When Robert reached the laboratory next morning, he discovered a burnt building. After inquiring he came to know that there was an accident yesterday, inside the laboratory, which started the fire.

This is suspicious, thought Robert. It is too good to be true that the laboratory in which a medicine was supposedly being created for the past two years suddenly caught fire when he tried to analyze the progress.

Before he could think further Daniel appeared out of nowhere.

“Are you following me?” questioned Robert.

“I don’t have that much free time.” replied Daniel.

“Then how did you know where to find me?”

“There are cameras in the colony Robert. I can ask the security anytime.”

“Then ask your security how the hell did this happen.” said Robert angrily pointing towards the burnt laboratory.

“Come with me. Someone can hear us here.”

Robert and Daniel went to a deserted alley.

“So tell me what happened.” asked Robert eagerly.

“Well there was a government spy in the colony. He suspected that there was something dangerous going on, so he took action.”

“What happened to the spy?”

“He has been disposed by our people.”

“The things that you are saying are hard to believe.”

“I don’t care if you believe me or not. You are free to check the recording anytime.” said Daniel. “The main motive of the government is to create distrust between the next leader of the gang and the current leader. It is your choice if you want to fall in their trap.”

He has a point, thought Robert. Government might be behind this incident since it will benefit them a lot. But why are they targeting me? Have they discovered me? No that can’t be possible because then they would have done something which would have alerted Andre.

“Are you with me?” questioned Daniel.

“Yeah.”

“Anyway be free in the evening.”

“Why?”

“To assist you in your task Andre has instructed me to provide you an assistant. I have selected a bunch of applicants which will arrive in the evening. Select the one you like.”

It will not matter whoever I select because in the end they will all act as a spy for you, thought Robert.

“I will keep it in mind.” replied Robert. “Does mother knows about this incident?”

“Since this happened yesterday night she must know about it. Why do you ask?”

Robert walked away without answering.

She must be tensed due to this, thought Robert. In order to heal she must have healthy frame of mind. I must do something to lighten up her mood. Should I bring her something to eat, maybe her favourite dish. But her health is bad so she might not be allowed to eat somethings. I should present her with her favourite flowers.

Robert took out his bike and decided to roam out of his father’s vicinity. Since the whole colony was owned by his father, his every little action was being monitored and was reported to Daniel, which he didn’t like. After riding his bike for some hours he reached a seaside gas station. The owner was a couple with whom he was acquainted with. The husband was the manager and his wife was the cashier. In order to attract customer, the wife had created a lovely garden which surrounded the place. As Robert reached the place he saw a little dog house. He parked his bike and tried to take a careful peek inside the tiny house.

“He is sleeping.” said a man who appeared behind Robert. This startled him and he lost his balance, resulting in falling down from the porch of the store.

“Ha ha ha.” roared a man who appeared to be in his forties. “You will never grow up.”

After hearing the commotion, a women came rushing from inside the house.

“Oh my god!” she screamed. “Robert dear, what happened?” The women approached him and helped him in getting up.

“This dear husband of yours is getting on my nerves Martha.” replied an irritated Robert. “If in near future you wish to get rid of him, ask me. I will do it for free.”

“I don’t think you got enough courage to do that kid.”

“Oh for god’s sake Harry. Why do you always act like a kid? You are old now.”

“You must be old.” replied Harry sarcastically. “I am forever young.”

“Let’s leave this idiot. Come inside Robert, let me treat you to something.”

As they were going inside Robert questioned Martha, “What’s with the dog?”

“Well he is sick.” replied Martha with a sad tone.

“The last time I was here you didn’t have it.”

“We found him in the middle of the street. He was sick and needed treatment. I requested Harry to keep him and he agreed.”

“So has he not been cured yet?”

“When we took him to the vet we came to know that he was a police dog who had been injured on duty. Instead of taking care of him they threw him out to roam. He was not even treated and the wound festered. Now whenever he takes his medicine he sleeps for two hours. That’s his daily routine now.”

“Well at least he is alive.” Harry interrupted. “I don’t like that dog. He scares the customers.”

“He tries to protect us from danger.” Martha replied angrily.

Harry felt silent. He didn’t want to argue with his wife over a dog. Before things could go further Harry changed the topic.

“What brings you here today Robert?”

“I came to get some Tulips for mother.”

“Oh Luna.” Martha said sympathetically. “How is she holding up? I can’t believe god can be so cruel to such a nice human.”

“She has showed improvement. I just wanted to surprise her with some flowers.”

“Of course. You don’t even need to ask. You can take as many as you like.”

While they were conversing an unknown man in full black entered the shop.

“Welcome. How can I help you?” Harry said assuming that he is a customer.

“Robert Verlice.” he said ignoring Harry. “I want you to follow me outside. Someone would like to talk to you.”

“Well I am sorry to tell you that we don’t sell anything named ‘Robert’ here.” interrupted Harry. “I will kindly ask you to leave.”

The man got agitated and pointed a gun at Harry to flaunt his authority.

“You shouldn’t interfere in someone’s business old man. You don’t have any power here. Just stay still.”

To his utter surprise, instead of going back, Harry came forward without showing any fear.

“This is not a toy young man.” said Harry. “It’s a tool to take lives. If you have the courage, then I dare you to pull the trigger.”

“Alright. Everyone just clam down.” Robert interrupted. “Let’s sort this out like civilized people. Kind stranger can I ask who is looking for me?”

“You don’t need to know that. Just follow my orders and no one will get hurt.” replied the man in commanding tone while putting his gun away.

As Robert was about to leave with the man Harry tried to stop him.

“What are you doing Robert?” said Harry. “These people can be dangerous.”

“Don’t worry.” said Robert with a big smile on his face. “I am dangerous too. Martha please prepare a bouquet of Tulips.”

“Ok.....” replied Martha hesitatingly.

As they moved outside Robert observed two black limousine parked without any number plates.

This might be some secret organization working for government or an opposition gang, thought Robert. I cannot do anything foolish because there must be more guards inside the vehicles. But why will they contact me. They have nothing to gain even if they kill me. No one can afford Scorpion Gang as their enemy except for the government.

“Stop right here.”

“What happened?”

“In order to enter the car you must undergo frisking. You might be carrying something dangerous.”

“Well ok, do as you like.”

After a brief frisking Robert was allowed to enter into the vehicle. Inside he saw an old man with a drink in his hand.

“Pardon my subordinate’s behaviour. He must have done it out of loyalty.” said the old man.

Robert didn’t say a word. He observed that he couldn’t see what’s beyond the old man’s seat because it was hidden with a black glass.

This is not the main dude, thought Robert. He is just a messenger. There must be someone behind the glass who can hear us.

“Hello! Are you still with me?” said the old man. “Oh I apologize again. This situation might have intimidated you. But you don’t need to worry. Nobody is going to harm you.”

“Umm if there isn’t a problem then can you tell me why am I here?”

“Of course. I have heard you are a smart kid who stays away from trouble all the time and studies diligently. It’s nice to meet you in person. But I cannot tell you who I am. You just need to know that I am someone who can save your mother.”

What? He knows about mom. This means that he is a government employee because my mother’s condition is a secret even to the gang members.

“What do you mean?” questioned Robert.

“Well for us to communicate further you should keep in mind that we don’t like being questioned. We are the ones who do the questioning.”

“Oh I am sorry.”

“Ah don’t worry. This is our first meeting. You will learn slowly. Anyway we know that your mother’s condition is critical and there is no cure. But what if I were to tell you that we have the cure.”

Robert didn’t utter a word.

“Well this is the part where you ask me to give it to you.”

“Kind sir.” said Robert in an intimidating voice. “Is your organization responsible for my mother’s condition? “

Before anyone could say anything they heard a commotion outside. The old man partially lowered the window and asked the guard, “What’s happening?”

“Nothing sir. Suddenly this dog woke up and started barking at the car.”

“Is that the couple’s dog Robert?”

“Yes.”

“What a wonderful creature a dog is. It is one of the few that can sense danger far stronger than them and still stands to protect its master. Even that dog can sense how dangerous we are. What did I told you about questioning us? On top of that it’s quite a serious allegation on our organization. Don’t blame us unless and until you have absolute proof.”

“I apologize for my misbehaviour.” replied Robert in a gentle tone.

“Don’t mind it. You are an intelligent boy. You must help us if you want to save your mother.”

“What must I do?”

“We know that your father wants to enter politics. For that he has assigned you the task of managing the finance. Just make the wrong decisions so that we can punish your father for his wrongdoings. In return your mother will be safe.”

“Coincidentally my father asked me the same thing.” said Robert with a smirk on his face. “Can you give me a proof that you have an antidote?”

Upon taking some instructions from the earpiece the old man finally said, “First do something in our favour and give us proof of your loyalty. Then you can witness a glimpse of our power. You don’t have to do anything drastic quickly. Take your time.”

“I will do everything in my power to serve your purpose.”

“Good. People like you are the only one who can succeed in life. Now if you allow me then I will go away now.”

After the cars went away Harry approached Robert, “What happened? Who were they? Did they harm you?”

“Where is Martha right now?” asked Robert.

“Why? She is in backyard preparing the bouq----.” Before Harry could finish Robert landed a punch on his stomach. It caught Harry off guard and he collapsed on the floor.

“Worthless scum!” whispered Robert. “How dare you to pull a stunt like that back there. How do you expect Martha to live if something were to happen to you? That women cares for you. Don’t forget that you are alive because of her.”

“I….am…. sorry.” replied Harry while coughing intensely.

After sometime Martha appeared. “Who were those guys?” she asked.

“No one important.” said Robert. “It’s getting late so I will be leaving. Have you brought the thing that I asked?”

“Yeah. Here is your bouquet of Tulips.”

“Thank you.”

“Be careful on your way home. You should bring Luna here when she gets better.”

“Yeah I will. Bye then.”

After a few hours of cycling Robert reached the mansion. Upon entering his house, he saw a girl wandering in the hall.

“Who are you?” questioned Robert.

“Umm… I came here for the job of a secretary.” the girl replied hesitatingly. “Are you supposed to take my interview?”

“Nope he is your boss.” said Daniel while approaching the group.

“But you said that I get to choose from a bunch of people.”

“Since everyone is scared of us no one showed up, except for this girl.” replied Daniel. “I thought that poverty would force people to overcome their fear. What’s your name girl?”

“Umm… My name is Sophia. I am 18 years old and I am also very hardworking. This is my portfolio.”

“There is no need for this since you are the only one that showed up. You are hired.”

“Umm…. Thank you. I am very grateful. I will not give you a chance to complaint. But what will I have to do?”

“You will be his secretary. You just have to accompany him everywhere and obey his every order. We will pay you handsomely. You will also be allotted a room inside the mansion along with other facilities. If you have a family then it is mandatory for them to live in our colony, in a house which we will provide. You can move in today and start working from tomorrow. Any question?”

“Umm… I am an orphan so there is no need for that house. But I do have a request.”

“What is it?” questioned Daniel. “Tell us.”

“Please allow me to meet Luna Verlice.”

“How do you know my mother?” questioned Robert.

“She is the wife of an influential leader.” said Daniel. “Everyone knows her. But why do you want to meet her?”

“You might not know this but I am one of the survivor of Project Z. Madam Luna had funded many charities to help those children who have lost their families in the disaster. I was able to survive in this world because of her. She is my idol.”

“Idol or not, I cannot allow a stranger to go near her.” replied Robert.

“Aren’t you a little hard on her.” said Daniel. “She just wants to meet her.”

“I don’t care whatever you say. There are somethings that can’t be compromised. Think about another demand. I will fulfil that.” Robert left the group and headed straight to her mother’s room on upper floor.

“Don’t worry. Once you prove him that you are not harmful he will allow you to meet your idol.” said Daniel. “Now there is something specific that you must accomplish in your daily job.”

“What is it sir?”

“Whenever Robert does any transaction regarding the Scorpion Gang you must keep a record of it. At the end of the month you must deliver those records to me.”

“Yes sir. I will do that without any fail.”

“But be sure that Robert doesn’t know about this. It will be a secret between us.”

“Ok. I will keep that in mind.”

Later in the evening when Sophia reached her shared apartment she got ambushed by her three roommates.

“SOPHIAAAA…….” all of them screamed at once. “We thought that you would have offended them is some way and they would have killed you already.”

“Geez. Stop crying. Who do you think I am?”

“Then why did you got late?” questioned one friend.

“I got late because I brought a pizza and I also got the job.”

“Wow congrats.” replied one friend.

“Please serve it before it gets cold. Save one for me, I have a call to attend.”

To avoid getting eavesdropped Sophia went to the roof. After sometime she got a call from an unknown number.

“Hmm… good work. No one reached their destination as planned.” said Sophia.

“You have never asked me to kidnap so many at the same time. What do you want me to do with them?”

“Leave them. Make sure to give them a warning to never roam around Scorpion Gang’s base.”

“Are you sure to leave these guys? Who even are they?”

“It’s safe. They are just a bunch of desperate people, trying to make quick money by putting their life on the line thinking that they will survive. But in the end they all will regret that decision.”

“What? Were all of them signing up for military or something?”

“Nah, they were supposed to show up for a job interview.”