Leon's Pov:
I took one last sip of alcohol before picking out a random shirt from my wardrobe.
Alvin was finally in town. He said he had information on Max and may have some leads on who he was working with.
News like that was meant to ease the pressure, but instead, it worsened it. I had known Max to be a solo type of man. He had a multitude of men working for him but no one ever knew what he was really up to, at least not until after I left.
If he was seriously working with someone else, then he meant business. And whatever it is that he wanted, he was going to stop at nothing to get it. I could only hope my guesses were wrong.
Whatever he was planning, I wasn't ready for it, but I for sure wasn't bowing down to him again.
I dialed Noah's number and put it on speaker as I buttoned my shirt.
"Alvin's in town. Meet us at my apartment along Wickery bridge."
"See you soon."
Noah was doing a good job at hiding it but I could tell he was just as worried as me. He fought harder than I ever did to get a better life. It must be hard watching all that crumble just because Max made a grand entrance back into our lives.
I should've known I was never going to be free from him. But now wasn't the time to feel regret.
I opened my drawer and took out the key to my apartment before leaving. I didn't let anyone drive me. I took one of the cars and ordered Pearl to keep Ava in check until I came back.
Speaking of Ava, I couldn't pinpoint what she thought of me. One minute she acts like she craves my presence and she's in a mood the next. I was only being protective of her but I couldn't shake off the feeling she gave me. She was a lot to handle but something about her, other than her voice, was comforting.
But, I had more pressing matters so I wasn't going to think about it.
As I pulled up to the driveway of my apartment, I called Alvin again. My eyes scanned the streets.
I spotted a black, fully tinted car ahead of me. I immediately knew it was Alvin.
Although it wouldn't come as a surprise if it was Max.
Thankfully, it wasn't. I confirmed it when Alvin finally answered.
"I saw your car pull up. I've been waiting for you."
"Well I'm here now. What's up with all the guards?"
"You asked for protection right?"
I looked ahead and saw him walk out of the car. "I brought protection," he continued.
I walked out of my car and hung up. We met in the middle and stared at each other with a blank expression.
"My man." I said.
The tension immediately died out. His smile widened as he pulled me in for a hug after I stretched my hands out to dab him up.
"Good to see you."
"Yeah if only we didn't have to meet again like this."
"Nah, I'm glad we're meeting like this."
He handed me a pack of cigarettes. I took one out of the bunch.
I shook my head as I lit it up.
"If you plan on trying to plunge me back into all this, it's not going to work.
He burst out laughing.
"You know me too well."
"Let's continue this inside, shall we?"
"After you."
I unlocked the door and we went inside.
The house was barely used so it was a bit dusty. Alvin and his men didn't mind though. He sat down on one of the chairs and the rest just scattered around the living room.
"One would think you were planning to kill me with all these boys around you."
"They can wait outside." He nodded at the man standing closer to me. They all went outside except one who stood besides him. I couldn't complain.
Noah walked in then.
"Great, we can start." I said.
"No time to say hello to my old time friend?" he replied.
"Ahh you know Leon, it's always straight to business with him."
They both laughed while I read through the expiry date of one of the alcohol bottles on the counter. I took the bottle into the kitchen and poured three glass fulls.
By the time I walked back out, they were already laughing and reminiscing about the old days. Something I wasn't willing to hear.
"Need I remind you that we have a psychopath on the loose?"
I handed them a glass.
"Why so jumpy?" Alvin teased.
"Someone he loves got kidnapped." Noah replied.
"I do not love her. At least, not like her."
"Yeah right."
We raised our glasses and then drank.
We all remained silent for a few seconds, then Alvin spoke.
"He isn't working alone this time. He has the Aristos gang on his side."
"What?!" Noah and I yelled out simultaneously.
His voice became serious.
"I have no idea what's coming but it's big. Nobody's safe."
"Whats in it for you?" Noah said.
"What?"
"What's in it for you if you help us?"
"I can't convince you to join us again and I won't try to, but I want Max dead just as much as the both of you."
"But what does he want?" I interrupted.
"He wants you back, maybe. You were his closest friend."
"But why now?"
"Max always has us asking questions. If you can't figure him out, then no one can. We just have to be smart."
Noah stayed quiet.
"Has he contacted you recently?"
"No, he hasn't. Why would he go through so much work to see me when he can just do it directly."
Alvin leaned back and relaxed on the chair. "He enjoys the thrill."
I opened my mouth to say something but Noah spoke before I did.
"What's the plan? I know you have one."
His voice was stern. I could see the impatience in his eyes.
"I wouldn't come this far if I didn't."
"So tell us."
We all looked at each other.
Something about the tension in the room boosted my adrenaline. I was excited to be on a quest again.