Chapter 4

ALEX

I don't think I've ever been this happy before, well, I have, until that woman ran away.

Nevertheless, I was filled with excitement and anticipation after pitching my father's security company to Sofia which I knew she wouldn't refuse. Not after I had made a strong impression by offering her a discount, I couldn't help but feel confident about the potential partnership which was certainly going to lead to her to her death. With my business card in her possession, I eagerly awaited her call, hoping that it would bring good news.

I had never felt the need for revenge the way I did now. I wanted to crush that bitch in my hands, but before killing her, I wanted her to beg for mercy, beg so much. I wouldn't listen, I would slowly kill her, that was my plan. With the way things were, and how desperate she was speaking the other night at the bar, I was certain she would turn up anytime.

In the meantime, I decided to pay a visit to the security company, I've been here twice as a child. As I walked through the familiar corridors, memories of my childhood flooded back. This company had been father's cover up and he covered it quite well with pride and joy. He had other security companies but this one in particular brought in more revenue, and now it was up to me to carry on his legacy; this was all I could do to prove to him that I wasn't a cry baby as he called me, I wasn't soft and I wasn't a damned alcoholic man. I will prove to him when I make this place a fortune then he'd have no other choice than to willingly put me in control of the mob.

I found myself standing outside the office of the present head of security, Clark. He had been with the company for years and was well-respected among the staff. I saw him once when I came here, he was a young handsome man, now he was older, and more masculine. He was opportuned to work with my brother to solve a mystery back then. And the success of that mystery made my father love my brother more before finally deciding to let him have control of the Crow Cartel. And I wanted to begin something from here too, if I made sure this place doubled its work and earn more, father would have no choice than to trust me. However, I knew that in order to make my mark and prove myself worthy of leading this company, I needed to take charge first.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on Clark's door. He looked up from his desk, surprised to see me standing there. "Mr. Alex! What brings you here?" he asked with a hint of confusion in his voice.

"I've come to talk to you about something important," I replied confidently. "I believe that it's time for a change in leadership." I wasted no time in telling him what I came here to do.

Clark raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my statement. "What are you talking about?"

"I understand that," I said calmly not caring to explain. "But times are changing, and we need fresh ideas and new perspectives to stay ahead in this industry. I have a vision for this company, and I believe that I can take it to new heights." I paused for a while to allow my words sink into his mind. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking. "I've been observing your work here, and I must say, you've done an exceptional job as the head of security, even when you worked with my brother. Your dedication and skills are truly commendable."

A look of confusion crossed his face as he listened intently to my words. "Thank you," he replied cautiously. "But why are you telling me this, Mr. Alex?"

"I'm promoting you."

The older man was blank for a while then he digested what I just said and composed himself. A mixture of surprise and gratitude washed over his face. "I... I don't know what to say. Thank you, Mr. Alex. But then, you have a lot to learn before you can take on such a responsibility. And, does Mr. Blake knows?"

I stared at him for a long while. Father has forgotten this place, it was just a tiny establishment amongst the others he had and he put me in control of it but this man was still loyal to my late brother and my father. I could fire him but then I reminded myself of an important principle that guided my actions: never take from the innocent, only people who had wronged me, Clark has never wronged me so he was good to go. "I'm willing to learn," I assured him. "I've been studying the industry, attending conferences, and networking with professionals. I have a strong understanding of the challenges we face and the solutions we can offer. My brother taught me a whole lot I need to know, you need not worry, I am in fact your boss so chill out and enjoy the ride."

Clark looked at me for a moment, his expression softening. "Alright, Mr. Alex. You are the boss but I can as well give you some tips, you must remember, leadership is not just about making decisions; it's about earning the respect and trust of your team."

I nodded as a matter of fact, realizing that he was trying to mum me up.. "Thank you, Clark. As you're relieved of your old role, take on your new role with diligence. I'll be in charge now.'

With that, Clark stood up and extended his hand towards me. "Welcome aboard, Mr. Alex. Let's make this company thrive."

As I shook his hand firmly, a sense of determination washed over me. Although, I was expecting him to ask me why I'd stoop so low to work under him but I knew he dare not ask. Even if father had spoken ill of me in front of his workers, nor of them dare question my authority, I wasn't the 'killer' type, I give no orders of execution, except that damned Ronaldo's own but I was respected. And with the knowledge that the road ahead would be challenging, I was ready to face it head-on. My biggest win would be getting the mob all in my control. With Sofia's potential partnership on the horizon and now the opportunity to lead my father's security company, I felt like I was on the cusp of something great and something even greater.

"I would need your paperwork, I intend to start work immediately." I told him.

"Very well, Mr. Alex, I'd direct you where you'll start."

***

Working made me feel so tired. And apart from the fact that I was using this to get the Crow Cartel, I made it a point to evaluate each member of this security team objectively. Those who were dedicated and committed to their jobs were given opportunities to grow and excel. However, those who had wronged me in the past were dealt with accordingly, either through reassignment or termination, and some who offended me grievely were killed.

As I immersed myself in my work, determined to avoid any temptation to relapse into alcohol and forget my disappointments, I lost track of time. I would have been wallowing in abject drunkenness and drugs but now, I was preoccupied. Days had passed since I last saw Sofia and gave her my card, hoping she would reach out to me so we could discuss the mystery surrounding her parents' death. It was only when I finally snapped out of my focused state that I realized I should have returned to the bar just in case she didn't call. Had she forgotten it all? She was drunk, yes, but not so drunk that she wouldn't have seen the card. She had told me all that in her drunken state but then it was what hurts her and I believe she must have remembered me.

My mind had been consumed by the intricacies of my work, the endless stream of cases and investigations that demanded my attention. The security company had a lot of unsolved cases if different clients and most people just cane to hire out bodyguards and private investigators. The weight of each unresolved mystery pressed upon me, urging me to delve deeper, to uncover the truth hidden beneath layers of deception. I saw my being here as me owning the Crow Cartel and I fought every bit of battle here while constantly remembering myself of my own demons.

And somehow, I had inadvertently neglected the one person who could bring me closer to my goals. I could get her here and now and kill her but then, that wasn't what I wanted. I wanted her to suffer and suffer she must.

Well, I'd wait for her call. She would call if she wasn't so damned drunk.