Infamous: Equestria’s Second Son
The Other Big Apple
Previous ChapterNext ChapterChapter 22
“Tch! Damn, still stings.”
I winced as I tried to pick up my mug to sip my coffee and my knuckles ached. When Dante shared what he’s been up to this past week during the nights, I was thrown for a loop that such a thing was even practiced in this world. It just goes to show you that not everything is sunshine and rainbows around here. This fight club had become such a new fascination for Dante, that he even flew himself in my body all the way to Canterlot to partake in another fight club that was being held there. The things he did that night to those competitors, I’d imagine he’s starting to build some kind of a rep in the underground world.
“Is your hand still bothering you, Ax?” Moon asked me.
“Yeah, Dante really went to town on the people he beat up back in Canterlot,” I said as I opened and closed my hand.
“It still perplexes me how the people are able to host such a barbaric even such as this fight club.” Moon hummed.
“Remember what I told you about that Moon?” I teased.
“Yes, yes, never talk about it,” Moon rolled her eyes. “But why not?” I didn’t respond and just looked at her. “Okay fine, be that way.”
“Sorry, but even I have to respect the rules. Even if I wasn’t personally part of it,” I shrugged.
“I suppose, so what is on today’s schedule for you?” Moon asked.
“Mr. Rich said he wanted to see me about a business trip he’s going on to Manehattan. Which, by the way, sounds an awful lot like the city of Manhattan, New York, from back home,” I said.
“They have similar names,” Moon said.
“Yep, and I’ve been to New York before. So, I’d know if there were any similarities from Manehattan and The Big Apple.”
“The Big Apple?” Moon repeated. “There is a large fruit in this city called New York?”
“Pfft, what? No, that’s just a nickname people call it,” I chuckled.
“Why would they call it that?”
“Hmm, know what? I have no idea,” I shrugged. “Must be a New Yorker thing. I wouldn’t know, since I’m from Florida.”
“And where is this Florida?” Moon wondered.
“Still on the East Coast but more down South.” I finished the last of my coffee and stood up. “Whelp, I better get going.” I leaned down and kissed Moon on the lips before grabbing my pack. “Tell Spike and Twilight I’ll be back home late.”
“Have a good day, Axel,” Moon waved goodbye to me.
“And you better stay out of trouble, Eris!” I said, looking up at the mad woman lounging near the ceiling on a pink cloud.
“Keep saying that every day, and I just might!” Eris shot back.
I rolled my eyes and waved goodbye back to Moon and made my way to Mr. Rich’s place. My trek to my employer’s house was met with smiling faces and the occasional hello from the townsfolk. Ever since I beat Eris and helped put this town back in order, my good reputation had taken a turn for the better. It was as if my first day here when Dante made a scene in front of everyone never happened, and I was finally accepted by everyone.
“And where do you think you’re going?” I stopped in my tracks and sighed when I looked to see Lapis approaching me.
“Good morning, Lapis,” I sighed.
“And good morning to you too,” Lapis said in a cocky attitude. “How’s that mad spirit lady who’s living with you rent free?”
“Eris is still just lounging around, as usual, same as she has been for over a week now,” I said.
“She must be up to something, people like her don’t just stop being, well, whatever she is,” Lapis pointed out.
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. If you’ll excuse me, I gotta get to Mr. Rich’s place.”
“Want me to tag along? What’s he wanna talk to you about?” Lapis said.
“Eh, something about a business trip to Manehattan, no big deal.” I heard Lapis gasp and saw her face go a little pale. “Uh, something I said?”
“What? Um…n-nothing, just thought of something.” Lapis shook her head. “On second thought, I’m gonna go track down a perp. See you later!”
“A perp? But-.” Before I could say anything else, she turned her back on me and left me as quick as she could. “O…kay? That was weird. Eh, at least she’s off my ass, I’m not complaining.” I walk continued until I made it to Mr. Rich’s place and Randolph greeted me at the door. He led me up the stairs towards Mr. Rich’s office and he knocked on the door.
“Come in, Randolph.” Randolph opened the door and Mr. Rich was at his desk going over some paperwork.
“Master Rickert has arrived, sir,” Randolph announced and bowed his head.
“Ah, Axel, thank you for coming. You are dismissed, Randolph,” Mr. Rich said, and Randolph bowed again before leaving. “So, how has life been treating you since besting that dreadful Eris, Axel? I hear the princess herself came to congratulate you and even offer you knighthood.”
“Word travels fast,” I said to myself. “She did, but I turned it down.”
Mr. Rich paused and looked up at me with a perplexed expression. “You turned down the chance to become a knight? Whatever for? I myself know a great many individuals who would do anything to receive such a high honor.”
“Yeah, but personally, it’s not really my style,” I shrugged. “Besides, I don’t think I’d be comfortable if people started calling me my lord, or some cringey crap like that. I’m just happy where I am, helping out wherever I can, however I can.”
“You never cease to amaze me sometimes, Axel,” Mr. Rich chuckled. “Now then, on to business. You are aware I am going to leave town for a few days, yes?”
“Yeah, you mentioned you were going to some place called Manehattan?” I said.
“I’m glad you remembered; how would you like to accompany me?” Mr. Rich offered.
“Hold up, you want me to come with you to Manehattan?” I said, surprised.
“Quite right, I could use someone like you by my side while I’m there. If you recall our first meeting, I mentioned that Manehattan’s crime rate had risen in recent years. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an exaggeration.” Mr. Rich set his papers aside and stood up. He walked over to the window and put his hands behind his back. “My sources in Manehattan have told me there’s been a bit of, how should I call it, a gang war.”
“Gang war?” Once more, I was surprised something like that would happen here.
“Indeed. In the lower districts of the city, crime has run amok, and the local guard can barely keep it in check. The only way one can thrive in a city like that is to be able to afford to live in the upper districts. Although to be honest, I personally believe there are a lot more sharks lurking in the upper districts than in the lower districts.”
“So, what’s my part in all this?” I wondered.
“Quite simply, I’d like you to come with me as my security detail. I am looking to extend my business trades in Manehattan for my company and would rather not keep having to look over my shoulder. Plus, I was also considering bringing my daughter since she has always wanted to visit Manehattan, but I was always against it due to paranoia.” Mr. Rich turned and looked back at me. “So, what do you say?”
“Sounds simple enough, and we’ll be gone for just a few days?” I said.
“And it’s right back here in Ponyville, just in time for our local holiday,” Mr. Rich nodded.
“Sure, you can count on me, Mr. Rich,” I nodded.
“Excellent! I shall inform Diamond post haste!” Mr. Rich beamed. “Thank you, Axel.”
“It’s no problem, I’ll head back home and go pack.” I turned to leave the office.
“I already purchased the train tickets and the train leaves at 8am, tomorrow!” Mr. Rich called out.
The Next Morning
“It won’t be the same without you,” Moon said as I checked over my luggage.
I had managed to wake up after setting my alarm and packed all my clothes in a duffle bag I bought some time ago. All my clothes were made by Rarity, and they all fit pretty well. Of course, I always wore whatever I had under my denim vest. Twilight and Spike woke up early with me to see me off, Spike being the only one who looked like he wanted to go back to sleep.
“It’s only a few days, Moon, I’ll be back as soon as Mr. Rich is done with whatever business he’s got in Manehattan,” I reassured her as I put smaller items in my pack.
“I have only been to Manehattan a few times before myself,” Twilight said. “It’s a nice city to be in, but I have heard it’s become riskier to live in over the years.”
“Yeah, Mr. Rich said something about a gang war going on over there. Doesn’t sound like anything to worry about, honestly.” I shrugged.
“How can you be nonchalant about something like a gang war?” Twilight wondered.
“First thing, back where I’m from, gang violence was pretty much everywhere. Especially in the neighborhood I used to live in back in Florida. The best thing you could do is to just keep your head down and don’t look anyone in the eye, because you never know if they would try and mug you, or worse.” I zipped up my duffle bag and hoisted the strap over my shoulder. “Second thing, I know how to protect myself, considering I’m literally a walking powerhouse.”
“Arrogance is not something that suits you, Axel,” Moon lectured me. “You may have power, but it can only get you so far in a world of magic such as this.”
“I know that, that’s why I always have my guard up, even now,” I told her.
“I suppose that is a wise policy,” Moon said.
I checked my watch and saw it was 7:45am. “I gotta get going.” I gave Moon one last kiss on the lips and wrapped my free arm around Twilight for a short hug. “I’ll be back in a few days. Try not to burn the tree down while I’m gone.”
“Why would I do that?” Twilight huffed.
“Knowing you? Who knows?” I teased.
I was about to say goodbye to Spike, but he was already asleep while still standing up. I chuckled at him and waved the girls goodbye. “Eris!” I looked up at the crazy woman sleeping on a pink cloud near the ceiling, who woke up abruptly and narrowed her eyes down at me. “Just because I’m gonna be gone for a few days, doesn’t mean I won’t come running if I even hear you causing trouble. So don’t even try anything, got it?”
“Ugh, when will you accept that I’m reformed now?!” Eris groaned.
“Until you actually do something to convince me otherwise instead of just running your mouth,” I shot back before closing the door.
I made my way to the train station as the morning sun was about to shine its rays down on the quiet town. I was actually looking forward to this trip since it was a chance to have some time to myself and, admittedly, get out from under Lapis’s radar. When I arrived at the station, Mr. Rich and Diamond Tiara were already there waiting for me. Diamond had on a frilly amethyst-purple coat and a cute pink skirt.
“Axel!” Diamond smiled brightly as she ran towards me and hugged me. “I’m so happy you’re coming with us!”
“Wouldn’t miss it, kiddo.” I patted her head lightly. “It’ll be a nice change of venue than what I’ve been used to here.”
“Diamond, be a dear and wait for us in our car. I have something to discuss with Axel,” Mr. Rich said. Diamond nodded and skipped in one of the more fancy-looking train cars. “Now then, Axel, before we set off, there are some guidelines I must go over with you. In the course of this trip, you shall be accompanying me with any meetings I have planned with other business associates of mine. Also, if and when my daughter wishes to go sightseeing, I implore you to stay by her side at all costs.”
“Uh, okay? I can watch over her.” I nodded.
“Please give me your word that nothing will happen to her.” I could tell Mr. Rich was serious. Not that I could blame him, since people have come after her daughter before. If I were in his shoes, I’d also wanna ensure my kid was kept safe at all costs.
“Mr. Rich, you have my word that no one will hurt Diamond Tiara,” I said.
“Thank you.” Mr. Rich smiled at me. “Now then, let us be off.”
I nodded and followed him into the train car. I felt like I just walked into one of those fancy-ass hotel suites at a five-star resort. There was furniture made of polished wood and fluffy cushions on top, a few chairs near the windows and I saw Diamond sitting in one, and there was even a mini bar off to the corner. On the far end of the car were two opened doors leading to two separate rooms that had beds in them. To be honest, I felt a little overwhelmed since I had never experienced traveling anywhere so first class.
“Damn, these are some nice digs,” I said.
“It pays to be a successful businessman, such as myself,” Mr. Rich chuckled. “Go on and get settled in, I will have a brief word with the conductor.”
Mr. Rich left, and I walked over to one of the bedrooms in the back of the car. Even the room and bed itself just screamed fancy as I set my bag down.
“Shit, man, I almost feel bad for wanting to lay down on this thing.” I brushed my hand along the silky-smooth linen on the bed. “But…I am a little drowsy from waking up so damn early.” I kicked off my shoes and climbed onto the bed and laid down. The level of comfort the bed provided me was nothing like my bed back at the treebrary. I sighed as I felt my eyes begin to grow heavy and I drifted off to sleep.
A Couple of Hours Later
I was awoken by the chugging sounds of the train and the clanging metal of the wheels along the tracks. I slowly opened my eyes and was met with a wooden ceiling. I smacked my lips and realized I had fallen asleep after just laying down on the bed. When I was about to sit up, I felt something on my chest and looked down. To my surprise, Diamond was laying with me and cuddled up against my side and used my chest as a pillow. She looked content as she slept and smiled as she had her arm wrapped around me. I couldn’t help but smile at the adorable sight before me as I lightly patted her head.
“Mmm…big brother,” Diamond mumbled in her sleep as she cuddled closer to me.
Hearing her say that made my smile widen a bit more. I never had any siblings back home and I never had anyone look up to me as an older sibling before. I didn’t intend to make that much of an impact on Dimond, but I guess saving her life and also spending time with her meant a lot to her. After a few more minutes, Diamond slowly started to come to and raised her head. She yawned cutely and rubbed her eyes before looking back up at me.
“Well, hey there, kiddo, you enjoy your nap?” I teased. Diamond’s face turned bright red as she scrambled off the bed and to her feet.
“I-I’m sorry, Axel! I came in here to see how you were doing and I saw you were asleep, so I was about to leave, but then I found myself sitting on the bed, and I got sleepy, and-!”
“Hey, hey! Slow down! I’m not mad, Diamond.” I sat up and on the edge of the bed. “No need to get so worked up like that. I don’t mind it.”
“Y-You’re not mad?” Diamond said all flustered.
“Naw, it’s just a bed,” I shrugged. “But can I ask why you wanted to sleep here?”
“Well…I’m just so happy that you’re coming with us on this trip.” Diamond fidgeted a little and twiddled her thumbs. “And…I wanna spend more time with my big brother.”
“Aww, well I’m flattered you see me that way, Diamond.” I reached up and rubbed her head. “You can always ask and tell me anything, but as far as sleeping with me? I’d prefer you ask for my permission first, especially your dad.”
“I’m sorry,” Diamond frowned.
“Again, no need to apologize.” I stood up and stretched my back. “So how far along are we from Manehattan?”
“Daddy says we’re almost there,” Diamond said as I put my shoes back on.
I exited my room and saw Mr. Rich reading a newspaper. On the front of the paper was the cover and it had a picture of me and Eris. I was standing over Eris as she was laying on the ground. The title said, Mystery Hero of Ponyville defeats Goddess of Chaos!
“I see you’re awake.” Mr. Rich looked up at me as he turned the page. “How was your nap?”
“Refreshing, sorry I passed out without telling you,” I said sheepishly.
“No need to apologize, so long as you have enough energy for the day to come. And good timing, since we are about to arrive.”
I looked out the window and saw our destination in the distance. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little at the ironic similarity this city had with the actual city of New York from back home. The tall buildings stretched up to the sky and had a somewhat intimidating atmosphere to it. Diamond stood next to me and was smiling excitedly as we drew closer. The train eventually came to a stop, and I grabbed my duffle bag and prepared to step off the train car. Once the doors opened, I was met with loud noises and the hustle and bustle of the city. Mr. Rich flagged down some people to come and help with his and Diamond’s luggage as I followed them towards an area where there were carriages parked and the drivers standing by. Mr. Rich walked over to a fancy-looking carriage and gestured us to step in.
“How do you like Manehattan so far, Axel?” Diamond asked me as we sat down in the carriage.
“Not much to say, since we just got here,” I shrugged. “But it does have a similar vibe to a city I’ve been to before.”
“Do you travel a lot?” Diamond wondered.
“Nah, not really, but I kinda used to when I was younger.”
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long?” Mr. Rich climbed into the carriage with us and sat by Diamond. “The driver will take us to our hotel in the upper district.”
“You mentioned there are districts here in the city, how does that work?” I asked.
“In Manehattan, there are three main districts that derive from the class of the people who live here,” Mr. Rich explained as the driver used his magic to make the carriage move. “There is the upper district, where high ranking officials, congressmen, and other successful entrepreneurs, such as myself, live and conduct business with one another. Then there is the middle district, where ordinary people live ordinary lives; similar to the people in Ponyville. However, the middle district is a sort of double-edged sword for some people”
“How so?” I wondered.
“There are people in the middle district who aspire to become successful and be able to move up in this city and become rich so that they may join people like me in the upper district. Whether it be about investing in their businesses, trying to make profitable deals, or in some cases becoming desperate and acting against the law, one can never predict where they will end up. Some are fortunate, some are not. Which brings me to the lower district of the city. The people that live there are cursed to be trapped there either due to whatever debt they owe, or they have nowhere else to go in order to make a living.”
“That seems a little harsh, I’m sure they can start over in other more well-to-do places, right?” I said.
“I’m sure some of them could, but most are simply too stubborn to see it that way,” Mr. Rich sighed. “Especially since the lower district is notorious for criminals to lurk around.”
I processed all the information Mr. Rich told me. This system of districts in this city sounded similarly like how things worked back home. People here live their lives like humans do on Earth and just want to make an honest living. Not to mention there are those who’re more successful at what they do and those who got the short end of the stick. I looked out the window of the carriage and saw a bunch of men and women walking around wearing sharp suits and posh dresses. I guessed that this would be the upper district of the city and each of them had their noses high up in the air, like they knew they were better than anyone who crossed paths with them. In a way, these big wigs reminded me of Blueblood and how he would boast about his status before he got the boot from Celestia.
The carriage came to a stop, and we arrived at this huge-ass building that looked to be at least forty stories tall. I was so engrossed at the marvel of the height of the building that I felt something tug at my sleeve and looked down to see Diamond. Some staff members had come out to grab our luggage and I followed Mr. Rich into the lobby.
“Ah! Mr. Rich! Always an honor to have you staying with us again.” A man dressed in a blue uniform walked up, followed by two bellhops, and he bowed his head to Mr. Rich.
“I thank you for your services, Chime Skip,” Mr. Rich said. “Please take my luggage to my usual suite.”
“As you wish, and what of your valet?” Chime said, gesturing to me.
“This young man is not my valet, Chime,” Mr. Rich said sternly. “He is my personal associate and a good friend of mine.”
“M-My apologies, I meant no disrespect,” Chime said nervously and turned to me. “May I take your bags as well, sir?”
“You can take my duffle bag, but the pack stays,” I said, dumping my bag in his arms.
“Daddy? Can Axel and I take a walk downtown?” Diamond asked.
“Very well but be back here in a few hours. I have a meeting with some investors later today,” Mr. Rich said to me.
“Will do,” I nodded.
Diamond and I left the hotel, and she immediately grabbed my hand and smiled joyfully up at me. I smiled back as we walked down the sidewalk and I was taking in all of Manehattan. During our walk, some of the local big wigs stole glances at me. It felt like I was being judged based on my clothes, since I wasn’t wearing anything fancy or didn’t have my hair combed back with seven layers of gel.
“I feel a little underdressed,” I said aloud.
“I don’t think so, I think you look cool!” Diamond said.
“Thanks, but these people can’t seem to take their eyes off me.” I paused and then got an idea. “Say Diamond, have you ever been to any of the other districts of the city?”
“Daddy says never to go to the lower district, but I’ve only seen a little bit of the middle district,” Diamond said.
“Well how about you see more of it?” Diamond looked up at me with a curious look and I knelt down with my back facing her. “Climb aboard, we’re going for a ride.” Diamond’s face lit up as she carefully climbed on my back, and I hooked my arms under her legs as she wrapped her little arms around my neck, and I stood back up. “Hold on tight!”
I activated Video and summoned my digital wings. The sight of my wings suddenly appearing startled many of the rich folk as I gave them a few small flaps. I then crouched down and jumped in the air while flapping my wings and took off into the air. Diamond squealed in surprise as we flew higher and higher until we were above the buildings. Diamond slowly opened her eyes and looked around and saw how high up we were. The sight of being so high up left her in a bewildered state, making me smirk as I stayed in midair.
“Pretty nice change of scenery, huh?” I asked her.
“This is amazing! I’ve never been so high up before!” Diamond chirped.
“So which way is the middle district?”
Diamond scanned the area below us and pointed due South of the city, I nodded and flew towards where she pointed while also making a mental note where to find the hotel so we wouldn’t get lost. Diamond held on to me for dear life but was laughing the whole way. It didn’t take long for us to reach the middle district as I slowly descended down to the ground and landed. Once again, my entrance surprised the locals as I set Diamond down and deactivated my wings.
“I take it you liked flying around?” I asked Diamond.
“From now on, you’re flying me to and from school when we go back to Ponyville!” Diamond said to me.
“I think I can manage that.”
I looked around and already noticed the different and more mellow atmosphere the middle district gave off. The people around us were wearing casual clothing like me and the buildings weren’t as tall as they were in the upper district. There were shops, cafés, and even kiosks on the street corners. The vibe around here was definitely more my style and I didn’t feel pressured or anything.
“Now this is more like it.” I looked down at Diamond. “Shall we?”
Diamond and I spent the past couple of hours walking through the streets of the middle district and made a few stops along the way. Being in a city like Manehattan almost made me feel like I was back on Earth. As we walked, the feeling of being back home stuck with me for some reason. While Diamond was looking through the window of a clothing shop, I began thinking about home and what might be happening. It’s been a few months since I came to this world, since the Merchant sent me here. If I remember right, the Merchant was responsible for multiple disappearances for those who attended any conventions like I did. I’d imagine the guys back at my old job are freaking out that I was one of the Merchant’s victims and will never be seen again, which is, I guess, technically true. But I suppose it doesn’t really matter anymore anyway. Here, I’m happier than I have been for a good long while. I have more friends than I ever had before, I have a girlfriend who loves me, and I have a better job than I could ever ask for. If the Merchant had given me a choice of either coming here or staying behind, I’d’ve chosen the former.
“Axel?” Diamond managed to get my attention. “Are you okay? You were staring off a bit.”
“Oh, I’m good, kiddo, just lost in thought is all,” I said, patting her head. I checked my watch and saw that it was almost time to head back. “We should probably head back soon.”
“Okay…”
I glanced over at the clothing store she was looking at and saw on the display was a mannequin with a pink beanie with a little flower embroidered on it. I then got an idea that would make her pretty happy.
“Wait here a sec.” I entered the store, and I grabbed the beanie and headed over to the cashier, purchased it, and walked back over to Diamond. “You wanted this one, right?”
“Huh?” I handed her the beanie and she looked back up at me. “You…bought this for me?”
“Sure did, you like it?” I asked. Diamond smiled cheerfully at me and hugged me tight.
“I love it! Thank you, big brother Axel!” Diamond chirped. I chuckled and wrapped an arm around her to hug her back. Diamond then stepped back and pulled her new beanie over her head. “How do I look?”
“Heh, now we’re twinsies!” I joked, gesturing to my own beanie, making her giggle.
I let Diamond climb on my back again and I activated Video again to bring out my wings. We flew back to the hotel we were staying at and met Mr. Rich in the lobby where he was just coming out of the elevator.
“I see you two had fun,” Mr. Rich smiled, then noticed Diamond’s new beanie. “Where did you get that interesting headwear, Diamond?”
“Axel got it for me, Daddy! Now we both have beanies!” Diamond said happily.
“Is that so?” Mr. Rich looked at me and nodded. “Thank you for doing that, Axel.”
“It’s no biggie, it suits her, don’t you think?” I said.
“Indeed. Diamond, make your way up to the hotel room,” Mr. Rich told his daughter as he handed her a key card. “If you ever need anything, just call room service. We will be back later this evening.”
“Okay, Daddy! Buh-bye, big brother Axel!” Diamond said and skipped away.
“I’ve noticed she calls you that more often lately,” Mr. Rich said as we exited the hotel again.
“Is that a bad thing?” I wondered as we entered the carriage.
“On the contrary, I welcome it since this is the happiest I have seen my daughter in a long time. And I have you to thank for it.” Mr. Rich gave me a thankful smile.
I smiled back and enjoyed the rest of the ride to our next destination.
Meanwhile
Lower District
The streets of the lower district of Manehattan were a sorry sight to lay eyes on. There are only a select few areas that had gated houses that looked as if they belonged in the upper district. The midday sun shined high in the air and the underprivileged people were trying their best to go about their lives. A lone man approached a beautiful villa, surrounded by large black gates.
Men wearing sharp suits stood guard but allowed the man to walk past them. He made his way up the steps where more men stood at attention. The lone man walked through the halls until he came to a room with the door closed. The man took off his hat and knocked three times. After a few minutes of waiting, the door opened, and three other men were in the room. One of them sat in a cushioned chair behind a large desk with his back turned. The man entered the room and bowed his head to the man in the chair. Without even swiveling his chair, the man behind the desk motioned him forward.
“Ahem, Don, I bring news. The young man from the paper, the one with strange magic? He is here, in Manehattan,” the messenger said. The other two men muttered to each other.
The man in the chair slowly swivels around to reveal a middle-aged man with a few pounds on him, a well-tailored suit, and holding a cat that was being petted by the man. “The same young man who taught one of Pin’s men a lesson on how to treat that lovely ex-wife of his?”
“Yes, Don, he arrived this morning with a one Mr. Filthy Rich. I saw the boy in the middle district with Mr. Rich’s kid.”
“I see,” The Don said before letting the cat on the floor. “I want you to meet with this kid, tell him I want to have a sit-down with him,” the Don told the messenger.
“Yes, Godfather.” The messenger kissed the Don’s offered ring before departing.
Author's Note
A new change of scenery spells new opportunities or conflicts.
Side Note:
Thank you all for your continued patience and understanding!
Hope you enjoyed!
~WurkyWilk has left the building…
Next Chapter