I stared at the sky being lost in a thought. I could hear some birds chirping from a distance and I could hear her speech even though I'm at the parking lot. So I decided to stay with the car that we used to drive back then. It's funny knowing we had a lot of memories on this Sedan. I didn't wanna see her giving that speech or it's just my pride for not being able to make up with her. A lot of thoughts have been going through my mind as I couldn't help but laugh. I'm insane as I murmured to my own self with nobody around the place. It's been a while but this is only thing I could do. I need to tell her the truth and maybe along the way she'll give me a chance.

30 minutes have gone by and I could see her walk from a distance. Still as beautiful as ever, everything about her. It's just like back when I first saw her. Her silky black hair, and round cheeky face with a pretty chinita eyes. I couldn't help but be nostalgic about it. And I see Jane is still with her though she's been at her side ever since. I could tell she noticed me and I swear she's pissed at me, she could be cursing me on her mind right now. But I like her feistiness, it's one of her attitudes that made me fall for her.

"Still the same car you drive? Even though you're pretty rich you still drive a Sedan" I smiled while mesmerized by her.

"Yes still now get to the point Jake. What are you doing here?"
she replied.

Cold as ice but I guess I have to tell her about my dad's plans for the city and I know for sure she's going to take action. Since she's the only person I trust the most. But I have to break the ice first

"Well, it's been a while but Well it's been a while Lily and I just want to see you again, you know how you've been doing?"

I noticed she's not in the mood but somehow she's not hearing me.

"Lily, just hear me ou-"

"Jake stop okay. You didn't even hear me out once."

Then out of nowhere she slapped me in the face. I felt the slap as I almost went down but I just took it. I deserved it but that's not important right now. As soon as I utter word, Jane stopped me and told me to just leave her alone but I insisted. She went inside her car and I couldn't even tell her the plan. I was frustrated but I looked at Jane.

"Jane, can you relay this message for her please?"

"I know what you did to Lily, Jake. I won't forgive you for that but what is it that you wanted to say to her? It's better be good." Jane furiously said.

I couldn't tell Jane the plan was. It's not that I couldn't trust her but it's better if Lily knows this first. I have no choice but to give Jane a warning.

"Jane I know I did her wrong last year but both you and Lily are in danger. Someone's planning to threaten you both."

Jane was surprised but I know she's not satisfied with that.

"Is that it? Jake we get death threats every day and hateful comments on social media."

"Trust me Jane. I think this might be bigger than that but I please keep Lily safe for me?"

Jane doubted me for a second but I knew what reaction's shes gonna give. 

"Sure but please leave her alone this time Jake. You don't know how much she's been through." I felt Jane's sincerity.

I glanced at Lisa and I never knew she's still thinking about that. I felt frustrated but I better leave her alone for now. I couldn't give Jane the details but this would be enough for now. I just hope Lily will hear me out then. As both of them left, silence was loud as the wind's trying to comfort me after what had happened. 

I reached for my phone in my pocket. I see some missed calls that's been sent to voicemail. Dad's been trying to reach me for a while. I sighed thinking he may have suspected that I knew what his plan was for the city. I hope Jane delivers the message. Then out of nowhere a message popped up. It was from an unknown number.

"Jake Monte, son of the Governor Lee Monte. See me at this place ASAP, I know about Mr. Lee's plans."

I couldn't help but notice something fishy is going on. Asking me about to meet at this place. I worked my way at my car. Someone knows about the plan. Even though I just barely noticed the little details but I knew there's something going on with this city. One thing I know is "get rid of the new city council members". Even though I'm going through the danger I still decided to go just for one reason. For Lily.

So far this street feels familiar. I see even though it's not a busy street I felt like I've been here before. This is oddly close to Lily's Apartment. As I peek there's little establishment around the place except for that one cafe. I turn around the corner as the message was to meet me there, It's suspicious considering it was a butcher shop and something sneaky was going on. I decided to park my car around the corner if ever something happened to me they might not know my car and steal some belongings in here. I texted Jane as she gave me her number earlier. Although she told me to keep it a secret to Lily since she doesn't want to anger Lily furthermore. She's intrigued about what I said earlier. I decided to leave the phone in my car. And walk down the street. Surprisingly there's a little of people going back and forth on this street. Well it has been a while since I've been here. Lily liked this whole block a lot considering there's least amount of people in here and it's only busy when it's rush hour or in most days. As I was approaching the butcher shop, a man on the outside noticed me and he pointed inside.

"Here, you're Jake Monte right?" He said

I nodded. At first I thought he was a local but upon closer look he wasn't. I was taller than him although considering from his height he was 4 inch short. He has both tattoos on his arms like a bracelet. Although he's a bit tan and I didn't noticed his tattoos. I could tell he's pretty well built despite his appearance. And I can't shake of the feeling of death and intimidation on him. I went inside and as I observed the place. It's pretty normal for a butcher shop. Although there's only 2 inside. A man wearing a white shirt standing, observing me; I couldn't help but feel a chill in my spine if I move I swear he could kill me or cut me up at any moment. I gulped and as the man behind me closed the door. Another man popped out of nowhere. I felt death as he was chopping some meat, I felt every strike as he sliced it with ease. I guess that is their boss and I don't know what gang or affiliation they're in but I know I'm in danger.  And I couldn't help but get intrusive thoughts in my head. I shouldn't have left the phone. I should have told Lily first. Sweat was building in my temple, I could burst at any moment. Suddenly, the man on the white shirt spoked.

"You look pretty tense, calm down. We're not here to kill you. In fact, we're here to protect you."

I looked at him. Dumbfounded by what he's saying. I felt reassured but protecting me? Protect me from what? 

"Boss, are you sure he's the guy? To protect this coward?" The man behind me laughed.

"I know I can't win against you guys if you gang up on me. But I guarantee  I can win against you 1on1." 

I muster up the words and I know I was insulted but I don't wanna go down without fighting.

"Hoh? Big words coming from a rich kid like you? Do you think you can fight huh? Pretty boy." 

The man stared at me and as we both locked our eyes staring each other's soul. I could take him. Even though I'm still inexperienced about fighting but I learned a lot of fighting lessons. 

"Stop it. Davi, he's a precious ally. Don't scare him like that." The man with a white shirt said.

"You got lucky pretty boy." 

This Davi guy stopped and went at the back of the shop. I felt a little lighter as if I was in a battlefield earlier.

"Umm, why did you send that message earlier? Who are you? Why do you want to protect me?"

"Because you're in danger, Jake Monte. And so is the public figure Lisa Robyn."

A lot of questions suddenly popped up in my mind. What the hell is going on? I could feel that this was serious but I'm still shocked about it. 

"Well then I'm not the one you should protect but her Lily! And who are you?!" I shouted.

He casually gazed at me. Silently observing as if he knows every bit of my own life. I could still hear the meat being chopped. I'm scared. Not for me but for Lily.

He sighed suddenly approached me. He lightly tapped my left shoulder and proceeded to  open the front door. I noticed his scars on his hands and a tattoo on his right arm, the same as that Davi guy. On his left hand, he glanced at his silver watch. I couldn't speak but just looked at him. 

"Arthur Torgeir and don't worry I'll help Miss Lisa Robyn. It's about time anyways." 

He left and I was on a rollercoaster of emotions earlier. I felt choked but I could finally breathe. I had doubts that he will help Lily. What if she will be in danger because of him? I had to go after him but the man whose been chopping meat earlier spoke.

"Don't worry that man will keep his word and you should go. And be careful someone's been spying on you lately." He casually said and smiled.

A big hunk of man spoke to me as if he was a wise mentor but I felt reassured a little bit but still I'm going to protect Lily and Jane. I can't just rely on that man saying he's going to protect me. Fuck, I felt useless earlier. Even though only both of their presence stood out and I felt scared that if I move they will cut me up. Especially that man Arthur. He's suspicious and I will keep an eye on him. I left the butcher shop and I looked around to find that Arthur guy but he was gone. I have to find Lily fast. I hurriedly went back to my car and warn Jane that Lily must be in danger.

End of Chapter 1...