Chapter 2010

The co-driver, Sam, having just hung up with Claire Wilson, said cryptically to Loreen, “Loreen, just go to Charlie Wade's house by yourself. Don't bring me along; I really don't want to see him.”

Loreen saw the grievance on Sam's face, as if he were a bullied son-in-law. She couldn't help but tease, “Brother, you’re too wimpy! I’m going to Charlie Wade’s house to pay my respects, not to fight him. What are you afraid of?”

Sam sighed. “Hey, Loreen, you don't know. I've met this Charlie Wade twice, and each time was awful! The first time, I swallowed a necklace and needed surgery. The second time, he forced me to cycle from Eastcliff to Aurouss Hill! If I see him again, what if he’s unhappy and sends me to Africa to mine? What then?”

Loreen said seriously, “Brother, you're overthinking this. Charlie Wade isn't inherently a bad person; he doesn't bully others. He only retaliates against those who bully him. Just be humble and low-key around him, and he won't cause you trouble.”

Sam remained apprehensive. “That's true, but he's unpredictable. How do I know if I'll offend him with an unintentional word?”

Loreen instructed, “Then talk less. When you see Charlie Wade, respectfully call him ‘Mr. Wade’ and say nothing else.”

Sam pleaded, “Why don't you just go yourself? I'll park at the entrance and wait in the car.”

Loreen’s face hardened. “I told Claire Wilson that you were coming. She probably told Charlie Wade. If you don't go, he might think you have a problem with him—that you don’t respect him!”

She added, “If he’s unhappy and makes things difficult for you, don’t blame me. Aurouss Hill is his territory. You can't fight him in Eastcliff, let alone here.”

Sam shrank his neck. “Alright, alright, I’ll go…”

Loreen said seriously, “This Charlie Wade is easy to get along with, but you must be respectful. Be polite, and don't act pretentious; otherwise, you're finished.”

“Once,” Loreen continued, “I was at a hot spring with Charlie Wade and Claire Wilson. Some guy scratched my car and then yelled at me. Do you know what happened?”

Sam shook his head. “What?”

Loreen said, “Charlie Wade sent his men to carve two words into that man’s head.”

Sam was aghast. “Carve words on his forehead with a knife? That’s cruel!”

Loreen replied, “You didn't see that guy's behavior. You'd understand it wasn't cruel at all.”

Sam quickly asked, “What words did Charlie Wade carve?”

Loreen said, “That guy constantly called people ‘Pathetic Jerks.’ So, Charlie Wade had those words carved into his head.”

“Fuck…” Sam was terrified, feeling those words branded onto his own forehead. He lamented, “This Charlie Wade… He’s like the devil! He’s beastly!”

Loreen snapped, “I forbid you to speak ill of Charlie Wade!”

“Huh?” Sam was confused. “Loreen, I’m your brother! Why are you siding against me?”

Loreen snorted. “Charlie Wade is a hero to me. Compared to you, an uneducated lout, my loyalty lies with him!”

Sam cried, “Loreen, you don’t just like Charlie Wade, do you?”