Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Outside the grand gates of The Sovereign Residences, a van skidded to a stop. Out tumbled a bunch of roughnecks, looking like they owned the place.

Adorned with gold chains, their pointy shoes clicking on the pavement, they sported tattoos of a jade beast on one arm and a white tiger on the other, gripping an assortment of homemade weapons-steel pipes, machetes, and whatever else they could swing.

Leroy was right there with them, grinning up at a burly guy with a buzz cut. "We're here, Sergey," he said with a nod and a bow. "I'm counting on you and the boys to back me up later, okay?"noveldrama

Sergey took a drag of his cigarette, trying to look tough. "Kid, you're asking a lot. I agreed to help you rough up this Andrew guy, and that was me being generous.

"Now you want more? That's gonna cost you."

Leroy bit back a curse. Sergey was nothing but a greedy thug. However, he kept his smile plastered on. "More money? You got it! Don't worry, Sergey. As long as everything goes smoothly, you'll get paid."

Sergey blew out a smoke ring and rocked back on his heels. "Alright, spill it. What's this 'cooperation' you're talking about? What's your angle?"

Leroy's smile turned sly. "Easy. When we get to Andrew, you and the crew knock him down first. Once he can't fight back, I'll step in and give him the thrashing of his life!"

"Hey, Sergey, do me a solid and shoot a video for me," Leroy said, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and malice. "Make sure it shows Andrew totally wrecked at my feet, head busted open and bleeding out!"

Sergey chuckled, his deep voice rumbling like thunder. "Gotcha. You wanna show off a bit, huh?

"No problem, as long as the money's right, I'll take care of everything for you!"

With a grin, Leroy rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

In his heart, he sneered. 'Andrew, oh Andrew, you never saw this coming, did you? Back in Jayrodale, you were the big shot, the tough guy, right? However, this isn't Jayrodale. This is the capital, and around here, Sergey and his crew are top dogs.

Sergey had assured Leroy that in the capital, there was not a soul he could not handle. Even the high-and-mighty from The Five Apex Families had to tip their hats to Sergey.

Leroy had bought into it hook, line, and sinker, convinced that Sergey was the real deal. That's why he was shelling out big bucks for Sergey's help-to flex his muscles, to take Andrew down a peg or two. Itwas a win win. After that, he would see if his mom and sister still had the nerve to look down on him.

"What's your business here?"

The security guard at the entrance of The Sovereign Residences eyed Leroy and

his posse, stepping up to challenge them.

Leroy cleared his throat, ready to puff up his chest and declare, "I'm here to handle some business. If you don't wanna get hurt, beat it and chill somewhere else!"

Leroy barely saw it coming before a stinging slap cracked against the back of his head.

Sergey had him by the collar, yanking him back. "Leroy, that twerp you're after, he's holed up in The Sovereign Residences?"

There was a clear note of panic in Sergey's voice.

Leroy, rubbing the back of his head, was confused. "Sergey, why'd you hit me? And hey, it's pretty nice out today. Why are you sweating buckets, Sergey?"

Sergey bellowed, "I'm asking you about that Andrew guy you're supposed to handle. Is he shacked up in The Sovereign Residences?"

Leroy, still not getting it but telling the truth, said, "My sister mentioned that Andrew lucked out big time and snagged a place in The Sovereign Residences. However, does it even matter? We bust in there and finish him off, end of story!"

Sergey, seething, lifted his hand and delivered another brutal slap to Leroy's face.