C320 The Favour

When Ben arrived at the mall, he immediately spotted Jack waiting near the entrance. Jack was leaning casually against a pillar, his hands in his pockets. The moment he saw Ben, he raised one hand and waved. “Ben.” Ben walked toward him, but his expression remained serious. “Jack.” Jack studied his face for a moment before smiling. “You look worried.” Ben didn't answer immediately. He glanced around the mall before looking back at Jack. “There are things I need to ask you.”

Jack's smile faded slightly. “About what?” “You know exactly what.” Jack remained silent for a moment. Instead of answering there, he gestured toward the restaurants. “Let's go somewhere private. We shouldn't discuss serious things standing here.” Ben nodded reluctantly. The two walked into a nearby restaurant and found a quiet table toward the back. After ordering drinks, Jack leaned forward. “You wanted to talk. I'm listening.”

Ben stared at him for several seconds before finally speaking. “Jack, you said you were my friend.” Jack nodded. “I am.” “Then tell me the truth.” Jack frowned. “About what?” “The Maguire family.” Jack's expression changed. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Ben lowered his voice. “You said you did me a favour. Then I found out that an entire family was murdered. An old woman, her daughter and a teenage boy.” Jack sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair. “Ben, I'm really sorry.” Ben's eyes narrowed. “Sorry?” “I didn't know things would turn out this way.”

Ben stared at him. “What does that mean?” Jack looked down at the table before answering. “When my uncle summoned me back to the family, I refused. I told him I was helping you with something. I didn't think much about it at the time. I thought I could trust him with the information.” Ben's expression hardened. “What information?” Jack hesitated. “Everything you told me about Natalie.” Ben's jaw tightened. “So you told your uncle about her?” “I did.” “And then?”

Jack sighed. “He decided to deal with it himself.” Ben stared at him in disbelief. “You mean he ordered the killings?” Jack nodded slowly. “Yes.” Ben leaned back in his chair, trying to process what he had just heard. “I never asked you to kill anyone, Jack.” “I know.” “I never told you to hurt Natalie.” “I know.” “Then why would you tell your uncle?” Jack quickly raised his hands. “No Ben I didn't, I made a mistake. I admit that. But I swear to you, I never expected him to do something like this.”

Ben remained silent. Jack continued. “You are my friend. I respect you. Please believe me when I say I didn't plan the killings.” Ben looked at him carefully. “And your uncle?” “He handled everything himself.” Ben's face became even more serious. “What exactly does that mean?” Jack lowered his voice. “It means you don't have to worry.” “Why?” “Because my uncle is well connected.” Ben frowned. “How well connected?” Jack smiled faintly. “Very well connected.”

Ben waited. Jack leaned closer. “Most of the police officers who could cause problems for him are already on his payroll.” Ben froze. For several seconds, he couldn't find the words. “You mean... the police can't touch him?” Jack shook his head. “Not easily.” Ben looked away, clearly uncomfortable. Jack noticed his reaction and quickly added, “That's actually good news for you.” Ben turned back. “How is that good news?” Jack smiled. “The Maguire family was a message.” “A message?” “Yes. Your name is clear. Anyone who thinks they can disrespect you now will think twice.”

Ben stared at him. Jack continued confidently. “You didn't order anything. You didn't even know what was going to happen. My uncle made the decision himself. So if anyone investigates, they won't find anything leading back to you.” Ben lowered his gaze. He didn't like what had happened. He didn't like the fact that innocent people had died. But a part of him was relieved that Jack wasn't directly blaming him. Finally, Ben spoke quietly. “Thank you.” Jack smiled. “For what?” “For helping me.”

Ben paused. “I almost thought you were the one who decided to do it.” Jack shook his head. “I would never do something like that without telling you.” Ben gave him a doubtful look. Jack quickly added, “At least not something this serious.” "First I would proper planning and resources which I currently don't have." Ben sighed. “I appreciate what you've done for me, Jack. But next time, don't kill anyone because of my problems.” Jack nodded. “I'm sorry, Ben.”

Ben hesitated before finally accepting his apology. “Fine.” Jack leaned back and smiled. “Good. Then let's forget about that.” Ben nodded, although the uneasiness inside him remained. After a brief silence, Jack changed the subject. “So, how are the plans for your bar?” Ben's expression softened slightly. “They're moving forward.” “Already?” “Yes. There have been a few delays, but nothing serious.” Jack nodded. “What kind of delays?”

Ben took a sip of his drink. “I'm making a few changes to the original plan.” “What changes?” “I want to add a training room.” Jack raised an eyebrow. “A training room?” “Yes.” “In a bar?” Ben smiled faintly. “Why not?” Jack laughed. “Ben, you're opening a bar, not a military academy.” Ben shook his head. “I know.” “Then why do you need a training room?” Ben's expression became serious again. “I need to improve myself.” Jack studied him. “Improve yourself?” “Yes.” Ben paused before continuing. “My rivals have started training.”

Jack's smile disappeared. “What rivals?” Ben looked at him. “You didn't know I had rivals?” “No.” Jack leaned forward. “Who?” Ben answered casually. “Michael Smith.” The moment Jack heard the name, his entire expression changed for less than a second. Ben didn't notice. Jack quickly composed himself. “Mike?” “Yes.” Jack nodded slowly. “I didn't know you two were rivals.” “We are.” “What kind of rivalry?” Ben shrugged. “Nothing serious.”

Jack stared at him. “Then why are you training?” “Because he is.” Jack frowned. “That doesn't make sense.” Ben laughed. “It does to me.” Jack remained silent. Ben continued. “Mike and Alicia have redeveloped part of their company. They turned one of the halls into a physical training facility.” Jack's eyes narrowed. “A training facility?” "Which company?" Ben answered honest. “Yes. Lucia Goods ” “What exactly is inside?” Ben thought for a moment. “My sister told me there's a boxing ring, a martial arts area and a shooting range.”

Jack's expression remained calm, but internally his thoughts were racing. A shooting range? He remembered his uncle's instructions. Find out what Michael Smith and Alicia Mooney know. Now he was hearing that they had established a training facility. And Ben's sister was involved. Jack forced himself to remain relaxed. “Your sister joined them?” Ben nodded. “She said she wants to learn self-defence.” Jack leaned back. “Interesting.” Ben looked at him. “Why?” “Nothing.” Jack smiled. “I'm just surprised.”

Ben didn't notice the concern hidden behind Jack's smile. He continued talking. “I'm going to add something similar to my bar. I don't want Mike becoming stronger than me.” Jack laughed softly. “So this is about competition?” “Partly.” Ben smiled. “I'm not saying you should kill him like you did with the Maguire family. Mike is my rival, not my enemy.” Jack nodded. “Of course.” But inside, Jack was thinking about something completely different. Michael Smith.

The name was no longer just information from his uncle. Now he had a direct connection to someone close to Michael. And that person was sitting right in front of him. Jack looked at Ben carefully. “Tell me more about this training facility.” Ben frowned. “Why are you suddenly so interested?” Jack laughed. “I'm just curious.” Ben shrugged. “My sister said Mike will be training there. Alicia will probably train too, although she's pregnant, so I don't think she'll be doing anything too intense.”

Jack nodded slowly. “What about the others?” “My sister said she and Chris will probably join.” Jack's eyes sharpened. “Chris too?” “Yes.” “And anyone else?” Ben thought for a moment. “I don't know.” Jack leaned back and tried to hide his excitement. This was more information than he had expected to get. He had been sent to investigate Mike and Alicia. Now Ben was unknowingly giving him information about their plans. Jack looked at Ben. “You once told me that you would repay all the favours I've done for you.”

Ben nodded. “Yes.” “You helped me when I was in prison.” “Yes.” “You helped me with Natalie.” Ben nodded again. “You've helped me a lot.” Jack smiled. “Then can you do me a favour as well?” Ben's expression changed when he noticed how serious Jack suddenly looked. He leaned forward. “What kind of favour?” Jack stared at him for a moment before answering. “I need your help with something.” Ben waited. “What can I help you with?”