Jack"s notoriety in the slum in Cebu City was feared by all, including politicians and local policemen. Yet, he was a man who valued comradery over anything else. His men were with him for years and they were close like brothers. They were dropouts who had a hard time surviving in society due to various reasons until they b.u.mped into Jack"s world.Jack, himself had the same life as his men when young but the former owner of the club took a liking on him after he saw the boy"s will to stand and fight against a gang all by himself.
They dealt with illegal things aside from kidnapping. He hated that, for him, such an act was despicable and cowardly. Why not face an enemy head-on than using such underhanded ways? That"s his motto. Now, his men were nowhere to be found and he had no inkling on their whereabouts. They might be dead and he"s not composed thinking on this direction.
Richard saw Cathy conversing with this Jack. He had heard of Jack"s infamy and was wary of this man"s presence in the hotel. The two he was keeping told them that they were Jack"s men to instill fear on their abductors but to their surprise were totally unaffected.
Keeping them was his own idea to get this man out. Also, if possible get a solid piece of evidence against Cathy collaborating with this guy. If needed, they want Jack to get in jail. The latter was clearly a threat. To be involved with him deeper would entail disaster unless decimated.
He was a man who wished not to waste time or words. If needed be, he would have confronted Jack after he saw them talking in the garden. However, he kept his calm. He understood he was not dealing an easy enemy here. He wasn"t able to hear their talk for he hid somewhat distant from the two to not alarm the guy.
While Jack was planning his course of action, he realized someone was in concealment and like a tiger ready to catch his prey. Being a prey was not his style, he had always been the hunter.
He decided to act more openly than the other. "You want to play a game then I"ll play with you. Hoping you won"t disappoint me."
Richard was short-handed as of the moment with Jenna sick and the other guy as the lookout. He saw Jack sent text messages and even called someone to come over. He was greatly bothered. He thought of Clarence. The whole area the hotel occupied were huge that there were three-story buildings with fifteen rooms could be seen after every ten meters. There were tall coconut trees and short mango trees with wide foliage near the rooms making it more challenging to look after Beauty.
While hiding in the shadows, he saw Clarence singing and dancing happily on the way to his room. He sent him a message, "Watch out, Jack the reaper is lurking."
Clarence was slightly startled but collected himself in a second. He had heard of Jack from Richard. His other reason to be there was to safely take Beauty away. However, this would be impossible with the compet.i.tion still going on. Just two more rounds and it would be over. They needed to distract these villains while keeping her safe. He never thought getting a girlfriend would make Cathy more dangerous to deal with.
To face up Cathy now would be detrimental while Jack was working separately. Beauty was their first priority.
Clarence: how many men?
Richard: no idea, he"s sending messages, called and told someone to come.
Clarence: got it, gotta go back to Beauty now.
Richard: be careful, only two of us
Clarence went back to his room, got some things in a backpack, and went back uneasily to Beauty"s room. He felt someone following him, so he slowed his steps. He walked as if he was sight-seeing while he opened his ears wide to listen to his surroundings. His heart was pounding in excitement and a little bit of anxiousness as well.
Just a few meters more and he would reach her room. When it was on sight, he stopped. He saw a bearded guy standing right in front of Beauty"s room. He never expected this. He felt movements at his sides, two men. He slightly glanced at the two. The one at the right was empty-handed and the other at his left was holding a baseball bat.
"Hi, Clarence. I"m Jack. No need for more intros. I"m a simple and direct man. Just tell me the whereabouts of my men and I might spare your life. If not, no need to talk."
"Who are you? What are you talking about?"
"Oh, another naive guy." The one at his left spoke.
"I think you"re barking at the wrong tree. I have no idea on what you"re saying."
"Don"t worry, I"m pretty sure about what I"m doing. Take care of him."
The two men started to move toward Clarence. He positioned himself ready to strike anytime. Their actions told him that they were underestimating him. The man at the right tried to grab him. He slightly moved his head to the man"s direction and saw his openings. He instantly made a heavy side kick directly at the approaching man"s ribcage. The man"s body was slammed hard on the wall. His body curled as he was writhing in pain and agony.
"Rudy!" shouted the other man. "You… how dare you..."
He was facing Clarence"s back, so he lifted the baseball bat and aimed for Clarence"s nape. Before the bat would reach, Clarence swiftly did a powerful rear kick on the man"s groin and sent him flying to a coconut tree. A heavy thud was heard as his back hit the tree trunk. The guy fell on the ground nauseating and eyes tearing while holding his groin in pain.
This all happened rapidly. Jack saw all of the exchanges. He never thought this guy knew karate. "I never thought you"re this capable. I got the wrong information."
"Get out of the way or I won"t spare you as well," shouted Clarence. He was really angry now.