ASHES: 10

Riley knew Lucas for a long time, that is until his personality changed and he no longer came over. Still he had hoped he returned but not like this. This Lucas was one he didn't know nor recognize. He was full of rage and hatred. Sure Lisa had said that he would come back to them. However, not like this. This version of him made the men stay on edge.

After all these years, the men had waited for him to return. That's because to them, Lucas was their friend, ally and king. Once he was known as the Berserker King of the underground. After his disappearance, that seat had remained empty. Until now. 

 Some had continued to look at him in awe. Their king was back and there was no denying it ,they were happy. Lucas, however, was disappointed. He hadn't got any new information concerning the situation. Dylan had been none other than a tool, a very useless one at that. However, since when did useless tools contain a wealth of information that rivaled that of a CEO. Lucas smiled, this was getting more and more interesting. 

"Who's next sir"? Riley asked as he gave his boss a glass of whisky. Lucas took it, downed it all in one go and gave the empty glass back to him. "That's none of your concern old friend," he replied quietly," I intend to do this alone as a way to atone and keep a close watch on everything", he concluded as he took a red marker and crossed off Dylan and his wife's names. 'That's right' he thought, 'this revenge only belongs to me.' 

 Riley interrupted him and said," We also are looking for a way to avenge Lisa too sir so please let us..." he was cut short by Lucas himself who was giving him a violent look. He stepped back and bowing low, he apologized. Now he was definitely sure, this wasn't the Lucas he knew. Just what happened to him in the years that he had been missing?

Lucas sighed. He looked at the name of his next target. It was the CEO of Kata Industries. This did surprise him slightly. "Riley," he called out, " The man came running. " I want you to take a look at the company called Kata Industries. Any information you get send it to me directly," he told him. Riley merely nodded in agreement and walked away. There was something suspicious about that company and he couldn't put his finger on what it was. However, there was one thing he was sure of, the CEO of Kata Industries was a man who loved violence. He was going to use that very violence against him.

Meanwhile in the office...

'Lucas' appeared in front of the board of directors for the third time. The board members included his entire family and relatives Here, nepotism shone like a lighthouse beacon guiding the ships to safety. In this case, it was guiding the money to their pockets. It was amusing.

 He half listened to the what was being said until his brother Jake took charge. " Now then, I believe that everyone is up to date with our current situation. That being said, I am of the belief that the CEO should take a leave of absence to recuperate since he has been burning the midnight oil over the last couple of weeks and it seems that...," 

'You bastard' 'Lucas' thought. ' You think that you're going to put me under again with your damned medicine? Bring it on and this time bring everybody too' he thought. He was no longer listening. A hand on his shoulder brought back to reality. It was Winter Dells, CEO of Kata Industries. "Sorry man, you've been doing good so far and we're proud of your work ," he said happily but there was a hint of sneer and mockery in his voice. 'Lucas' merely smiled and said," Thank you very much I appreciate your concern." He rose up from his seat and addressing his brother said, "You're right Jay, I really do need some rest. So I'll get going to my house please continue helping the company," he bowed low and left. An awkward silence fell in the room. Jake smiled and thought, 'as expected you really are under my thumb'.

* * *

 Winter staggered out of the bar leaning on his bodyguards. Today was a celebration, Lucas wasn't going to be in his office. It was a celebration for him. He was in a state of pure happiness that he didn't notice his bodyguards drop dead. A knock to the back of his head rendered him unconscious. He was thrown inside his expensive car and it drove off.