Alex LaGon sat outside eating his breakfast at one of Rogelio’s favorite restaurants. The militia made one last pit stop before returning home to Freeland, the city of Sphinx. Alex sipped his coffee while enjoying the sunshine until he was interrupted by one of his men. “Sir, I have an urgent message for the commander.” The soldier extended his hand to deliver the message.

  “He’s busy...” Alex replied without looking up.

  “But sir, he’s going to want to read this. The merchant Phobos went out of his way to deliver this letter, sir.” Again, the soldier extended his arm holding the letter in his hand.

  “Give it to me.” Alex huffed as he opened the folded piece of paper. His face dropped as he got to the end. “Oh, shit.” He stood up then folded the letter and put it in his back pocket. “I’ll deliver the message myself. Go tell the boys and girls to get ready to return home. I’m sure after my uncle reads this, he’s going to want to get back to Freeland.”

  The soldier nodded his head saying sir as he walked away. Alex took his time walking inside the restaurant. He hated having to disturb his uncle unless it was necessary. Rogelio liked the restaurant Shante’s so much, he paid cash for two floors of hotel rooms to be placed on top of it. That way, every time he was in the city of Sphinx, he can stay at his favorite restaurant. The last room on the right was always reserved for the rebel leader.

  Alex slowly approached the wooden door and knocked softly twice. A deep voice roared through saying, "I’m busy!”

  “Uncle Ro, it’s me. I just got an urgent message you’re going to want to see.” Alex replied. He waited and listened as he could hear his uncle raffling around and talking to someone.

  Rogelio cracked open the door just enough to see Alex’s face. “Let me see the letter.” He left the door opened after his nephew handed him the letter. “Oh, shit.”

  “That’s what I said...” Alex said while peeking through the door. He could see who his uncle was talking to. A beautiful, half-naked woman laid sprawled across the bed.

  Barefoot and shirtless, Rogelio pulled up his pants as he walked over to the nightstand. He grabbed a few gold coins out of his leather pouch then turned to the escort and said, “I need you to leave, now.” He leaned over and handed her the coins.

  The plump woman huffed and puffed as she got out of the squeaky bed. “Aw, Rogelio... Please let me stay?” She whined and tried to plea with her highest paying John. She tugged on his large bicep until he started getting irritated.

  “Out...” Rogelio pointed his thumb towards the door. The escort jumped up and again huffed as she walked out. As she passed Alex, she ran her hand over his shoulder hinting for him to join her. Instead, he flashed her a smirk and watched as she walked away. “How long ago did this happen?”

  Alex walked in the room and closed the door behind him. “I’m not sure. The letter is dated two weeks ago. What I am sure is, Trayvis senior is probably on a rampage... It said he was accusing everyone in sight and he’s threatening to pull his bid out of the essence stone production.”

  “Of course, he is. Without his legitimate heir, Trayvis senior might be expelled from the Knights.” Rogelio huffed even more irritated than before. “Do they at least have any leads to who did this? I mean, junior wasn’t necessarily the sharpest tool in the shed.”

  “Right.” Alex agreed. "He did have a bad rep with women too. Maybe they decided they were done with his shit. The dude had no respect for the finer sex.”

  Rogelio opened his bag and pulled out a short-sleeved shirt along with a pair of socks. “Pinning him to the wall though? Burning out his eyes and leaving a message on his chest? I don’t know... it feels more personal. No matter what it's about, we have to get back by tonight.”

  Alex nodded his head and cheerfully replied, "I’m already on it. The militia is gathering their things as we speak.” He hesitated on his last question. “And what about that one queen? She said that Star is the best as they come. She called it an Ancient...”

  “Don’t worry about that nephew... That monster is ours now.”

  *

  Back at Freeland...

  “I think Molly Sunborn needs to be our next target.” Sky stated as a matter of fact. She paced back and forth in Kahree’s new apartment which was across town. Pierre decided to open a new tailoring store a few blocks away. Luckily for Kahree, they also had vacant apartments on the top floors. It was spacious and set up just like the rooms above the tavern. This way, the girls can cover more ground. “The girl is driving me crazy...” Sky continued. “She’s been in and out of the tavern all week bothering Jordy’s ear off about the wedding. The new complaint is it’s not happening soon enough. Now she wants the wedding to be moved up in light of TK-fuck boy’s death.”

  Kahree started to giggle. “I’ll give you two guests to why.”

  Sky stopped pacing and quickly turned to face her sister. “I don’t have time for guessing games, Ree. Just tell me.”

  “Well...” Kahree put on her Chester cat smile again as she began to explain. “I was going to tell you earlier, but something told me to wait. Oh boy, I’m glad I did. The reason Molly has been all up Jordy’s ass lately is because she’s with child.”

  Sky gave Kahree a confused look and shrugged her shoulders. “Ok... what does that have to do with anything?"

  Again, Kahree smiled, “Because the child isn’t Jordy’s...”

  “How do you know that?”

  “The night I had to return the shop’s keys back to Pierre’s, the room I stole them from was occupied... I saw Molly and Ishmael going at it!” Kahree laughed a loud. “So, I had to put the keys in Pierre’s office instead.”

  Sky chuckled with her sister, “No, shit. Still the child could be Jordy’s.”

  “Oh, Sky... why do you always doubt my expert ability to be nosey? I overheard little miss princess chatting with her bimbo friends about how after ‘their very special wedding, it would be their first time’. All of her friends gasped and awed her. Meanwhile, I was trying not to barf.”

  Sky gasped for air herself. “Jordy and Molly have never slept together... oh that is good. The old get-hitched-before-anyone-knows-I’m-knocked-up ruse. One of the oldest tricks in the book. I’ll take this one Ree and I know just what to do.” The girls sat down and discussed their next few steps in their plan. They felt it was essential to keep up causing as much division as possible. “Ok, after we execute this plan, I think I’ve figured out who we can go after next.”

  Kahree looked up from her hand-written map and replied, "Who?”

  “Frederick Windermere.” Replied Sky.

  Kahree gave her sister the side-eye before responding, “One of the Founding Fathers so soon... Ok, I’m listening.”

  “Think about it Ree, with the Suborns and LaGons dealing with family drama and Trayvis senior going on what I would say is a rampage...”

  Kahree finished the sentence, “It leaves Windermere all by himself. But he has the biggest clan, those green fuckers. He’s in control over that filthy, nasty and stank Green Brick brothel. Plus, I hear the guy is practically married to his mansion. Only leaving when he has to.”

  “Perfect.” Replied Sky. “Who said his death can’t look like an accident? We’ll come back to this later. For now, we have a rumor to spread...”

  The time was around noon when she returned to the Tavern for her shift. As she mentioned to Kahree, Molly has been paying the bar a visit at least once a day. She has tried relentlessly to get Jordy to pay attention to her and their wedding. Jordy however had no real interest... Truth be told, the level of thirst Molly has been displaying was making her look like a borderline stalker. Now, Sky knows why... Molly was trying to scam Jordius LaGon into fathering a child that was not his. To some degree, it really bothered Sky. Even though Jordy was considered one of her targets, she realized he was different. Possibly the black sheep of his family. Ever since Sky has been working under him, she can’t help but to be intrigued. He was kind, nice, respectful and had good manners. The fact he was super handsome didn’t help either. It was the green eyes, she swears... Kahree warned Sky that one day she was going to want a ‘taste’. It felt too easy for her to forget that he belonged to one of the most notorious rebel gangs in all the universe. Low-key though, Sky was happy to break up Molly and Jordy, she didn’t deserve him.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  All morning Sky and Kahree did their best to spread the news of Molly expecting a bundle-of-joy. This will teach the girls two things, how fast word spreads in this town and how strong the relationships truly are among the Founding Five. The news about what happened to Trayvis Jr was the first of its kind. Therefore, the girls were expecting a big reaction. Sky honestly could not wait to see the reaction of what was about to go down. If it was her choice, Molly would have been her next target. For now, death by social exposure will have to do.

  Sky’s shift started around noon. By the time she got there the whole town seemed to be buzzing about Molly’s new bun in the oven. Sky noticed first off, that Jordy was not in the best of moods since he’s been trying to debunk the rumor all morning. People left and right came into the tavern to congratulate the father-to-be. He kept pacing back and forth watching the door, waiting for his fiancé to show up. Today out of all days she doesn’t come, Sky whispered to herself.

  As the day progressed, Sky got through most of her daily duties. Busting the dishes, sweeping the floors, vacuuming the carpeted areas, preparing for the lunch rush and dodging Brody. He and his two minions were considered the tavern’s regulars. There were more of course but these three practically lived there. All week, ‘Big Beard’ Brody has been doing his best to woo Sky into going on a date with him. The large beer gutted man tried to smooth down his oily messy gray hair before approaching. He wore a stained plaid button down shirt with pants that looked like it’s been through too many years. “Well, hello there pretty lady.” Brody said as he tried to whisper in her ear from behind.

  Sky rolled her eyes as she stood up straight. “Not today, Brody.” She tried to walk away but the drunken man grabbed her forearm. Sky immediately looked down at his fat hairy hand that was touching her skin. “Brody... I’m going to give you one more chance to back off.”

  With a bold move, Brody got even closer and replied, “Or what?” His alcohol-stained breath almost made Sky fall to the ground.

  Just as Sky was getting ready to reply, Molly walks in. She saw Miles dip his head towards the back offices then Jordy came out. He did not look happy... Show time, though Sky. Don’t it wrong, Molly was a showstopper. She was considered to be one of the prettiest girls in whole city. Today however, she looked like she’s seen a ghost. Dressed in her usual designer clothes and very expensive shoes but today something was different. Her thick curly brown hair was pinned back into a half ponytail with the rest flowing down her back. Her dress was blue and white checkers with a large blue bow in the back. Sky didn’t know if she was going for an innocent look or seductive. Her firm breast poked out of the top and the middle of the dress hugged her waist perfectly making her hips pop out.

  Her hazel-colored eyes were poofy from crying and her creme color cheeks were flared. It was obvious she had been crying for a while. That didn’t stop Jordy however from wanting answers. “Molly! Where have you been? I’ve waiting for you all morning. You won’t believe how many people are feeding into this rumor about you being with child?”

  Brody and a few others stopped to turn around when Jordy asked his question. That was Sky’s opportunity to push him off of her, which she did. When Brody let go of Sky’s arm she quickly returned to her post behind the counter. She could get a better view from there... Miles also tried to pretend not to hear the conversation however they were standing right there. Again, Jordy asked his questions, “Molly? It’s a hoax. A stupid rumor from who knows where. Right?”

  The heir to the LaGon family studied his fiancé as this was the first time in weeks Molly had nothing to say. The girl was completely frozen from the shock... Sky was not anticipating this. Ever since she met Molly, the girl has given her a hard time. Always making sly comments and accusations that Sky wanted Jordy for herself. But now, the heiress to the Sunborn family got caught in her own web.

  Just as Molly was about to speak up, Ishmael comes picking in the doorway. His face just as compelled as Molly’s. Jordy was facing the entrance as Molly had her back towards it. He could see his cousin’s stare, and it was not on him. It was on Molly... Jordy quickly noticed the glance then looked back at his fiancé. Again, he looked at Ishmael then at Molly before she caught on. She turned over her shoulder and caught Ishmael’s gaze then gasped. Jordy put his head down and said, “I see now... So, what I’ve been hearing all morning is true?”

  “Wait! Jordy, please let me explain!” Molly started to sob but it came out more like a whine then a cry.

  “The hell with both of you! Is that why you’ve been bothering me so much about moving up the wedding?” He looked up towards his cousin and yelled, “She all yours now, Ish!”

  Molly yelled out wait one more time, but it was too late. Jordy dashed towards the back of the bar. He burst through the double doors leading to the kitchen, passed the back offices then out the back door alley entrance. The attention turned to the last two standing in front of the bar counter. While tying back his thick curly black mane, Ishmael slowly walked inside the tavern. Molly had her back towards her lover until he tried to put his hand on her shoulder. The heiress tensed up then quickly turned around. “What are you doing here?! You ruined everything Ish!” Molly stormed out leaving Ishmael standing there all alone.

  Everyone in the tavern was staring at Ishmael, including Miles and Sky. In every direction, Ishmael could see eyeballs heading his way. Instead of causing another scene, he simply straightened his jacket then turned around out of the front entrance. Everyone could tell he was embarrassed to how everything played out, but what could he do about it now? Miles smacked his lips while shaking his head and Sky noticed. “What was that all about?” She asked playing dumb.

  Miles rubbed both hands over his face like to wipe away the stress. “I wouldn’t know where to begin, Sky. All I know is a few people around here noticed Molly and Ish was getting a bit too friendly. Nobody never said anything because Molly is betrothed to Jordy. For the past few months, they’ve been planning this huge expensive wedding. Between you and I,” The middle-aged bartender leaned closer to whisper, “I think that was the best thing that could happen to that boy. Jordy deserved better."

  Sky nodded in agreement. “It’s just weird to me because ever since I’ve started here all I’ve seen is Ishmael flirting with every girl he came across. Hell! He's even tried to flirt with me before. I thought for sure he was a lady’s man.”

  Miles chuckled and replied, "Obviously, it was all for show. Man, her daddy is going to be pissed... Pierre Sunborn is not someone you want to piss off.” He shrugged his shoulders and returned back to work. For the next few hours, Miles and Sky ran the bar and tavern until about dusk. The evening crowd started rushing in and the two of them couldn’t keep up. That’s when they saw Jordy walking fast through the front door. He didn’t say anything to his two person staff instead he grabbed an apron and the first food order ticket.

  Miles and Sky looked at each other then ran to peek through the double doors window. Jordy turned up the fryer on high and began preparing the first meal order. Miles intervened when he saw Sky was going to open the kitchen door. Let him be, he said, he needed the time to cool off. Sky couldn’t help but to agree...

  As the evening turned into night, all was going well until the pest Big Beard Brody wanted to show his ass again. Sky was busting the tables, cleaning off the tables when he approached her once more. He whispered at her as she bent over to get the far corners of the table. “I want you to wipe me down like that.” Once more Sky tried to pass by him but this time, he took it to a whole new level. As she by, Brody gave her a huge slap on the ass. It was so hard, it made her jump a little. At that point, he did not know who he was messing with. Sky walked over to the nearest table and slammed the container holding the dishes down. She then turned around and punched Brody square in the nose. He screamed in agony saying, “You bitch! You broke my damn nose.”

  Blood flowed down his nose as he fell to the ground moaning and groaning. The two minions saw what happened and tried to jump in the attack. As they approached Sky, one swung at her but missed. She quickly punched in the middle of his throat also making him fall to the ground choking. The second minion, hesitated for a minute as he watched his friend rolling on the ground. As soon as he built the courage to attack, Sky thrusted her right leg up straight hitting the man in his groin.

  Aw, shit. Sky whispered to herself as she looked around at the bruised customers. Her and Kahree had laid some ground rules and staying out of trouble was one of them. Sky had enough though... Brody and his friends didn’t deserve any decency. Therefore, she didn’t show them any. She tried to be, but Brody took advantage of that...

  Sky stood up straight, grabbed her container and stormed to the kitchen. Miles watched as the three drunken men continued to roll around in pain. He didn’t say anything but instead was actually a little impressed. As soon as Sky left the seating area, other customers especially the women started to clap. Miles was really taken back by that... He didn’t know or failed to realize that Brody was such a problem among other customers. Well, Sky fixed that, at she did for this evening.

  Moments later, after the commotion started to settle, another fight broke out. This time it was Jordy and Ishmael. Flying through the back double doors, Ishmael landed directly on Brody as he was trying to stand up. All four of them fell into each other knocking them all down on top of one another. Jordy came bursting through the swinging doors. He untied his apron and threw it the ground before storming over to Ishmael once more. Miles tried to intervene but with no luck. Jordy continued to punch his cousin repeatedly yelling at him in the process. Sky however, decided to take a quick smoke break and throwing the trash while she was out there. She completely didn’t know what was going on inside.

  As the fighting continued, the boys heard a strong roar coming from above them. “Jordy! Ishmael! Stop right now!” The boys immediately froze in motion when they heard the familiar voice. Rogelio stood over them looking down furious at what he is witnessing. “Office! Now!” The boys stood up, straightened their clothes then headed towards the back offices away from the seating area and customers. The ‘show’ was over...

  Sky was about halfway through her joint when she spotted something that looked out of place. A huge black metallic mobile jail cell was parked on the street in front of the tavern. She decided to get a closer look to see what exactly that could be until Sky saw a hand grab the metal bars. It was a large pale hand that resembled a man. This made Sky’s eyes widened with curiosity. What in the hell? This could be it! Sky started walking more towards the alley’s exit when someone out of nowhere jumped in front of her. The mystery man made Sky jump back raising her arms in defense. She thought it was one of those drunken assholes trying to get revenge. No, it was someone else...

  “Hi!” The medium size, well-built, young man stuck out his hand to Sky. “I’m Alex LaGon, Jordy’s younger brother.” He had way too much energy for Sky at the moment but once she heard his name, she had to stop what was currently pursuing.

  “Hi, my name is Sky.” She took his name and shook it. Great, another fucking LaGon.

  “Sky... well, that’s a beautiful name. Just as beautiful as you are. I was talking to Miles in there and he say you were responsible for Brody and his name laying on the ground. Is that true?”

  Sky didn’t know what to say but, “Look, I’m sorry but I was tired of the guy hitting on me. When he slapped my ass...”

  “Whoa!” Interrupted Alex. “He did what? Well then, he got what he deserved! I just came out here to welcome you aboard. Don’t worry about Brody and his men. I’ll make sure they don’t bother you anymore now that we’re back.”

  “We’re back?” Sky turned her head confused.

  Alex giggled. Sky noticed this guy had a few screws loose or maybe that’s how he pretended to act. “My Uncle Rogelio and I. We’re back home.”

  Sky returned his smile and replied, “Yes, welcome home.”