The next day, Yvette, Jeremiali, and the others boarded their private jet and flew directly to Taos, Fhongsoly. Stepping from the airport, their striking appearance immediately drew a crowd, making them the center of attention.
Not far from the airport, Eagle King, clad in blue slippers, shorts, and a green tank top, held a cigarette. His eyes lit up upon seeing Yvette, and he tossed the cigarette away, sprinting towards them. "Hey, Boss!"
Samantha watched, noting Eagle King's removal of his sunglasses. 'Yvette mentioned a friend picking them up on the plane. This rugged guy? I can't believe it,' she thought.
Reaching them, Eagle King embraced Yvette. "Boss, you finally made it! I was about to start growing grass waiting for you," he grinned. He'd arrived the previous day.
Jeremiah's gaze intensified, a sharp glint appearing in his eyes as he observed Eagle King's actions. Eagle King sensed a faint aura of killing intent, turning to assess Jeremiah before returning to Yvette. "Boss, is this your man? He's quite handsome."
The cold aura around Jeremiah dissipated. Yvette raised an eyebrow, her usual dangerous edge present but her expression indifferent. "This is Jeremiah, my man. Over there are Emmett, Charles, and Samantha," she stated coolly.
Jeremiah's deep voice resonated, "Hello, I'm Jeremiah."
Eagle King, acutely sensitive to killing intent, knew Yvette wouldn't choose someone useless. He'd narrowly avoided a beating; his flattery had been timely. 'A real man knows when to bend, when to stand firm,' he mused, smiling. "Jeremiah, nice to meet you," he said, then greeted the others. "Hey there, I'm Eagle King. I've been with the boss for many years. The boss's friends are my friends."
Emmett felt a sense of familiarity. Charles's face froze at the name. 'Eagle King? Black Gold's second-ranked killer? Coincidence?' he pondered. 'And Flying Fish? Could this be a coincidence?' He fell silent.
Samantha, however, was enthusiastic. "Eagle King, your tattoos are really cool!"
Eagle King laughed heartily. "Samantha, you sure have an eye for detail."
Samantha's lips twitched. 'Why call my name? Can't he call me a beautiful lady? What era is this?' she thought.
Yvette glanced at the talkative Eagle King. "To the hotel," she said coolly, knowing he could chat all night.
Quickly taking Yvette's black backpack, Eagle King said cheerfully, "Let's go, Boss. The hotel is booked, and I guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Jeremiah noted the easy exchange of the backpack, confirming their close relationship. Yvette's willingness to relinquish her bag so readily indicated a bond forged through shared hardship. Emmett, Charles, and Samantha also noticed this, exchanging knowing glances. Eagle King was more than a friend; he was family.
In the car, Eagle King drove, Emmett rode shotgun, while Yvette, Jeremiah, Samantha, and Charles occupied the back. Fhongsoly wasn't bustling; many roads were dirt, the bumpy ride making Samantha nauseous. Vendors lined the roads, and the climate had tanned most people's skin.
Eagle King grumbled, "Voraxia hasn't been peaceful lately. Riots erupt frequently. Yesterday, a gunfight claimed many lives on this road. The government spent the night collecting bodies."
Samantha, fighting nausea, asked, "Eagle King, is it territorial disputes?"
Eagle King shook his head. "Partly. It's about drugs and weapons. Every drug lord wants a bigger piece of the pie. How do they divide it? They don't negotiate; they fight. The strongest gets the largest share."
The law of the jungle reigned. Emmett turned, his voice deep, "What's behind this unrest? This isn't the usual time for territorial disputes."
Eagle King paused, glancing at Samantha. "Emmett, you did your research. You're right. However, a major drug lord has emerged in the last two years. Her loyalty is absolute, and her territory expanded rapidly. She's stirring up trouble."
Samantha listened intently. Yvette watched passersby, her fair face emotionless. Raising her eyes, she asked casually, "Does this person go by the last name Miller?"
Eagle King was surprised. "Boss, you're a genius! How did you know? The locals call her Ms. Miller, a female drug lord. For a woman to gain such power in Voraxiaโฆ impressive."
Jeremiah's eyes flickered. 'The Mr. Miller we seek is likely Ms. Miller,' he thought.
Charles added, "We're here for Ms. Miller. She might be our target."
Eagle King's interest was piqued. They weren't here for a vacation; they were after Ms. Miller, and they already possessed information.
In Voraxia, Yvette's word held sway. Eagle King stole a glance at her lowered gaze, his thoughts racing. 'If we went straight to her, wouldn't Ms. Miller comply?' He held his tongue, unwilling to disrupt her plans.
He nodded. "I have information on Ms. Miller. Once we reach the hotel, you can review it."
They arrived at Fhongsoly's largest hotelโa far cry from five-star. "All rooms are booked," Eagle King said. "Five presidential suites. Conditions are tough, but it's the best."
Samantha eyed the sign. 'Ethnic charm, but run-down. I can't imagine the worst hotels here,' she thought.
The rooms, however, were surprisingly adequate. After unpacking, they gathered in Yvette's room. Emmett, Charles, and Samantha recognized the Clusian snacksโYvette's favorites. Eagle King took a bite of a washed apple. Samantha said, "Eagle King, you're thoughtful. These are all Yvette's favorites."