The Royal Contract-Chapter 1319: The endless possibilities

He parked his car on the almost deserted street. It was already late, but a few people were still strolling along the pedestrian side.

But would he trust his life to these people? Maybe not. But he came here with a mission. And he would not leave until he accomplished it.

He quickened his footsteps until he saw the narrow alleyway leading him to the person he sought. But before he could even step inside, somebody blocked his way.

"You don't seem to belong to this part of the neighborhood." A man in a sleeveless shirt, loose denim pants with tattoos inked almost all his exposed skin stood before him.

He could only suspect that he must be one of the gangs that ruled this street at night. But the likes of him did not scare him.

He also once lived in this kind of neighborhood. He was not proud that he was also part of a local gang that caused problems rather than solutions in their small community.

"I did not come here to cause trouble." He raised his hands in surrender, avoiding an unnecessary confrontation.

After all, he did not come for them but for another reason. And he did not need to start a problem unless he had no choice.

"Are you sure?" He said as he studied his face before scrutinizing his body. He was probably checking if he had weapons in him.

Still, he prepared himself if things would get out of hand. He knew that once trouble started in the street, it was just a matter of seconds before things were over.

Then, he would be facing the consequences. It was either he would be the last man standing. Or he would be lying on the floor in the pool of his blood.

"You look like a cop." He accused him as he circled him with his buddies nearby. "You look like a detective that circled this area." He reiterated.

It must be his cheap suit that looked almost identical to what the cops usually wore or his lean physique that had made them suspect he was here to bust them.

"Fortunately, I am not." He insisted, pulling his coat to show them he had no badge or gun on his waist. "I don't want any trouble. I am just looking for a friend."

He closed his jacket after assuring them that he came in peace. Finally, some backed away, leaving just two who stood before him.

"So, who are you looking for? Maybe we can help." The shady man offered, but he knew not to trust a man like him.

"I think I can manage to find him on my own." He suggested, hoping the man would take the hint and leave him alone.

But such was not his luck as the man persisted in assisting him but for a price. Of course, he knew when he was being harassed and hassled.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" A familiar voice resonated in the dark alley, bouncing on the walls until it reached his ears.

He and the other guys turned to see who it was, focusing on the dark shadows that moved toward them.

But he already knew he found him. And that was all that mattered now. Still, he was cautious about how the man before him would react, watching his six simultaneously.

"I was looking for you." He answered as he slowly made out his small figure with his friend walking behind him. He recognized the big man as the one he had helped get out of jail.

"Hey, kid. Do you know this man?" The punk asked the boy for confirmation. It would seem that they coexisted in this place.

He was just not sure if that included harmony. But so far, no guns were blazing, which was a good sign. But he still would not trust this man with his life or the boy.

"Yes, he is my attorney." The boy said confidently, reassuring the other guys that they had nothing to worry about him. "He is cool."

Suddenly, he could remember himself in this boy, finally seeing what Serena had seen in him. Still, he had much to learn about his background.

But once again, he could not help but wonder how Serena and Ken managed to cross paths. They belonged in two opposite worlds for their lives to collide.

That must be one incredible fate.

"Ok. If you say so." The punk finally pulled away, stepping back away from him. "I guess you are cool then." He raised his hand and saluted before moving to find another spot, leaving him with the boy and his companion.

The boy finally stepped into his vision, revealing his face in the dim light of the lamppost. Then, he whispered something to his friend before the big man moved back and disappeared into the shadows.

"Why are you looking for me?" He answered as he stepped closer to him. "I already told you I don't need anyone to adopt me."

It was what he expected he would say. From their last conversation, he thought he would be ecstatic about the news.

Truthfully, he thought the boy would take advantage of Serena's offer. Who would not want to become her son and be part of her family?

Therefore, he was bewildered when he flatly refused the offer without hearing him out and thinking about his proposal.

"But you are passing up an opportunity for a better life." He wanted to convince the boy that there was more to this life than what this street could offer him.

He would know because he had managed to crawl out of this dumpster and had made a name for himself on the other side.

"I already made my decision," Ken said, being as stubborn as him.

Suddenly, he wondered if his kids would be like him, a fighter and a survivor. But he knew that Ken would be a good brother. He had seen how loyal and caring he was to the people he loved.

"Isn't there any way I can convince you to change your mind?" He asked, feeling like there must be another way.

He did not want to go home empty-handed. He knew how much Serena wanted this adoption to happen. He had to find a way.

There must be a reason why he did not want to get adopted. It could be the trauma of bouncing from one foster home to another.

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Or someone adopted him but decided to return him because of some complications in the adoption process or some other problem.

"No. I am happy where I am. I have my family right here." He pointed to the man that was lurking in the shadow.

He could understand his reasoning, remembering how he considered the people in the street his only family. But in his experience, the boy could never depend on them in the long run.

Eventually, he would be left alone to fend for himself in this chaotic city jungle against the ferocious lions, the wild bears, and the poisonous snakes who wished to dominate the land.

"I hope you will indulge me for a few hours. Come with me." He asked him. "If I can't convince you by then, I will never bother you again."

He guessed that was his last chip. If his gamble did not pay off, then he lost forever. His chance of winning him over and Serena, too, would disappear. Then he would have nothing.

"I will give you an hour." The boy said after his long silence.

But an hour was not enough, so he haggled for more. "Three hours." That should be long enough.

He guessed Serena somehow finally persuaded him to like the boy more than he would like. She was right about him. He was intelligent, kind, loyal, and trustworthy.

Serena had finally convinced him that she should adopt the boy and take him out of this place. He deserved more than what fate had given him so far.

"Fine," Ken answered as he walked away from him, back into the dark alley. "Wait in your car." He said before he finally disappeared with his friend.

He watched the shadows slowly fade before he moved toward his car and climbed into the passenger seat.

After a few minutes, he wondered if the boy had fooled him and decided to ditch him. He checked his watch, wondering if he should continue waiting. Or should he start looking for him again?

"Five minutes more." He mumbled to himself, checking the clock every minute that passed. But a few seconds before the time lapsed, a shadow emerged in the alley, and the boy finally appeared, moving to his car.

He did not mind looking for him, but he was glad the boy had kept his promise. It was a good sign that the boy also had integrity.

"Shall we go?" The boy climbed on the passenger's side and strapped himself to the car seat. "But I have to get back before the sun goes up." He reminded him.

He guessed they still had plenty of time to do his plan and return to this place. Like the boy, he intended to keep his promise.

He did not want the boy to think the earth was full of crooks and bad people. He already thought of the world bad enough.

"Ok." He started the engine and immediately pulled away from the parking lot. Soon, they were cruising on the almost empty street on their way to another part of this incredible city.

He only hoped that he could open the boy's eyes to the endless possibilities that awaited him on the other side.