Brody stepped forward and kicked Zack. A specialized police unit officer, Brody's kick was powerful, sending Zack tumbling. Zack, however, didn't complain; he simply got to his knees. Tommy, arrogant and confident, approached Lucy, squatting before her and lifting her chin. "Do you remember spitting on me, Lucy?" he sneered.
Lucy trembled, pleading, "T-Tommy, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
"Security!"
The Callahans' two security guards approached. "Mr. Tommy, what are your orders?" they asked.
"Beat them!" Tommy commanded, pointing to Zack and the kneeling guards.
"Understood." The guards began beating Zack and their fellow guards.
Constant groans echoed outside the Callahans' villa. Tommy was pleased; Brody held his head high; and Wendy, Brody's wife, swelled with pride. This was the advantage of having military connections. Money meant little; a word from a powerful figure in the military region forced even the wealthy to beg for mercy.
Gavin glanced at Lex and said, "Mr. Callahan, this fool has knelt and apologized. I trust you're satisfied. I hear you're celebrating your eightieth birthday in two days at the House of Royals? I'll bring a generous gift."
Lex's body trembled. "W-what? My birthday at the House of Royals?"
"Yes! The general gave the order, Mr. Callahan. No one will stop you," Gavin replied hastily. Lex burst into laughter, the previous beating forgotten. He waved a hand. "That's enough. Stop the beating."
The guards stopped. Tommy grabbed the bloodied, kneeling Zack, slapping his swollen face. "Remember this, brat. The Callahans may not be the biggest family, but we have connections, even to the general!"
"Yes, yes! I will!" Zack stammered.
"This settled it, Mr. Callahan? Please tell your connection to forgive us?" Gavin asked expectantly, Mr. Lynch having warned him of dire consequences without Lex's forgiveness.
"Alright, alright. Let it go. Mr. Watson, come in and sit." Lex laughed. Gavin declined. "Mr. Callahan, I can't stay, but I'll bring a generous gift to your birthday at the House of Royals." He kicked Zack. "Trash, thank Mr. Callahan!"
"T-thank you, Mr. Callahan!" Zack cried.
Gavin left with Zack and the others. Wiping sweat, he called Yacob. "P-President, Lex is forgiven. Who is this general?"
"Don't ask what you shouldn't," Yacob replied, hanging up.
Back at the Callahans' villa, Lex chuckled, "A grandson-in-law like you, Brody! The Colemans are influential. The Cansington council member begged for forgiveness after one call! I can even hold my birthday at the House of Royals! You did well!"
Brody straightened. "The Blithe King promised to make my uncle the third most powerful person in the military region in five years. But grandpa, we must keep a low profile."
Tommy, relieved, said, "Brody, this is worth bragging about! Grandpa, let's go to the House of Royals and plan the decorations!" Megan praised Brody; Wendy beamed, holding him close. "Of course! My husband is the deputy captain, soon to be captain!"
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