Paying The Price

Gabriel Reed, a black American and a third generation militant, his extremely patriotic father sent him to military school not because he was undisciplined but he wanted him to serve in the military from a young age. After being recruited in the army at 18, he served in a special force, later as a secret agent. Gabriel met Wayne in a certain mission in their early 20's, they had been close friends ever since, with Leon among them.

"Well morn alone." Wayne walked to his chair, sitting down he massaged his forehead.

"Is that little girl giving you a hard time?" Gabriel asked.

"She doesn't look like trouble, oh! except from the part she called you a counterfeit. Leon added.

Wayne glared daggers at them both, shutting them up.

"Back to why we're here." The middle aged man spoke up. "Six nuclear weapons were taken from Pakistan by some rebels and sent to different parts of the world to be sold. They were all located and agents have been dispatched to get five of them. The sixth one happened to be in New York, where you have a strong empire, your tracking it down would be easier and safer, that's why we need your help." He explained.

"You should be glad that Joe is asking you politely, he accused me of having something to do with it." Leon's empire in the underworld had once helped to stop a gang war that could cost the lives of many and render other homeless. This act of his was recognized by the government, therefore a mild alliance between both parties existed. Leon also had a strong empire in New York, so accusation of such were not entirely baseless.

"Like I said before. Not happening." Wayne replied.

"Wayne listen, this weapon could be used anywhere, Titan city is not excluded. Think about your family, think about your ex wife and daughter." Gabriel tried to persuade him.

"Um, Gab, their not divorced." Leon reminded.

"Even though you don't get along well, you still want to protect them right?" Gabriel continued.

"You know that's not helping him." Leon kept reminding Gabriel.

"You can't get together if you all blow up one day."

"Gabriel!, seriously!"

"Your daughter could stop calling you counterfeit if you're both alive."

"Gab, just shut up okay, you're terrible at persuasion." Leon couldn't stand Wayne's deadly look, although he was a tyrant himself, the king was stronger.

"Are you better?" Gabriel shot back.

"At least am not bad at my job."

"Well persuading people isn't part of my job."

"Oh good, then zip...."

"I'll do it." Wayne interrupted their argument.

"What!!" They all exclaimed.

"I'll do the mission." Wayne repeated coldly.

His reply took some time to be processed by them, after a moment of silence, Gabriel boasted to Leon "See, am good." Leon gave him an annoyed look.

"Stacey, give Mr Grand some information he needs to know about the job." Joe ordered the lady.

Gabriel may have been rough with his words, but he did make sense. Wayne didn't care about losing his life or his parents and siblings, but Diana and Pearl were precious to him, something he couldn't afford to lose.