C485 Finding Protection

While every member of the Lions family prepared to attend Josh Tryon’s funeral, Hanna was already making her next move. She drove alone through the busy streets of Scotland, keeping her eyes on the road and her thoughts focused on one thing. Survival. She had spent enough time at her private estate. After John Kinlore's death, the police were beginning to ask questions. The Kinlore family wanted answers, and Hanna knew that sooner or later, someone would start connecting the pieces. She needed somewhere nobody would think to look. But before she disappeared, she had business to finish. The New Buyer Hanna eventually arrived at a private location where she met her new buyer, Mr. Frank Potter. Frank Potter was a well-known drug lord in Scotland, a man whose whole family was executed infront of him. The meeting went surprisingly well. They discussed the shipment, the price, the delivery arrangements and the security surrounding the transaction. Frank eventually placed a large order with Hanna. Once the negotiations were complete, the two parted ways.

Hanna returned to her car and drove away. But she didn't go back to her estate. Instead, she spent some time circling through the busy roads, watching the traffic around her. She was thinking. There was only one person she could call. Someone inside the Gupta family. Hanna finally reached for her phone. She called a number. At the Gupta family residence, Darry was going about his business when his phone suddenly rang. He looked at the screen. Unknown number. He frowned. Very few people had access to his private number. “Who would suddenly call me from an unknown number?” He hesitated for a moment before answering. “Hello?” There was silence for a second. Then a familiar voice spoke. “Second Father.” Darry froze. He immediately recognized the voice. “Hanna?” He leaned back in his chair. “What are you doing calling me after all the trouble you've caused here?” Hanna smiled on the other end. “Second Father, I have a proposition for you.” Darry's expression became serious. “I know everyone is looking for me,” Hanna continued. “And I know that my father's group fought with my third father's group.” Darry's eyes widened. “How do you know all that?” He paused. “And what exactly do you want?” Hanna smiled. “I want your protection, Second Father.” Darry said nothing. “You know I can give you everything you want,” Hanna continued. “My father always hesitates when it comes to making certain decisions. I won't.”

Darry narrowed his eyes. “Go on.” “Just tell me what you need from me so I can hide at one of your places.” Darry remained silent. “Nobody will suspect anything,” Hanna said. “The war is between the First Family and the Third Family. The Second Family isn't involved.” Darry suddenly laughed. “Hahaha!” Hanna smiled. “My child, why are you acting so smart?” Hanna laughed softly. “Second Father, how about five million dollars?” Darry's laughter stopped. “For what?” “Just one month of protection.” Darry leaned back in his chair. “Five million?” “Yes.” He considered the offer. Then his expression became more serious. “Wait. Don't rush to the numbers.” Hanna remained quiet. “What happens if someone finds you at one of my properties?” Darry paused. “You know I will be involved in everything. If they find you, they won't simply blame you. They'll come after me too.” Hanna smiled. “I will be careful. Nobody will notice me.” Darry stared at the phone for several seconds. Finally, he smiled. “Well then…” He leaned back. “Transfer my money, and you can go to the hotel I own in Glasgow.” Hanna's smile grew. “A hotel?” “Yes.” Darry continued. “There is a receptionist there whom I trust completely. When you arrive, tell her I sent you. She will take you to the private floor that belongs to me.” He paused. “Nobody uses that floor. Nobody goes there unless I allow them to. So no one will disturb you there.” Hanna smiled. “Thank you, Second Father.” “Just don't get caught.” “I won't.” The call ended.

Hanna stared at her phone for a moment. Then she smiled. Five million dollars. She immediately transferred the money to Darry. But she didn't use her own account. She used Charlie's. Every major Harris Cartel transaction was being conducted under Charlie's name, and Hanna knew exactly why. If anyone eventually traced the money, Charlie would be the first person they would find. Hanna put her phone away. Then she started the engine. She had a new hiding place. And this time, even the Gupta family itself would unknowingly be protecting her. At the Gomez family residence, the funeral proceeded peacefully. Everyone who had known Josh Tryon came to pay their respects. Some people spoke about him. Others simply stood in silence. Josh had been a father and a respected member of his community. But for Laura, the day felt completely different. She looked like she had aged decades overnight. The woman who had once been full of energy now stood quietly beside her family. She wasn't crying anymore. There were no tears left. Only pain. And one thought remained in her mind. Hanna. When the funeral finally ended, Laura returned inside and collected the gear she had already prepared.

She walked back outside and looked at Prince and Bright. “Father, I'm leaving with the Lions.” Prince looked at her. “To where?” “To continue our task.” She paused. “I’m sorry, but it’s urgent.” We stood nearby, watching her. Bright immediately understood what she was planning. “Why do you have to leave now?” Laura looked at him. “Because I need to find Hanna.” Godness stepped closer. “Can't you rest first?” She looked at the Lions. “Let them go there alone. You can join them after a few days.” Laura shook her head. “No, Mother.” Her voice was firm. “I can't let that happen.” She looked down for a moment before continuing. “I have to find Hanna.” She raised her eyes. “I have to avenge my father.” Bright couldn't argue with her. He stepped forward and hugged his wife tightly. He knew exactly what she was feeling. A few seconds later, he released her. “Wife, you have to be careful.” Laura gave him a small smile. “Don't worry. I will be careful.” But none of us were convinced. We all knew what Laura was thinking. She wasn't leaving simply to continue the Lions' mission. She wanted Hanna. And if Hanna couldn't be found, there was a real possibility that Laura would turn her anger toward the Gupta family. That was exactly what we had been trying to prevent. But there was nothing we could do now except stay beside her. And just like that, the Lions left. Our journey to the Gupta family had finally begun. It was a journey that had already been delayed by Josh Tryon's death. Now we had no idea what awaited us when we arrived.

That afternoon, Mark returned to his office after attending Josh's funeral. He was exhausted. The events of the past few days had placed enormous pressure on everyone. But the moment he entered his office, he stopped. Someone was sitting in his chair. The Mayor. Mark froze. “Mayor.” The Mayor looked at him and smiled. “Mr. Mooney.” Mark slowly closed the door behind him. “I’m sure you know why I’m here.” Mark shook his head. “No, sir.” He looked at the Mayor. “What brings you here?” The Mayor waved toward the chair opposite him. “Sit down.” Mark obeyed. For several seconds, the Mayor said nothing. Then his expression became serious. “The newspapers have attracted everyone's attention. They want to know who Charlie is.” He paused. “They want to know where she disappeared to.” The Mayor leaned forward. “They also want answers about whether she killed her husband.” Mark listened carefully. “And because of the post she made regarding your family, I'm sure you want answers too.” Mark nodded. “Yes, Mayor.” The Mayor sighed. “We all know that the girl was devastated after her uncle's death.” He paused. “According to my years of experience, I believe that woman is still grieving Willy's death.” Mark remained silent. “She could never have killed her husband.” Mark's eyebrows rose slightly.

The Mayor continued. “I want you to create a story.” “A story?” “A believable one.” The Mayor looked directly at him. “Make it appear that Charlie had already disappeared before her husband was killed.” Mark stared at him. “And say that another drug cartel was responsible.” Mark's expression changed. “Mayor, I don't understand.” “You didn't come here to tell us to investigate Charlie.” Mark paused. “You want us to provide a cover for her?” The Mayor suddenly slammed his hand against the desk. “Mr. Mooney!” Mark didn't move. “I want you to understand something.” The Mayor pointed toward the window. “I am in charge of this city. That means I have to look at the situation from a broader perspective.” Mark remained silent. “The girl was grieving. She posted something she shouldn't have posted.” He shook his head. “But if the authorities begin investigating her too deeply, they will uncover everything.” Mark's eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?” The Mayor nodded. “Your daughter.” He paused. “And her team.” Mark's expression hardened. “If the investigation continues, your daughter and the Lions could be arrested.” Mark said nothing. The Mayor leaned back. “That is why I'm telling you to let this lie low.” Mark looked at him carefully. “So you're not protecting Charlie?”

The Mayor shook his head. “No.” He pointed toward Mark. “We are protecting your reputation.” Then he paused. “And your daughter.” Mark slowly nodded. “But what about the Harris Cartel?” The Mayor looked at him. “What about it?” The Mayor shrugged. “Willy is dead. So the Harris Cartel is dead too.” Mark frowned. “But Charlie's post said she would rebuild it.” The Mayor gave him a dismissive look. “You think a woman like that can simply become a drug lord?” Mark remained quiet. There was something about the Mayor's confidence that bothered him. But he couldn't quite explain what it was. Finally, Mark nodded. “I understand, Mayor.” He paused. “I'll provide something to distract the public.” The Mayor smiled. “Good.” He stood up. Without saying anything else, he walked past Mark and left the office. The door closed behind him. Mark remained where he was. For several seconds, he didn't move. Then he slowly sat down. Something wasn't right. He kept replaying the conversation in his head. The Mayor hadn't come to investigate Charlie. He hadn't come to demand answers. He had come to tell Mark to protect her. Why? Mark shook his head. Then another question entered his mind that the lions had asked him before. “Is the Mayor dirty?” He stared at the closed door. “Is he involved in all of this?”

He shook his head again. “I really don't understand.” His voice became quieter. “Why would we provide a cover for Charlie Kinlore?” He looked down at his desk. “That woman kidnapped my grandson…” He paused. “And now the Mayor wants me to protect her?” Mark leaned back in his chair. For the first time, he wondered if the Lion's suspicions about the Mayor might not be completely unreasonable. But suspicion was not proof. And until he had proof, he could do nothing. Still, one thing was becoming increasingly clear. Charlie Kinlore was no longer the only mystery Mark had to worry about. The Mayor had just become one too.