Episode 2: Leighton Murray
1073 Words
The city of Luodon had grown drastically in its way of politics yet the people on top were still the Bridge family. Of the four elite families in the borderlands and the entire city, they were number one.
No one could be compared to them and the success they had achieved over the years.
Randolph Bridge was known for his good looks and business skills and now, a grand wedding was being held for him where only the richest of the richest people were allowed to attend.
With such an event, the city had already begun bustling even though the wedding itself was ten days away. Everyone already knew and people couldn't stop talking about it.
The Bridges were popularly known for their method of celebration, it always started before the actual event and lasted longer after it. A party was being thrown already!
Nico got down from his car and stared disinterestedly at the sight in front of him. Like it wasn't enough that their incredible mansion was mounted in the middle of the city, they had begun hanging up decorations to draw the attention of people regarding the upcoming marriage event.
"They really are going all the way out." Dane said as he stared at the mighty building.
Decorations or not, it didn't bother Nico. After all, it wasn't why he was there. "Let's go." He said dryly and started towards the building.
"Actually..." Dane stopped him. "I was wondering if maybe I could make things easier for you by bringing out the Bridge family members one by one for you to interrogate them."
Nico didn't seem pleased by the suggestion. "Dane, do you know the one thing that scares people the most?" His thick brow arched.
"Death?" Dane responded without pondering on his answer.
"No," Nico firmly responded. "It's the search for death and inability to find it." His dark eyes grew darker.
Dane had never seen his boss like that before. He must really be angry. He hoped Nico wouldn't take things too personally than it had to be.
"Hey! You Buffon!" A man who looked in his early forties yelled at one of the decorators. "Are you trying to bring down the entire building? Be careful the way you swing that hammer!"
He turned to another one of them. "Hey no don't do it like that! Are you all fools?!" His name was Victor. The Butler of the Bridge family.
They murmured an apology.
He turned around with a sigh, his eyes caught the sight of two men walking casually towards the entrance of the mansion and he hurried to them. "Excuse me? Who are you? Are you part of the decorating crew perhaps because there is a lot more to get done."
"Decorating crew?" Dane's brow twitched angrily, his domineering body causing Victor to take a thoughtful step backwards.
But Nico calmed him and said. "No, we are not. I am here--"
"If you are not then you might as well turn around and leave right now." Victor cut him off rudely. "I don't want any trouble today okay? It is the first party of the ten days countdown to a beautiful union. If you have come to beg for money then it is not a good time." He rolled his eyes.
"You little...!" Dane was barely holding back. If it wasn't for his boss, he would have sent a punch straight to Victor's face.
Nico still remained calm. "My name is Nico Anderson and I am here to see a friend from the Bridge family."
Victor broke out in a loud guffaw. "Oh are you a comedian because that was funny. You? A filthy looking thing like you actually think you can make friends with a Bridge? This has to be the most hilarious thing I have heard all year.
"I am not in the mood to listen to your jokes. If you accidentally broke something inside that place, you couldn't afford to pay for it even if you sold both of your kidneys, your lungs, heart and skeleton! So word of advice, get lost!" He spat out at them.
Nico sighed softly, his anger was starting to be triggered as well but wasting time with the butler, unfortunately, was not a part of his plan. "I'm going in to see who I came here for."
Without waiting for a response, Nico started towards the entrance.
Dane shoved Victor with his huge shoulders. "If I were you, I'd watch my mouth. You're lucky the master is not in the mood to play with you."
Victor swallowed hard. Though he felt inferior, he couldn't let strangers walk into his master's mansion. "How dare you come here and make threats, huh? What is it you called yourself again? I don't care who the f**k you are, just get lost while I'm being nice!"
Dane rolled his eyes skyward, trying hard to remain calm like Nico had asked him to.
But Victor kept adding fuel to the flame. "I already told you that his righteousness isn't in the mood to see beggars today! There's a prestigious event going on inside as we speak and I cannot have you walk in there and make a total fool out of Hedwig Bridge!
"If you know what is best for you, you will turn around and leave right now or else even your souls will be murdered!"
Dane turned around with an abruptness of the wind and his hand wrapped around Victor's throat. "Didn't I tell you to shut your f*cking mouth?!" He growled.
"What is going on out here?" A feminine voice called their attention. "What is with all of this ruckus?" Her eyes widened as she saw Victor being strangled. "What do you think you are doing?!" She raged.
Nico tapped Dane's arm gently and Dane let go of Victor reluctantly.
Victor hurried to her. "Madam, these people are thieves! Criminals! They claim they know someone from the Bridge family and tried to force their way in!"
She frowned at them. "Please stop this and leave! We are too busy to allow visitors!" With a soft sigh, she turned to leave but the next words she heard stopped her in her tracks.
"Leighton Murray?" Nico called her name softly, staring solely at her.
She turned around in awe. "How do you know my name?"
Nico let out a heavy sigh. He was right, she was the woman from Hudson's picture.
- Writer
