C470 The Visit

The Mayor shook his head. “How can I allow that?” Mark looked at him in confusion. The Mayor leaned forward. “Look at what they have just accomplished. They completed an extremely difficult task for the government. They identified one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in such a short time." He paused. “And now they want to walk away?” Mark opened his mouth to respond. The Mayor continued before he could speak. “Are they forgetting what they did?” Mark became silent. “They murdered a man who had already surrendered to the law.” Mark's expression changed. The Mayor's voice became firmer. “Willy Harris surrendered. Whatever crimes he committed, he was no longer their responsibility to punish.” Mark lowered his eyes. “I understand.” “No, Mr. Mooney. I don't think you do.” The Mayor leaned back in his chair. “The law cannot work that way.” Mark wanted to respond, but no words came. The Mayor continued. “Tell them that I do not agree with their request.”

Mark finally looked up. “And if they refuse?” The Mayor's expression hardened. “Then they will be forcing my hand. If they insist on leaving after what happened to Willy Harris, then the law will have to deal with them.” Mark's eyes widened. “You mean…” “I mean exactly what you think I mean.” The Mayor paused. “If necessary, they will be investigated for the killing of Willy Harris.” Mark's face fell. The Mayor then softened his tone slightly. “Mr. Mooney, I know you were involved.” “Because the Lions completed the first task successfully, I am prepared to forgive you for your involvement in the killing.” Mark looked at him. “Your position is safe. Your job will not be affected.” He paused. “But as for the others…” The Mayor shook his head. “They cannot simply be forgiven because they completed one government task.” Mark swallowed. “They've lost a child.” “I know.” “And Alicia is in no state to deal with another investigation.” The Mayor looked directly at him. “Then she should have thought about the consequences before becoming involved in the killing.”

Mark's face hardened. “But she didn't do it for herself.” “I know.” The Mayor sighed. “But the law cannot be based entirely on emotions.” He stood up. “Mr. Mooney, you can leave now.” Mark slowly stood. There was nothing else he could say. He nodded and walked toward the door. As he left the Mayor's office, his mind immediately turned toward Alicia. How was he supposed to convince his daughter? Alicia had already made up her mind. She wanted to leave the Lions. She wanted to mourn Emmanuel. And knowing his daughter, Mark knew she was unlikely to change her decision simply because someone ordered her to. He walked toward his car. For several moments, he stood beside it, thinking. He couldn't find an answer. Eventually, he got inside and started the engine. There was only one thing he could do. He needed to speak to the Lions himself. He drove toward the Wood family residence.

At the Wood Family Residence, Chris had returned home earlier. The moment he entered the house, he went straight to Tristan. He picked up his son and carried him upstairs. Sarah's room was empty. Chris walked inside, closed the door, and locked it behind him. He sat down with Tristan in his arms. His mind was somewhere else entirely. He looked at his son. Tristan was still so young. So innocent. Chris's heart tightened. He couldn't stop thinking about Emmanuel. The two boys had been born on the same day. And now one of them was gone. Chris looked at Tristan. “Why him?” His voice trembled. “Why did it have to be Emmanuel?” Tristan simply looked at his father. Chris hugged him tightly. “I can't let what happened to him be forgotten.” Downstairs, Sarah and Samantha eventually arrived. Sarah immediately noticed the unusual silence. She looked around. “Dad, Chris did not come here?” Kelvin looked at her. “He's upstairs with Tristan.” She looked toward the staircase then to Samantha. “Is he upset?” Samantha shook her head. “I don't know.” Sarah sighed. She understood Chris better than anyone. She knew how close he was to Mike. They weren't simply friends. They were brothers.

Valeria looked toward Sarah. “How is the Mooney family doing?” “And Alicia, how is she holding up?” Sarah shook her head. “It's bad.” Everyone became quiet. Sarah pointed upstairs. “I'll go check on them.” Tracy nodded. “It must be painful for Chris.” She paused. “He and Mike are like brothers.” David nodded. “That's what worries me.” Everyone looked at him. “I'm afraid of what they might do for revenge.” Samantha sighed. “About that…” She paused. “Alicia has decided that she's staying away from all of this.” Kelvin nodded. “That is understandable considering what happened.” Samantha looked upstairs. “But I'm not sure Chris feels the same way.” Nobody answered. Sarah slowly walked upstairs. She opened the bedroom door. The sight in front of her made her stop. Tristan was sitting on the bed, playing with his toys. Chris, meanwhile, had fallen asleep beside him. Sarah smiled as she walked over and carefully picked up Tristan. “Come here, my boy.” Tristan giggled. Sarah looked toward Chris. “Your father is upset with me.” Tristan laughed again. The sound woke Chris. He rubbed his eyes and looked toward them.

Sarah smiled. “Husband.” Chris sat up. Sarah walked closer. “Are you upset with me?” Chris shook his head. “No, wife.” He looked at Tristan. “You all can decide what you want to do.” He paused. “But I've already made my decision.” “I can't let the person who killed my nephew live happily as though nothing happened.” Sarah nodded slowly. She understood. There was no anger toward her in his voice. Only grief. She stepped closer. “I love you.” Chris looked at her. “I love you too.” He reached out and pulled Sarah and Tristan into his arms. “I love you both.” For a few moments, they stayed together. Then they left the room and went downstairs. The family was sitting together when there was a knock at the door. Ben stood up. “I'll get it.” He walked to the door and opened it. Mark stood outside. “Good evening, everyone.” Ben stepped aside. “Good evening, Mr. Mooney.” Mark entered. Kelvin immediately stood up. “Mr. Mooney, I'm sorry for what happened.” He extended his hand. “My condolences to you and your family.” Mark shook his hand. “Thank you.” David approached next. He also shook Mark's hand and expressed his condolences.

Mark nodded respectfully. He then looked around the room. Everyone was quiet. His eyes eventually settled on Sarah and Samantha. “Can I speak to you for a moment?” Sarah exchanged a glance with Samantha. Tracy looked confused. “Who?” Mark answered. “The Lions.” The room became silent. Sarah and Samantha looked at each other. Chris immediately stood. “No problem.” He gestured toward outside. “We can go outside.” Sarah shook her head. “Let's use my room upstairs.” Mark nodded. “That's fine.” Sarah, Samantha, and Chris began walking upstairs. Mark followed behind them. Nobody knew exactly what he was about to say. But from the seriousness on his face, they knew it wasn't a simple visit.