Raymon Pascal read the gazette as he rode the train to Mortin, laughing quietly as he looked over the picture of his best friend and his new fiancé.
"Well, she certainly is beautiful Spence, I'll definitely give you that. Ha! I think I understand now."
Raymon continued to chuckle as he read about the events regarding the birthday bash. Unfortunately, he had to miss the celebration as he was doing investigative work for Julius. Over the weekend, he was able to speak with some of the investors currently suing Lanster for the faulty software and now he was on his way to see Paul Clansky, the Blackwells' attorney. Raymon spoke with him briefly the week before and it seemed he had much to tell him. As the train began to slow down, Raymon looked out the window, "This trip was shorter than expected", he thought as the service agent announced they would be arriving in Mortin soon. He decided to call Julius to update him.
"Spencer." Julius answered the phone quickly as he drank his coffee while reading the paper in his office. That morning after arriving to work, Julius was greeted by heartfelt congrats and well wishes from many of his staff who couldn't make it to the party. Julius was still reeling from that weekend, so much happened between him and Resena, he could hardly wait to see her this evening.
"Yo! It's Raymon, you busy?"
"Hey, not at the moment, I'm just reading the paper."
"Oh-ho! Yeah! I see you and the misses made the front page! Must've been quiet a party. I'm sad I missed it!"
Julius took in a quick sigh, Raymon was his best friend and one of his most efficient workers, but he was hardly ever serious.
"I hope that's not why you called me, to get details on the party?"
"Ha! In due time my childhood friend, in due time. Actually, I was calling you to inform you I'm in Mortin. I'll be meeting with Clansky in about an hour."
"Excellent. I'm eager to hear what he has to say regarding the Blackwells' will. I know it'll be the final nail in Lanster's coffin."
"Yeah, that guy is dir-ty! Did you get the report I sent this weekend from his investors at Lyons?"
Julius spent most of that Sunday morning going over all the information Raymon sent him. After the Party, he and Resena stayed up until the early hours of the morning talking, laughing, and opening some of her gifts. She was like a bright child on St. Merry's Day as she opened her gifts. That Sunday, she'd slept in, but Julius was up by 9am. Reading the report angered him even more.
"That bastard was really going to use her to salvage his broken and shady business."
According to the report, Lyons Group were one of the investors that was suing Lanster Corp. According to the suit, Lyons claimed Lanster began making faulty software products and was selling them to the empire allowing enemy countries the ability to breach the imperial government and army. Allistar Lyon was an engineer for the imperial government and military, and he purchased his software from Lanster. Once it got out the software was breached, Lyon could also be held accountable. At the moment, Lyon's group was threatening to sue in hopes Lanster would either fix the software or compensate them, however, because he lost his licensing in the Southern Continent and used the money as equity for other investors he owed, he was not able to do either. His desperation to expand to the western continent was a desperate attempt to save his own hide from imprisonment or worse.
"I did. Lanster is trash. I'll be glad when we finally take him down. After we get all of the evidence we need, I plan to take this to the capitol. The emperor will be interested to know what's been going on with the very software he uses for the military."
"That should be interesting, hopefully I'll have a front row seat to the show!"
"Always looking for entertainment."
"Yup! So, now that we have that out the way, tell me about your fiancé."
Raymon laughed as he pictured the face his longtime friend was making; he knew Julius would be scowling at this very moment.
Sigh. "Update me when you're finished with the attorney."
"Ha-ha! Always so serious about her; I truly cannot wait to meet Ms. Blackwell. I'll update you on everything once I'm finished."
Julius let out another sigh and closed his communicator, he would have to warn Resena about Raymon as well. It was becoming painfully clear; Julius was the only adult in his very small but close circle.
As the train stopped at the Mortin station, Raymon began to collect his items, as he picked up his suitcase, he noticed a gentleman staring at him near the exit. Raymon decided to play aloof in an attempt to verify if the gentleman was indeed looking at him. As the train doors opened, Raymon walked slowly towards the exit keeping his peripheral vision on the man. As he stepped onto the platform Raymon could now tell, the man was indeed following him.
"Either he is a tail for Lanster, or he is a tail for Clansky." Raymon thought to himself as he began to walk towards the station stairway. As Raymon walked up the stairs, he noticed the man slow his pace to remain some steps behind him; it didn't matter however, Raymon planned on trapping the man once he found a small alley. Once he existed the station completely, Raymon began to casually walk down the pavement all while secretly looking for a moment to strike. Just then, he noticed a small alley to the right of a restaurant located on Silvers Lane. As he turned the corner, Raymon appeared to look as if he was about to go into the restaurant, instead, as soon as the man turn the corner as well, Raymon immediately grabbed him, slammed him into the wall, and held a small revolver at his waste side. Immediately, the man threw his hands up in protest.
"Who the hell are you? You have three seconds to explain!"
Raymon spoke in low but harsh tones, all while making sure he did not draw a scene. Quietly, the man began to speak.
"Please, are you Mr. Pascal?"
"Why?"
"Please sir, I promise I mean no harm, but I cannot answer any further until I can confirm who you are."
Raymon thought for a moment and decided to give a little grace. He began to loosen up his grip on the man's collar and reached into the breast of his pocket, pulling out his wallet. He then flashed his badge and idea to verify who he was to the man. Letting out a deep sigh, the man continued.
"Very good. My apologies for startling you Mr. Pascal, but you see, Delvoy Lanster has been trying to locate my master Mr. Clansky."
Raymon let out a sigh, he realized now why the man was following him.
"So, you were making sure I wasn't tailed, weren't you?"
"Yes sir. Mr. Clansky is very concerned for his safety as you can understand."
"Actually, I'm a little confused as to what has been going on hence why I am meeting with Clansky."
"Yes, Mr. Clansky did say he would like to reveal everything to you and Mr. Spencer as this not only pertains to Lady Resena and her parents, but also his safety. Shall we head to his home."
Raymon stepped back allowing the man to walk in front of him to lead the way. The gentleman led Raymon to a parked vehicle, before opening the door he spun with a smile on his face.
"My apologies Mr. Pascal, allow me to introduce myself. My name Hector Dorsey, I am Mr. Clansky's head butler.
Raymon smiled back as he shook Dorsey's hand.
"Nice to meet you. I can understand why Clansky is being cautious, especially after what I've learned about Lanster. My apologies for being rough back there."
"Think nothing of it; as you said, we're dealing with a not so savory man."
As the gentlemen arrived at the second home of Paul Clansky, Raymon could notice Spencer Tech cameras outside the estate. "He really is paranoid." Raymon thought to himself as they made their way to the front parking space.
As they walked to the front, Raymon could see a short slender man smiling at the entrance. "This must be Clansky."