The Great Ethan Lee

Chapter 88

Suddenly seized by Ethan, Tony stammered, "W-what are you doing?"

Ethan's voice was ice cold. "You claim the river's clean? Why don't you take a dip and see for yourself?"

Without further ado, he hoisted the portly Tony into the air and tossed him into the river.

Tony landed with a splash, his bulky frame hitting the water with a sickening thud. The river was barely five feet deep at its deepest point – more than shallow enough for Tony to stand.

But the sight of the murky green water sent him into a panic. His feet slipped in the mud, and he tumbled face-first into the polluted water.

The pungent liquid flooded his nose and mouth, choking him.  He choked and sputtered, gasping for air.. If his workers hadn't pulled him out, he might have actually drowned in that shallow, filthy river.

Tony coughed violently, finally expelling the foul water from his lungs. He looked at Ethan, his eyes wide with terror.

Under normal circumstances, Ethan might have been open to reason.

But not today. Not with July fighting for her life and Sophia unconscious in a hospital bed. Fury simmered inside him, threatening to boil over. Ethan would show no mercy to anyone who stood in the way of his daughter's recovery.

"Tony," Ethan said, his voice dangerously low. "I need a promise from you, right now."

"Of course, sir!" Tony gasped, scrambling back. "I'll have my men shut down the discharge tomorrow! We'll stop polluting the river!"

Ethan frowned. "Tomorrow? Haven't you had enough of that water?"

Tony trembled; his face ashen. "No, no! Today! We'll stop it today! Right now!"

He turned to his workers, barking orders. "You! Shut off the discharge valves! You! Inform the factory to cease production! And you two, start digging up those pipes! Fill the trenches with dirt!"

When his men had scattered to obey, Tony turned back to Ethan, his voice shaking. "Don't worry, sir. We'll clean up the river. And we'll compensate the villagers. I promise!"

Ethan nodded curtly. "See that you do. I'll be watching."

"Watching?" Tony echoed, confused.

Two Black Hawk helicopters thundered overhead, their gunners staring down at them impassively.

Tony shuddered. He had messed with someone he shouldn't have.

Any lingering hope of getting away with it evaporated.

With the pollution crisis averted, Ethan returned to the Riverbend.

Elder, pleased with the outcome, assured Ethan that he would travel to Crownspire with the Angel's Blood tomorrow.

***

Ethan now focused all his energy on finding the Sky Beetle Spark, the final ingredient needed to save July.

After two days of relentless searching, he finally caught a lead.

Reliable intel placed a supply of Sky Beetle Spark in the hands of Aiden Nickson, CEO of Nickson Group, the largest supplier of medicinal herbs in the country.

However, Mr. Nickson was known to be fiercely protective of his prized herbs. Convincing him to part with the Sky Beetle Spark would be no easy feat.

Ethan's face was grim as he boarded the helicopter, his mind racing. He had to get that herb, no matter the cost.

When Ethan disembarked from the helicopter in Phil, Mayor Lewis, rushed to greet him.

Aware of Ethan's dislike for fanfare, the mayor had kept his entourage small.

"Mr. Lee, it's an honor," Mayor Lewis said, bowing deeply. "I trust you're aware of the purpose of my visit?" Ethan asked, getting straight to the point.

"Of course, of course!" Mayor Lewis stammered. "However..."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "However what?"

The mayor lowered his voice. "The Nickson family is… indisposed at the moment. I'm afraid they might not be available to meet."

"Indisposed?" Ethan's patience was wearing thin. Time was of the essence, and July didn't have any to spare. "The Nicksons are one of the most powerful families in Phil. What could possibly keep them so occupied?" Ethan asked as they walked towards the airport exit.

"It's a delicate matter," Mayor Lewis explained. "A powerful figure from Crownspire has expressed interest in acquiring the Nickson's herb cultivation facility. However, the land in question houses their primary nursery. Those saplings are incredibly delicate and can't be moved easily. The Nicksons have refused to sell."

"And this powerful figure isn't happy about it," Ethan stated, more than asked.

"Precisely," Mayor Lewis confirmed. "The two parties are at an impasse. I'm afraid approaching the Nicksons about acquiring a rare herb at this time might be... unwise."

Ethan smiled faintly. 'If the Nicksons had a problem, perhaps he could help them solve it. That would certainly increase his chances of getting the Spark.'

"Then I suppose a visit to the Nicksons is in order," Ethan said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Who knows, I might even be acquainted with this powerful figure from Crownspire."