Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Kidnapping A Official!
Jacob’s eyes flared with fury, his jaw is so tightly clenched that the veins in his neck appeared to bulge.
As soon as Simon’s name was mentioned, he exluded a extremely thick killing intent.
"Simon has imprisoned my old mother," Jacob snarled, each word grudgingly itched out between clenched teeth. "He told me, if I did not come to kill you... something terrible would happen to her."
The room fell silent. Even Mr. Hartwell, who often had a ready made plan, didn’t dare utter a word.
Alex squinted his eyes, eyeing Jacob intently. His tone was measured but inquiring. "Do you know where your mother is being kept?"
Jacob shook his head, his shoulders hunched from exhaustion.
For the first time, his fierce eyes bore something else...fear.
"I don’t know exactly. But... she’s imprisoned in a small hut in Ashford Village. Which one, I really don’t know about it."
Alex rapped his finger on the wooden board. "I can try to save your mother. But what will you do for me?"
Jacob’s head jerked up, hope burning across his coarse face. "Really? You would ... would you really save my mother?" His voice broke.
Alex made no direct reply. He waited, allowing the silence to give his answer to him.
"If you can save her," Jacob exclaimed, "and if you give me food every day, I swear that, I, Jacob Stone will be your most faithful servant for the rest of my life!"
His belly rumbled at the thought of food, the clear reminder that despite his great strength he still need food to survive, just like ordinary folk do.
But Alex’s face was set. "Words won’t be sufficient. What If I rescue your mother and you betray me, then what? What’s to prevent someone of your power from turning on against me?"
Jacob pounded his head against the ground, his voice shaking with desperation. "I swear by Heaven! If I break my word, may lightning strike me, and may I never eat my belly again to fullness!"
He seemed to really mean it, veins bulging on his temples, his eyes red with eagerness to prove himself useful.
Alex shifted back, still doubtful. Jacob’s anger was admirable, but what did that have to do with trust?
Jacob again dropped to his knees with a crash, bowing low. "Brother, how can I gain your trust? Tell me! Whatever test, whatever punishment, I’ll bear it."
Mr. Hartwell who was observing Jacob silently from the sidelines, moved closer to Alex and spoke softly,
"Alex, men like Jacob who are trained in martial arts they usually does not take an oath lightly. My observation tells me his words can be trusted."
Alex’s mouth curved into the slight smile.
Mr. Hartwell is much more experienced in the matters of the world if he says Jacob’s words can be trusted, than it was not very often that he was mistaken.
He nodded slowly. "Alright. I will trust you on this Mr. Hartwell, Lucy unbind him."
Lucy acted swiftly, untying the ropes. Jacob, with all the bruises and weakness, sat upright once again.
"Sincerely thank you for trusting me," said Jacob, his fists respectfully clenched.
His eyes shone with thankfulness. "Even after how I acted, you still believe me. I... I have nothing to say."
Alex voice interrupted harshly, "You’ll have to do one more thing before we plan how to rescue your mother.
First go and catch a government official and bring him here. As you only know the general whereabouts of where she is being detained. We’ll acquire the information from him."
Jacob face went stiff. "A government official?"
"That’s right." Alex was resolute. "I have equipments to rescue your mother but an official will have the inside information. I can’t chance rescuing your mother blindly."
The burden of the task fell on Jacob.
He collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air. "As I got stabbed with that stick like thing. I feel very weak even now...can you give me some food first."
Alex’s voice softened suddenly. "Rest first. I’ll bring you food."
He vanished into the warehouse, reappearing a moment later with four roasted chickens.
Jacob eyes widened at seeing the chickens, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard.
"Roasted chickens!"
His voice cracked which almost sound childlike in amazement.
He never thought that this much kindness will be given by the same man he had attempted to kill recently.
He felt shame, but soon it was drowned out by hunger.
He tossed Alex a hungry look.
"Eat," Alex said. "You’ll require your strength for what comes next after all."
"Alright!"
Jacob nodded greedily and ripped into the roasted chicken.
Gravy ran down his chin, but he didn’t mind.
He ate one chicken , then another, as if he hadn’t eaten for weeks.
By the time he ate all four, bones covered the floor, and his belly was slightly swollen.
He sat back with a burp, a satisfied smile spreading over his face.
"Now," Jacob said, thumping his chest, "I’m ready again! I’ll capture someone and return quickly!"
Without another word, he stormed out of his pace as fast as storm.
Alex and Mr. Hartwell exchanged a look of amusement.
Mr. Hartwell just chuckled softly. "He seems like a tiger who’s tasted blood again."
Alex nodded in agreement. "Fierce, but useful."
Twenty minutes later, the thud of footsteps boomed at the door. The door slammed open, and Jacob strode in, pulling a bound official along with him.
The man’s uniform was torn, his face flushed due to anger.
"Boss!" Jacob called triumphantly. "I caught a official and brought him in!"
The officer struggled in the ropes, his voice growing in outrage. "Let me go! You dare to attack a government official? Do you wish to die?!"
Jacob pushed him forward like a bag of rice. "Close your mouth yourself before I close it for you."
The officer stood shocked, his eyes moved from Alex to Jacob, and back again. Fear crossed his face, but it was quickly concealed.