Chapter 148: Brendan's Bad Day
Jonathan omitted the fact that he had nearly been framed, as Sierra had only just agreed to give their relationship a try; he couldn't risk scaring her off.
Sierra nodded in understanding. “Perfect timing. I wanted to visit my grandma anyway.”
“I’ll drop you off at the hospital then,” Jonathan said, starting the car. But they hadn't driven far when they ran into a police checkpoint. His eyes darkened with intensity.
The inspection was unusually strict, prompting Sierra to notice something was off. “What are they looking for?”
“Who knows? Maybe they’re searching for some fugitive,” Jonathan said nonchalantly. Sierra didn’t dwell on it.
After dropping Sierra at the hospital and watching her enter the elevator, Jonathan called Maddox. “Where are you?”
Soon, he arrived at the location Maddox had mentioned—a warehouse belonging to the Treno Group, unknown to most. Mateo and Maddox were already there, waiting on a couch.
Mateo tossed Jonathan a cigarette, but he didn’t take it. Hands clasped in front of him, his expression was icily resolute. “Did they talk?”
“They did. Said someone named Brendan sent them.”
Mateo lit a cigarette, a trace of blood on his sleeve, which he ignored. Normally, he wouldn’t be the one getting his hands dirty, but they had rushed over without backup, and they couldn’t risk letting Jonathan do it, or the guy would be done for.
“Brendan,” Jonathan muttered the name, recalling the associated details. He had never met Brendan, but knew of him through Dickson. He hadn’t expected Brendan would make a move against him.
Realizing Jonathan was caught up, Maddox added, “I asked around here, and it turns out Brendan’s quite dirty, has some clout in Maviston too.” To run a club like that and manipulate people, he needed some solid backing.
“Oh, and,” Maddox coughed to clear his throat, “that guy said Brendan is waiting for you to go to jail.” They had already dug up what Brendan was into, so the meaning behind his expectation of Jonathan’s incarceration was clear.
When they heard that, both Mateo and Maddox were shocked, then mentally lit a candle for this Brendan. Picking a fight with Jonathan was a death wish.
Sure enough, Jonathan’s response was laced with dark amusement. “Is that so? He likes prison that much, huh? Let’s grant his wish then.”
Maddox and Mateo exchanged a knowing look; Brendan had messed with the wrong person.
After a moment, Jonathan turned to Mateo. “Brendan is your responsibility now.”
Mateo agreed instantly. “No problem!” Life was a bit boring lately anyway, though he wondered why Jonathan wouldn’t handle it personally, given his nature and the direct threat.
As if reading his thoughts, Jonathan adjusted his decorative glasses and said softly, “I’m just a professor now.” Besides, any major actions on his part would draw family attention and could involve Sierra.
Whenever he saw online comments praising Jonathan’s gentleness, he thought they must be blind. Jonathan was a con man in disguise, but everyone saw him as just another honest man.
Not lingering any longer than necessary, Jonathan had other priorities—today was his first date, and he wasn’t about to let minor annoyances ruin his mood.
Meanwhile, Brendan was oblivious to the impending storm. He received a call from his men, informing him that they hadn’t found anything in Jonathan’s car. “How do you handle things? Where’s the stuff?”
Brendan hadn’t anticipated Jonathan would catch on: he suspected his men had pocketed the stash, given its high street value of a few hundred thousand.
“Find it. Bring him to me,” Brendan barked, his mood sour. Glaring at a young boy shivering in a corner, he walked over menacingly. Soon, the room echoed with cries and pleas, while the bodyguards outside remained stoically indifferent.