Chapter 57: The Negotiator

Tony Woods' POV

“Did you just hear that?

He fucking uttered something,” I called Marcus attention to the voice I heard.

I needed to be certain that I wasn't imagining things that weren't real.

In a delicate situation like that, the last thing I'll consent to is jokes or pranks.

“Of course, I did, Tony.

You weren't the only one who heard the voice.

It is safe to say that your ears lead you in the right direction. Let's listen to what the son of a bitch has to say,”

Marcus replied.

I was relieved by his utterances.

It confirmed that I wasn't losing my mind after all.

Patrick stepped forward. He stood before everyone to ensure he was closer to Sean than any of us.

“Start talking now! This is your chance to make it right again.

Tell us what you know about Angela's whereabouts. And don't you dare miss out on any details,” Patrick ordered Sean.

For a moment, I was impressed by his moves. That was the only sensible thing that has been done over the last couple of hours. If he had recommended the same energy from the outset, Angela wouldn't have escaped.

“What's in it for me? What do I get in exchange for the piece of information I'm about to divulge? Will I be released in return?” Sean demanded.

It was starting to seem like a negotiation, and I wasn't happy about it.

I tried my best to stay calm and avoid ruining the moment.

I had already imagined the evil things I would have done to Sean if I were the one asking questions.

“What do you want in return? Name your price, and it'll be granted,” Marcus assured as he looked set to accept Sean's bargain.

I lost my cool and stepped in, “You can't be serious, Patrick.

This son of a bitch put us in this terrible condition. Ain't no way we are playing by his rules,”

Patrick didn't respond.

He only signaled Marcus to call me to order, and he obeyed.

Marcus whispered safe words to my ears that justified Patrick's actions, and I believed him.

That was when I grealizedPatrick's importance.

Since that moment, I stopped talking. Rather, I sealed my lips and observed the situation, knowing that we were all on the same page.

“She's at her lover's apartment as we speak. The same lover is the biological father of Kelly.

Her lover cajoled her into getting married to you. They intend to take over your wealth after your death,” Sean disclosed.

At first, I was lost in deep thought before my brain reconnected to the discourse.

It took me a while to realize that he was referring to me.

Everyone stepped aside as I got closer to Sean.

“I'm in charge now of this shit at this moment. And you know what that means, right? You'll relay all the necessary information to me.

For starters, give me the damn address,” I commanded like a drug baron.

I didn't even know when my voice got so thick.

At some point, I got scared of myself because I didn't recognize who I was anymore.

It was as though I were playing the lead role in a crime thriller movie.

Through Patrick's assistance, we were able to get the address of E.L.A.'s whereabouts on a piece of paper

The address was handed over to me as I pleaded with Marcus to stay back and keep an eye on Sean while Marcus and I went after Angela.

“Wait a minute! This wasn't what we agreed on. Are you all trying to play a fast one on me?

What about the promise you all made to me? You told me I could count on you all so why the snitching?” Sean lamented just as Patrick and I were about lto leavethe room to embark on the journey.

We both turned around but with a different motive. Patrick fixed his gaze on me as though he were paid to do that.

“Don't you dare talk about snitching before I smash your head against the fucking wall.” I became agitated.

I was a few miles away from Sean, yet he could feel my presence.

He held me back as I was about to attack Sean. “That ain't necessary, man. He's just going to slow us down. We've got a bigger problem ahead of us,”

I was hurt that Patrick stopped me, but what was I going to do about it? Absolutely nothing!

It took a while before my rage could die off.

Despite how calm I forced myself to stay, there was still a part of me that wanted to send Sean to the great beyond.

Sadly, Patrick stopped that from happening. He held me so firmly that I didn't even get the chance to breathe properly.

“Just pray we find her, boy.

Otherwise, I'll take pleasure in informing you.

And just so you know, I don't give empty threats.” I threatened Sean and left in frustration.

I headed straight to the car, where I was joined by Patrick.

He started by apologizing for our recent outburst.

He also offered some pieces of advice on how to approach delicate matters like that.

His words made me so emotional. I could have easily teared up if I wasn't brave anymore.

“Thank you,” I said to him.

That was the very least words my lips could produce at that moment.

Prolonged speaking might trigger my tears, and I wouldn't want that to happen.

“Now let's go get the bitch and make her pay for what she did to me,” I slowly uttered before I drove us to the location, feeling optimistic that it'll be at the end of Angela.

As much as my hopes were high, I still had my worries.

Inside of me, I kept asking myself, “What if Sean gave us a fake address because he guessed that we would refuse to meet his demands?”

I also considered the possibility of Patrick and Imenot catching up with Angela or her mystery lover at the said location.