Chapter 13: Allies

Mercenary work was one of the most lucrative jobs I could find. It may not turn me into a billionaire. It's a better-compensating work than a salaryman from a Corporation. I had spent half of my fortune on equipment that I needed. The next step I planned was to use more credits to grease some palms. 

I cannot use the identity of Dory for my plans. Using my real identity as Shayne McClane would be risky. It was the only one I got. By using several identities, it was kind of hard to adjust, especially in keeping relevant information. 

Regarding with connections, they did not know I used my moniker, Dory, to work as a mercenary. Emma Solovyova wouldn't be as pleased knowing I wasted her effort finding an identity. All of this time, they thought I was retired with my planned café or restaurant business. I would surprise them when they will meet me here in Sin City.

Waiting near the abandoned part of the docks, I observed the waves hitting the cement platform. The sound was relaxing after the wave faded back to the sea. The rumbling of incoming vehicles caught my attention. It was the people expected earlier. A convoy arrived, and two simple-dressed individuals with a polo shirt and trousers appeared with their bodyguards. 

As they approached, I happily greeted them and gave them a handshake. Two of my guests were well-known people. They smiled and returned me a handshake. We had a simple chat and were having a good time in exchanging jokes.

Alison Drake was the CEO of Drake Holdings it was a commemoration of Heavy Industries. He also ventured into Private Investigation with several firms located throughout the world. You can tell that he was fit and took care of his body. He looked young for his age, and you could see fewer lines on his forehead. 

Another guest was the CEO of the Portomel Corps., Steven Andrews. His company is well-known around the world and supplies weapons to various countries. I was his honorary customer and I got a lot of great deals and discounts from him. He looked older than his age with his huge round stomach and several lines and signs of aging on his face.

"You have received the package, boy?" Steven asked me while lighting his cigar in his hand.

I nodded in reply and said, "It's still on its way!" 

"I see!" Steven replied to me and we continued our talk on our way to the café. The heat was blistering that day and it took us ten minutes to reach our destination. I sweated like a pig and went to the toilet to wipe myself. Returning to our table, I saw the two, Alison and Drake, sipping their cups of coffee. The aroma of brewed coffee overtook my senses comfortably as I proceeded. 

Before I could sit down, a lady suddenly sat before my seat. "The finest seat should be reserved for the finest lady in the room!" Emma Solovyova said and called a waiter and ordered a sweet roll and a cup of espresso. My face filled with annoyance crackled on my face. I patiently calmed myself down and let her be.

I proceeded to the seat near Steven, reserved for another contact who did not appear for today's meeting. Calling the waiter, I ordered for a bun with a ham and a cup of macchiato. The waiter informed me that my order would be served after fifteen minutes. I replied that I could wait, and the waiter left for the cafe's kitchen to deliver my order.

The busy kitchen and the people around us talking and enjoying their coffee and meals made an atmosphere. Which made me comfortable in my seat as my colleagues were discussing on the table. After their chat, I broke my silence and called Emma's attention.

"I need your help..." Before I could finish talking, Emma interrupted with a shake of her head, signaling that she had read what was on my mind.

"As much as I would like to help you. I would not want to cross Triton Corps. if I knew that you were working underground as a mercenary, I would not allow you to use one of my finest creations!" Emma said, regretting her former decision to help me.

"It was unexpected that they'd do that to me. It was a dirty setup!" I reasoned with her, trying to persuade her to help me.

"No, if they knew I was responsible for Dory's creation. I would be in trouble. I can help you with other things as a gratitude of helping me, but please stay out of unnecessary troubles!" Emma replied to me, sipping the cup of her coffee afterward.

"You're in trouble, son!" Alison told me and handed over a folder containing sensitive information about the Triton Corps. "Do you wish to deal with them on your own?" 

"I don't!" I replied with a plan in my mind.

Counting on my remaining credits, it should be around fifty million, which should be enough for my next move. I again glanced at Alison and asked him, "Do you have information about hired hands?" 

Alison looked around before he spoke and replied, "That will cost you."

Seeing his cold stare. It meant that he meant business, "How much?" I asked him.

"Twenty million!" He suddenly answered with the same cold stare on his face. 

I found the price unreasonable and tried to negotiate, "Make it ten million for old time's sake!" I gave him a friendly gesture which he ignored. 

"That's a fixed price! I have trouble getting information for you. Take note that you were facing one of the world's most powerful Mercenary Corporations. If they know that I am involved with this, I am screwed!" Alison replied, worried for his reputation and safety.

"Fine, twenty million, then!" I replied to him.

Alison agreed to help me and said, "I will only do this once for you. If it is vengeance you want, I doubt you'll succeed."

"I'll do my magic this time!" I replied both in figuratively to him.

Steven tapped me by my shoulder and replied modulatedly, "If it's weapons and equipment you want you can always ask my help. I'll give you the best discounts for certain items!" 

Steven's words left a smile on my face. The two may not be cooperative, but at least I can rely on him. With all the information I had from Alison and the limited help from Emma, lastly with the full cooperation of Steven. My plans now are set for the next stage! 

After the small bruncheon, my guests and I departed ways. Reaching home, I saw the package had already been sent to my doorstep. Steven indeed delivers for as long as I pay for his services. What I liked in dealing with him were the discounts that allowed me to save a lot. The only thing that was left now was to check the package. I headed to my workshop to have my work done.