"Awesome."He straightens to his feet, winces, but stays standing."Good luck with that, and whatever else you decide to do with your life."He limps past me, his shoulder bumps mine as he heads towards the perimeter of the space.
"Wait," I frown, "what did you mean by that?"
"By what?"
"By whatever bullshit it is you just said?"
He clicks his tongue, "No swearing; remember, you’re going to become a priest?"
"Fuck that."I clench my fists at my sides, "What the hell are you going to do, Baron?"
"Wrong question."He smirks at me over his shoulder."You should have asked me where I am headed."
"Where are you headed?"
"Somewhere far away from you lot, hopefully."
My heart thuds in my chest.Shit, shit, shit."What the hell does that mean?"
He yawns, "Seriously, Ed, you’re beginning to resemble a nagging old lady."
"And you…" I grit my teeth, "you’re like an errant child who doesn’t know his arse end from his front."
"Temper, temper."His grin widens, "You’ve made up your mind on what you want to do with your life, and now it’s my turn."
He turns, walks away, and I spring into action.I jump toward him, grab him by his shoulder and yank him around."What the bloody hell?"I shout."What the fuck are you going to do, you bastard?"
He winces, glances down at where I am gripping his shoulder."Let go of me," he says in a hard voice.
I hesitate, and he snaps, "I mean it, Ed."
"First, tell me what the hell you are going to do?"
"First, let go off me."
We glare at each other, then I release him."There," I mutter, "now tell me what you are up to."
"Wouldn’t you like to know?"Turning, he hobbles out of the area.
What in the everlovin’—?Stunned, I watch him for a few seconds before I give chase.I run after him, but despite his impeded gait, he’s already managed to cut through a part of the crowd and is half-way to the exit.I pause near where the rest of the Seven are huddled,
"Baron, you fucker.Where the hell do you think you’re going?"
My voice rings out above the noise of the crowd.From the corner of my eye, I notice Sinner and the rest of the guys glancing between us.
Baron reaches the exit, pauses, then turns.He seems to take in the scene, glances at each of the Seven in turn before his gaze settles on me.He jerks his chin, or at least, I think that's what he does.Then turning, he stalks out.
7
Eight years later
Baron
"Heathrow Express departs from platform two in ten minutes.Will passengers please make their way to…"
I tune out the rest of the announcement from the overhead speakers in the station.That’s my train.It’ll take me to Heathrow airport to catch a flight to Spain.It’s where I’ve set up home, temporarily, since being discharged from the army.
I’d flown to London for forty-eight hours to catch up with my team of investigators who kept me informed about the movements of the Seven.Not that I don’t trust the Seven… After all, they’ve kept me appraised of how my shares are doing.They’ve also informed me of all major decisions taken.It’s just, I prefer to have first-hand intel of what they are up to.Our friendships aside, ultimately, we are also rivals, and the best way to protect my assets is to ensure I have knowledge of their dealings.
