Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1917

Right as the cigarette ash dropped, Zeke tried to spin around and run. However, his movement was stiff and clumsy. It was clear the guy was out of shape and had not worked out in years.

Andrew let out a cold chuckle and flicked a golden needle from his fingers.

Zeke let out a blood-curdling scream as the needle struck his heel, like his tendon had been sliced clean through. He crumpled to the ground, writhing in pain, unable to get back up.

Andrew walked over and stomped his foot onto Zeke's face. He leaned down with a chilling smile. "Big Z, huh? The great king of Verhampton Valley? Doesn't seem like you're much of anything to me."

Zeke roared in humiliation. "Get your damn foot off me, you hear me? I'm backed by the Driscoll family in Blumedale! You know who they are? They're one of the Three Titans of Gabo Creek. They could crush you without lifting a finger!"

A cracking sound echoed.

Andrew pressed down harder, grinding Zeke's head halfway into the dirt.

"Oh, the Driscoll family's lapdog, huh? In that case, I'll just send you ahead first."

Zeke's soul practically flew out of his body at Andrew's words. "No, wait... Sir! Please! I was wrong. Spare me, I beg you!"

He never imagined Andrew would not even blink at the name of the Driscoll family.

Zeke pleaded, "How about this… Let me go, and I'll give you half of everything I own in Verhampton Valley, including property, cash, women, all of it!"

Andrew ignored him completely and looked to Chantelle. "You called the local law enforcement, right?"

Chantelle nodded as she ran over. "They're on the way. I've already alerted them."

Andrew gave a cold snort. "You little piece of trash. If you hadn't come looking for trouble, I wouldn't have even bothered with you. But you chose the road to hell over the gates of heaven. Enjoy the next few decades rotting in prison."

As for the rest? Andrew could not care less. He let the officers handle them. Once the trucks blocking the road were moved, the group got back on the road.

Inside the car, both Hank and Theo sat silent, their faces dark and spirits crushed. Suddenly, Andrew slapped Hank hard across the face.

Hank's head snapped up, eyes blazing, but he did not dare say a word.

Andrew smirked. "What now? Getting scared already?"

Hank's voice was hoarse as he gritted his teeth. "Andrew, no matter how strong you are, the ones you've offended are Special Ops and the Driscoll family. You really think you alone can take down a behemoth like Special Ops?"

Andrew sneered. "Then let me tell you something. When your Special Ops Director sees me, he bows his damn head and calls me 'sir'. And in private? He would be at my beck and call."