The End Of A Pawn.

>Daniel Anderson's mansion<

Deep frown lines etched Daniel's face as he engrossed himself in reading a file in front of him. His study was dimly lit, with the only source of light being a single lamp on the desk, casting long shadows across the study.

It's somewhere around midnight, and Daniel was already too tired, he's had a long day dealing with some of his offenders.

The study is almost too quiet for any human to be inside, mostly because his mansion is huge and located in a very remote area, in fact, he is the only human living in this area because he needed a place where he'd do his business freely, with no obstructions.

Suddenly, a knock was heard, and he immediately muttered a “Come in” as if he already knew who's behind the door. The door pushed open and Nathan walked in, with bead of sweats darted on all over his face.

“Boss” he greeted with a small bow, and Daniel only acknowledged him with a nod, then he dived into the reason he came. “Boss, Nike's friend still wouldn't say a damn thing about the container's whereabouts,” he reported.

“Continue torturing him,” Daniel said, his voice low and commanding.

He leaned back in his leather chair, with his eyes still fixed on the file in front of him.

“We've used every method of torture on him, but he still wouldn't say a thing,” Nathan sighed, frustration evident in his voice. “He's one loyal piece.”

Daniel's gaze shifted from the file to the wall clock in his study, realizing it was already past 1am. The weight of the situation seemed to bear down on him, and he furrowed his brow, lost in deep thought.

“Then finish him up,” he finally said, his voice filled with an air of determination.

Nathan's eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn't heard Daniel correctly or didn't fully comprehend his words. “What?” he asked, seeking clarification.

“Kill him,” Daniel repeated, his voice unwavering and clear. The room seemed to grow colder, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of the decision.

Nathan frowned, a mix of concern and disbelief etched on his face.

“Boss, he refused to talk, which means they've got a backer whom we know nothing about, and he might be a Mafia boss or even worse…"

Nathan's words weren't taken lightly by Daniel as he found it insulting and degrading, he eyes narrowed and banged on the desk, his voice cutting through the room like a blade.

“There's only one Mafia boss in California, and that is me!” he declared fiercely. “No one dares to steal from me. Kill him.”

Nathan hesitated, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. He knew the consequences of defying his boss, but he also understood the potential danger that lay ahead…his boss had nothing to lose, but not him, he's got family.

“But boss…" he started, attempting to reason.

“I said kill him,” Daniel interrupted, his voice filled with finality. He leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Nathan. “I want to meet whichever motherfucker is behind them,” he declared with a fierce determination.

Nathan swallowed hard, his eyes darting between Daniel and the door. He knew he had reached a crossroads, torn between loyalty and self-preservation. With a heavy heart, he nodded reluctantly, understanding the weight of his decision.

“Don't worry about your parents, I'll protect them as always and no harm will come to them” Daniel promised and Nathan nodded, feeling relieved.

“I should leave” he said, which Daniel simply nodded in response.

As Nathan left the room, a pin-drop silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of Daniel's heavy breathing.

He knew very well that his decision would have far-reaching consequences because so many innocent lives were going to perish forever because of his decision, but for his dignity, he was willing to face whoever was stepping on his tail head-on.

And for some reason, his mind flashed back to the petite lady who bumped in earlier, and his brows furrowed as Nathan's words replayed in his head.

And even though he hated dragging the innocents into any conflicts, some possible thoughts filled his head; What if she isn't innocent at all? What if Nike included her in his plans? What if she is his escape plan used to transport the stolen containers?

But he somehow quickly pushed those thoughts aside, telling himself that she looks too weak hearted to be involved in a world as dangerous as theirs.

*******

Meanwhile, Nathan's outside, deep in the woods, preparing himself for the task at hand. He loaded his gun and aimed it at a half-naked man, who looked so beaten up and lifeless with so many bruises and cuts on his body – One could only know he's alive from his low groaning.

Nathan's mind raced with conflicting emotions, he knew this man was just a pawn in this game, and he felt pity for him, but he knew better than to spare his life because keeping him alive was a waste of time, and it's only going to leave them stuck with no lead.

“You know, you can't blame us for killing you because your boss wouldn't spare you either” he chuckled. “I know you're cursing at me in your mind, but it's the truth, your job is done, and he's bound to kill you”

Nathan gave the man another sympathetic look before pulling the trigger, releasing the bullets straight into the man's forehead. The sound of a single gunshot echoed through the night, shattering the silence of the woods and scaring the already sleeping birds from their nests.

“Safe trip brother” he paused as he watched blood oozing out of the man's forehead like a running faucet. “And don't think of haunting my dreams because I have more bullets in my dream than in reality” he said with a smirk, then faced one of their men. “Clean the mess” he ordered.

“Yes, sir”

Then Nathan retreated to the mansion.