stared at them with contempt before opening a file jacket on the table. It contained the files he received from his assistant, containing information on the trio.

"I am aware that you three have served in the military, even receiving training in the Enlightenment Program," Barry remarked as he skimmed through the files.

"It's not necessary to recollect the past," Harvey said.

"Many threats were disposed of by you three. The Queen herself heard of your achievements and efforts," Barry continued despite Harvey's suggestion. "So, I take it we are on the same side?"

"I suppose so," Harvey agreed as he rolled his eyes.

In response, Barry scoffed before placing the files on the desk for them to see.

"If it were in the past, sure. But how can we be on the same side when this is recorded?" Barry asked, which created annoyance among the trio. "Arms and drug trafficking, murder, racketeering, robbery, yada, yada...These are but a few of the crimes on each of your files."

"It's just as you said. That was in the past, so it doesn't matter. Do not curse the man that steals to keep himself and family's stomachs full," Harvey countered, which slightly provoked the ire of Barry. "Disregarding that, haven't you realized the man behind you?" Harvey asked as he pointed to the corner behind Barry.

Behind him was the robber they had grievously beaten. He was still bloody and unconscious.

"...And who is that?" Barry asked.

"That man tried to rob a store of its cash," Harvey explained. "Although you've sent military personnel and blessed soldiers to survey the area, you've placed your focus too much on locating Jack the Ripper."

Tsk, just as I expected... Barry thought.

"A brave civilian attempted to subdue the criminal but failed due to him being blessed with powers. If it weren't for my siblings and me, you would have had to deal with the media speaking about a mass murder in that store."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"...Did you have to beat him that badly?"

"It's only punishment for his misdeeds," Harvey remarked. "And besides, he's been injected with large amounts of morphine. He won't be feeling much pain for a while."

Psycho... Barry thought.

"How hypocritical of you. It looks to me like a bloody animal attacked that man," Barry said, which caused Theodore to chuckle. "That robber who'd take lives just for money, and Jack Knight, an immensely wicked, hateful, malicious, and corrupt individual...they both are terrible in their own ways. You three...are just as bad as them."

"Did you just compare us to Jack?" Amelia asked. "You people are truly ungrateful for our work in the military..."

"It's alright, sister," Harvey stated. "Despite what you think, Chief, rationality is necessary. Do you recall how things went in the United States? They started with surveying the area with military units and it still ended in utter failure."

"That is because the United States was unnecessarily sparing with their super soldiers," Barry commented. "We have sent our heroes out from the get-go."

"Quit your narrow thinking. It's not only Jack that's a threat, but also the S-class criminals he partnered with." Harvey retorted. "Not to mention the 'unknown group' which attacked the super soldiers."

This guy knows quite a bit... Barry thought.

"If you don't want this country to end up like the US, you'd need all the help you can get...and my organization will be willing to aid you."

"What? The London Mafia...aiding us?" Barry asked with a surprised expression, which turned into a smirk. "In return for what?"

"You catch on fast. Our organization is looking at an 'expansion' to other parts of Europe, so it would be nice if the state does not interfere with the conducting of our business," Harvey suggested. "No need for searches or spying by law enforcement."

"You mean I should look the other way to any criminal activity--"

"It's simply legal opportunities," Harvey explained. "Setting up casinos, wine distilleries, etc...non-violent ways of making income."

"Hmm..."

"And one more thing, for effective surveillance, our men would need vehicles," Harvey added. "Armored cars and trucks...that would help with transport."

"Tsk, so many requests from crime bosses," Barry stated as he held his forehead in frustration.

"It's all legal and reasonable, though," Harvey replied. "I'm sure you are aware of how good we are since you have it in your little records."

"You propose a good deal, I must admit," Barry admitted. "But I still am against the idea of working with the mafia."

"I've been thinking that it's about time we do some good again, and I think this is the perfect opportunity to do it," Harvey expressed. "Instead of having my organization as an enemy, why don't we become allies and eliminate the biggest threat: Jack Knight."

The biggest threat, huh? Barry asked himself.

"So, do we have a deal?" Harvey asked.

"...I'll think a great deal about this 'proposal,'" Barry stated. Almost immediately, the trio stood up from their seats.

"Well, here's to a positive response," Harvey said before making his way out of the warehouse. Amelia and Theodore followed, with the latter gazing at Barry in an intimidating manner. Barry was not shaken by Theodore's gaze, however.

Tsk, I've had enough problems with Jack the Ripper...now the London Mafia's in movement... Barry pondered as he facepalmed. Now we need a divine intervention...right, Amber?

* * *

As the trio strolled out, they were escorted to what seemed to be a black Mercedes car.

"To think you planned this just a few days ago, brother," Amelia said to Harvey.

"It's nothing special. I'm simply jumping onto an opportunity I saw," Harvey humbly responded. "The country has left us broken after using us and throwing us away, so now it's our turn to use the country...to our benefit."

"Yeah, that'll make big money," Amelia said. "I can't wait to spend it on five-star restaurants."

"Always the glutton, sis," Theodore teased. In response, Amelia jokingly elbowed her brother.

Heh, jokes... Harvey thought. Soon, we'll live in luxury, where there will only be positivity and jokes.

With that said, they entered the vehicle.