"Are you trying to threaten me? You know you're playing with fire, right?" Adam questioned in a deep voice, his expression far from friendly.
John smiled as he approached, both of them locking eyes in a tense, deadly glare.
"I was never trying to threaten you, and I certainly wasn't playing with fire! It seems you're the one threatening me," John replied, swallowing hard and shrugging his shoulders.
"What do you plan to do to me now? Kill me? Do you really think I'm the only one who knows about this?" John stated, while Adam stood frozen like a statue, unsure of how to respond, as if the rain had already stopped.
"Oh, have you lost your words? I can make a deal with you. If you want me to keep quiet, I can shut that guy up for you, Sam right?"
"I will ensure your secret stays safe," John offered, watching as Adam's eyes widened in surprise.
"The truth is, I asked him many questions, and he told me everything. You offered him help to win the election, but he rejected it because he wasn't the man you wanted him to be. The man you wanted is standing right here," John continued.
Adam was taken aback, amazed by John's boldness. This was exactly the kind of ally he had always sought. Yet, he knew that John lacked the qualities needed to help him win the election. Sam was the one with the right connections, and that’s why Adam had chosen him. But as it stands now, he has no option since he's already claiming to be the right man which means he believed that he's capable.
"I know exactly what you're thinking. You see, Sam is a monster, and fighting him will cost lives. Why should we waste innocent lives when we have another creature who can fight and defeat him, helping you win the election in return for a little appreciation?" John stated, leaving Adam to ponder the implications of his words.
Judging by the way he was speaking, it was obvious that he knew another monster. This meant that Sam was not the only creature disturbing the city; there were others. These other monsters were likely the ones taking innocent lives, but that was not Adam’s concern as long as he was going to win the election.
“Who is the monster you want to recommend to me? I would like to see him,” Adam asked.
“Come on, I just told you that the man standing in front of you is everything you wanted Sam to be,” John stated as he transformed his hand into a beast’s claw. One of his hands was covered in fur, with long black claws that could tear through iron. It was terrifying to behold.
As Adam gazed at it, he was filled with fear looking at John in shock, it was so unbelievable. John had been a monster all this time, yet he had been fighting and killings his kinds.
It was just like himself who had been pretending to fight evil but was sleeping with his daughter. Both of them were the same creature, just with different appearances and faces as well.
“You see...? We both have things in common. We spend our lives hiding our true selves. I know that once you take the presidential seat, we won’t have to hide anymore; we can do what we like!” John said, and then his hand returned to normal as he gently placed it in his pocket.
“So… what exactly do you want me to do for you?” Adam asked, ready to make a deal with John, who was exactly the type of person he had been looking for. Sam was a thorn in his side, and he needed to teach him a lesson.
“Just one thing: I don’t want a better position in politics. I don’t want anything related to power. All I want is a good salary for my work as an officer. I want to be paid millions of dollars a week—nothing less,” John stated. Adam nodded, and they shook hands in agreement.
What John requested was not too much for Mr. Adam Greyhound to provide. It was one of the simplest things on his list because even if he didn’t work in a political office, he could easily pay him millions every week; he was that rich. He has other investments that fetch him billions daily.
“Alright then, consider it done. But I want one thing too! I want Sam Ola dead in the next three days—nothing more,” he stated.
"You have my words, consider it done!" Adam nodded, taking a short breath and left the house, while John smiled.
He couldn't be happier on this night, knowing he had found a way to make more money. All he cared about was money; just give him some, and he was satisfied to do whatever you wanted him to do. He didn't want to stay away from police work—he loved that profession. Every night, he would take some women to the club and bring them to his bed, and that made him content. Because he really had the time, most work he was supposed to do, he would instead send the other officers to go after it.
So he grabbed his wine, opened it, and began sipping directly from the bottle. He had a mission in mind: Sam Ola had to die.
                  • At The Streets •
This was becoming increasingly impossible for Ariana. She had been searching the entire city for Sam, but there was still no sign of him. As the day turned dark, she needed to find somewhere to sleep for the night, and perhaps she could resume her search tomorrow.
However, looking around, she saw no hotels, and she wasn't sure if anyone would be willing to take in a stranger for the night, especially with the recent massacre in town. Everyone was terrified for their lives. Afraid of the unknown monster.
Ariana wore a black hood, a skirt, and a long-sleeved top that was attached to the hood. She also carried her handbag.
She loved Sam, and no matter what it took, she was determined to find him—even if it took an eternity. She would never stop searching until she found him. He was the only one who could protect her from her father. She was exhausted from allowing her dad to touch her and control her. Sam was her only hope, the one who could put an end to her father's reign. Adam was nothing but a monster, roaming among humans.
"Hey, what are you doing on the street at this time of night? You don't seem afraid of the monsters that hunt at night," a voice whispered from behind her. She turned around and saw a handsome man approaching from behind, and they shook hands.
"Finn," the young man introduced himself, a smile lighting up his face.
"Ariana... sorry, I..."
She paused. She was supposed to hide her true identity; she couldn't let anyone know she was the daughter of Adam Greyhound. It would be too risky to walk around the streets if people recognized her. But she realized she had already made a mistake, and Finn was staring at her in shock.
"Please! You mustn't call me that name. Don’t let anyone know who I am. Call me Ally for now," she insisted, while Finn continued to gaze at her, mouth slightly agape.
“Ariana? My lady, what are you doing out on the streets all alone?!” Finn asked with curiosity, but she immediately interrupted him.
“I just told you, you must not let anyone know who I am! Please, don’t try to do that again! I’m willing to pay you for your help!” she exclaimed, pulling out some cash from her bag and handing it to him.
He stared at her for a moment, then shook his head. “I can’t accept that. If you want help, just tell me how I can assist you. Why are you out here alone?” His voice remained calm.
“I’m looking for a place to sleep. If you can provide me with one, I would be so grateful,” she pleaded. Finn looked at her with surprise. What could a rich man’s daughter be doing, seeking a place to sleep? He was taken aback by the situation. She wasn't just a rich man's daughter bit was the daughter of the greatest politician in the country.
“Yes, I know I shouldn’t be looking for a place to sleep, especially because my father is a wealthy man, I know! But I promise I’ll explain everything later. Right now, I just need a place to rest,” she insisted, and he nodded.
“You can come stay at my place, then,” he offered, and she smiled with gratitude.
“Thank you very much,” she said, following him home. Finn began to believe everything Sam had mentioned about Adam. Despite them all not believing him at first but seeing Ariana out here made him think that something was definitely wrong with her situation. Which means that Sam could be right.