The Royal Contract

“So, you think everyone already heard about this.” It was stated more as a fact rather than a question.

Somehow he was glad that his friend had notified him of this fact. Many of his men might not mention it to him for fear of the consequences.

But unlike most of his men, Mike always had the balls to tell him what he needed to hear. One thing he had liked about him when he first met him.

“Yes, I think so,” Mike replied honestly. “If you want my opinion. I will say it. If you don’t. I will still say it anyway because I am your friend.” Mike paused for a few seconds, watching his expression change. Clearly, his boss was thinking deeply.

But before he could say more, he noticed a couple walking towards them. The man was quite familiar to him, but he did not have a chance to work with him yet, unlike his boss.

Quickly, he silently warned his boss of an impending company. He did not want their uninvited guest to accidentally hear their topic for tonight.

.....

“Gerald, nice to see you here.” The man greeted, standing before their table with a woman in his arms. “By the way, this is my girlfriend, Rosella Sheldon.”

Gerald looked up to the familiar voice and greeted him back, “David, nice to see you here. It is nice to meet you, Rosella.” He stood from his seat to shake her hand, always a gentleman.

“This is Mike Carter from the DA’s office.” At the same time, using it to introduce his friend.

He felt that introducing them would reduce his wondering about seeing the two of them together, dining like they were concocting something up.

“Oh, yes. I have heard about you. Your reputation has already proceeded you. It is nice to finally meet you, Mike.” David said, saying good things that he heard about the new staff of the District Attorney’s Office.

It was always great to be updated with the changes happening around them. It will somehow be beneficial in their line of work when the time comes.

“We used to work together before I have joined your firm,” Gerald informed his current partner. Appearing like it was not such a big deal.

Working for the firm that David built had been a good move for him since it served as a good cover while he prepared himself for his position in his father’s underground empire.

While working for him, he managed to increase his influence and connection in the legal world. At the same time, create a good persona in the public’s eyes.

Now, he was a public figure that many admired. A man who had been advocating for equal rights, freedom, and several worldly causes. Who would believe that he could run an illegal underground empire?

“Yeah, I think I heard that you two might know each other.” He explained why he was not surprised to see them together.

He usually asked someone to do some background checks on new lawyers, especially Mike Carter, since he was involved in handling the case against Nick.

Still, he could not help check on them and make his introduction, seeing that Gerald seemed so relaxed with the company of his friend.

“We did have great times together.” Mike interrupted the interaction, feeling that he should say something to support his friend. “Anyway, where are our manners? Would you like to join us?”

It was a common courtesy to invite them, even if he already knew they had no intention of joining them. But it was also another tactic of reminding the other guests that they had overstayed their welcome.

“Oh, we do not want to impose on the two of you. But it was nice seeing you, Gerald, here and meeting you, Mike.” David said, finally giving their excuses and farewell.

Finally, leaving the two alone to finish their conversation while he proceeded with his date towards their reserved table. Then, he glimpsed at the two again before focusing his eyes on his date.

He could not help sense something off from the looks the two exchanged in the latter part of their conversation. He could not shake off the feeling that Mike was trying to get rid of them.

“Shall we order?” He asked Rosella, who had been quite patient with him. She had not complained about his work but had always been supportive.

He eventually ignored his instinct and diverted his full attention to his girlfriend, who he had ignored since they had arrived. He decided to dismiss his suspicion as nothing of importance.

“Do you think he suspected anything?” Mike asked, watching the back of his boss’s current managing partner in the law firm.

But he agreed with his method of keeping their friendship high profile so no one would suspect anything when they see them together occasionally.

“I don’t think so,” Gerald responded, studying the other people at the other table. He could sense that his boss knew nothing about his covert life. He planned to keep it that way.

Then, he fell into silence, thinking of the things that they had discussed earlier. After finishing their meal, he finally decided to end their meeting.

“If you hear anything else, better tell me about it. But I appreciate the heads up.” Gerald told his long-time friend. “Keep me posted.” Reminding him of the other things he had to do.

Anyway, it was time for him to handle his other obligations. He had been laying low for a while, but he had to do something about the growing unrest in his people.

Mike decided to continue with what he said earlier before they finally separated ways. “Daniella Hamilton seems to be a great catch, but she is now married.” Creating emphasis on the last part.

Then, Mike stood from his chair and leaned closer to his boss. “As much as you think you want her, I believe you should also think of what you will be losing if things go south.” He whispered.