Chapter 273: The Enemy Emerges

[Chapter 273: The Enemy Emerges]

Linton stayed indoors the whole day, happily playing games on the third floor with Jennifer, Winona, and Catherine. Outside, as he had expected, the relentless paparazzi found no useful information and, with the freezing weather, one by one surrendered. Starting in the afternoon, a few photographers had no choice but to pack up and leave.

The tower was extraordinary, but unfortunately, they were doomed to gain nothing. However, two unusual occurrences were spotted on the farm today.

...

One involved over ten people -- previously disguised as researchers trying to enter the Tower's lower levels -- wandering around the farm carrying blueprints. The Thunder Guards caught them and seized the plans, discovering they were construction drawings for the farm's lightning protection array.

Linton had the guards trace the source of the blueprints. They had been purchased from Gesler Architectural Design Firm. Evidence was retained before the guards released them. It seemed Gesler Architectural Design Firm cared little for secrecy agreements.

Linton decided not to hold back and immediately contacted Goodman to file a lawsuit against Gesler for breaching the confidentiality pact.

...

The other incident involved two suspicious figures scouting around the mansion. Linton had already detected them with his sensing and overheard their conversation. They were members of a gang from San Francisco called the Black Tigers.

Over 200 of them had arrived, all armed, representing an elite force currently staying in Parker County with the intent to kidnap Linton. These two were just scouts.

Damn it. Linton never had enemies before -- now everyone thought he was easy prey. Earlier, eleven intelligence operatives from various factions had roamed the farm freely. Now, they had sent over 200 armed gangsters after him.

His killing intent surged -- if they came, they wouldn't leave. He needed to show the influential forces his strength and ruthless will.

It was time for a thorough slaughter; let the bodies of these enemies be a testament to his power. Also, it would be excellent training for the Thunder Guards, preventing outsiders from seeing him as weak.

He guessed the mastermind behind this was someone high up at Gesler Architectural Design Firm. Moreover, the Black Tigers' boss himself had come. If conditions allowed, they would capture a live prisoner to extract the truth. Otherwise, killing was acceptable -- after all, he could always go after the higher-ups at Gesler later. Taking down a few bosses was never wrong.

Also, Tasker, the on-site Gesler project manager during the array's construction, couldn't be spared.

...

When David reported to him, Linton didn't let him in due to the remaining paparazzi outside; instead, he and Danny stepped outside. They met David and got into a Hummer.

"Boss, after covert observation, we judged these two men are different from the prior eleven factions; they're likely out-of-town gangsters targeting you and the three women."

"Why do you say they're gangsters?"

"Because of their skills. They show no signs of professional military training. If a major force had sent them, they wouldn't be this weak, and our people wouldn't have detected them so easily."

"Makes sense. Continue."

"With so many Thunder Guards patrolling the farm during the day, they wouldn't dare act. I expect a night raid with a larger force."

"What's your plan?"

"Two options. Your call."

"I'm listening."

"Option one: We tail them closely, find their base, then launch a surprise counterattack tonight and wipe them out completely. This protects you and the women from shock but is riskier legally and could attract FBI investigation since many forces are watching the farm now.

Option two: Find their base, tail them, and set a tight trap on the farm. When they come, we hit hard. With our strength and gear, none will escape. The best part is it's our territory; legally, killing invaders here is justified. It also shows our power publicly, so no one thinks we are pushovers."

"You're annoyed by the eleven factions?"

"Absolutely. Why can they wander our territory and investigate freely? Because they think we're weak, backed down by their strength."

"Good point. What are option two's downsides?"

"You and the actresses might get startled since the fight will be right on the farm and noisy. Also, bloodshed might cause psychological trauma if they see it afterward."

"Danny, which do you prefer?"

"Considering everything, option two."

"Okay, option two it is. My only demand: no enemies left alive -- wage full-scale war and show the Thunder Guards' might. David, can you handle it?"

"Boss, guaranteed."

"Also, if safe, capture their leader to find out who hired them. But don't risk safety; I already have a good idea."

"Boss, I guessed it too. Are we thinking the same?"

Surprisingly, David had analyzed it himself -- a sign of a capable commander.

"Go ahead."

"I believe it's Gesler Architectural Design Firm."

"Danny?"

"Sorry, not enough data to tell."

"No worries. Your cautious approach is good; good judgments come from enough info. David's right -- these people come from Gesler or work for them. Capturing prisoners only means fewer deaths on their side."

"Boss, one more thing."

"Shoot."

"What if the eleven factions' people join during the fight?"

"Whoever dares enter the farm dies -- no exceptions."

"Understood. We will get it done."

"Good. Prepare your plans."

...

By 8 PM, all reporters and paparazzi had left the mansion grounds. After roughly ten were taken away by ambulances in the morning, they were too spooked to camp out in the freezing cold.

The farm was finally quiet.

Soon, the two gang scouts began retreating in Linton's senses.

The real battle would occur tonight.

His Thunder Guards were finally ready to unleash their deadly claws on the world.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.