Antonio, the underworld emperor of New York, flexed his influence, summoning gang leaders who rushed in with
enthusiasm at his beckoning.
Yet, a twist of fate awaited them in Chinatown, they found themselves bound and gagged, stashed on the second
floor of a roast goose shop. With each new arrival, Antonio’s anxiety mounted.
Seizing a lull between the latest arrivals and the previous group being whisked upstairs, Antonio couldn’t help but
plead with Charlie, “Mr. Wade… I’ve lured all these gang bosses to Syria. I’ve betrayed every New York gang boss. If
they unite against me once we’re in Syria, I won’t make it out alive…”
Charlie smiled and asked, “So, what’s your suggestion?”
Antonio swallowed and replied cautiously, “I’ve been quite cooperative, why not let me stay in New York and work
for you and your strong associate…”
Charlie retorted, “If you stay in New York, won’t you be worried about revenge seekers? You’ve conned all the gang
bosses into heading to Syria. Do you think their families will let you off the hook?”
Antonio’s lips twitched as he tentatively asked, “Mr. Wade, why not allow me to return to Sicily…”
Charlie patted his shoulder and stated calmly, “Alright, Antonio, stop dreaming. Sicilian compatriots are spread
across Europe and the United States. None of them are venturing to Syria to make a name for themselves. In Syria,
justice prevails, those who harm others face retribution and killers pay with their lives. Among those upstairs, if
someone does try to kill you, my old friend Commander Hamid will ensure you get justice. New York is more
forgiving, the body count you’ve left behind wouldn’t let you survive a week there.”
Desperation filled Antonio’s heart as Charlie remained resolute, but Charlie’s words did offer a modicum of comfort.
It felt as if they were all incarcerated together, albeit with guards and wardens to deter
reckless behavior. This time, however, he had truly offended the higher-ups. Even if he ever returned to New York,
life wouldn’t be easy.
The kidnapping persisted until early morning.
The gang bosses, lured by the Burning Angel’s trick, were bound and silenced before they could grasp the full
situation. They remained unaware of how their trusted Sicilian leader, Antonio Zano, had betrayed them, keeping
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthem tied up on that dim second floor.
Jagoan didn’t waste words, he secured them as they arrived, leaving Jordan to watch over them. Any signs of
resistance, movement, or indiscreet noises were met with boiling water pouring over their laps.
While it might sound brutal, it paled in comparison to the ruthless tactics these gangsters employed. Nevertheless,
this method proved incredibly effective, none of the ruthless gang bosses dared to step out of line in front of the
steaming pot.
Early in the morning, Wesley and over ten soldiers of the Dragon Temple soared into the skies, on a Concorde
passenger plane, bound for New York.
Unsure of why Jagoan had summoned him to New York, Wesley hurried directly to Chinatown upon landing.
Upon his arrival, he spotted Jagoan on the first floor and respectfully inquired, “Mr. Jagoan, you urgently summoned
your subordinate. What are your instructions?”
Jagoan gestured to Antonio beside him and explained, “This is the boss of the New York Mafia. Get acquainted.
There are many notable figures from the New York gangs upstairs. You’ll have to greet them one by one shortly.
They’re a headstrong bunch. I can handle them on my own, but they won’t be convinced without someone of your
stature, background and team to keep them in check. At dawn, you’ll
take him and his comrades out of the United States by boat, then transfer to Syria and deliver the cargo directly to
Hamid.”
Wesley nodded promptly and said, “Alright, Mr. Jagoan. Anything else you’d like to convey to your subordinate, or
should I pass a message to Commander Hamid?”
Jagoan glanced at Antonio and quipped, “This Antonio is a genuine Sicilian, but with a limp. Inform Hamid that since
Syria’s medical facilities are limited, there’s no need for elaborate treatment. Get him a crutch from a carpenter,
after all, Hamid’s building fortifications and a limp won’t impede him from working.”
Antonio felt like he might as well drop dead then and there. He never imagined his life would come to this point.
Jagoan instructed Jordan to ascend once more and bring Aman down.
Aman, well-traveled and worldly, instantly recognized Wesley upon seeing him. His shock was palpable. He couldn’t
fathom how Jagoan had acted so swiftly. Just hours ago, Wesley had been continents away. It was astounding that
he now stood in New York.
Jagoan directed Jordan to remove the gag from Aman’s mouth.
In a respectful tone, Aman hurriedly said, “Mr. Jagoan… Do you have any instructions for me?”
Jagoan pointed at Wesley and spoke composedly, “Aren’t you always curious about my ties with the Dragon Temple?
Well, the Jagoan of the Dragon Temple is here now, let him talk to you.”
Wesley maintained a stern expression. He feared Aman might utter something treasonous, so he promptly stated,
“Mr. Jagoan, everyone, including members of the Dragon Temple, is on the same side. If this person makes any
disrespectful comments or slanders the Jagoan family, please instruct your subordinate to make sure he
remembers.”
Aman was utterly horrified. His suspicions had been confirmed. It wasn’t the Dragon Temple that bent the Jagoan
Family to their will, but Jagoan who had conquered it.
Wesley, too, experienced a wave of dread. Back at Jagoan Mountain, he had been so arrogant, threatening to
obliterate Jagoan’s parents. If it hadn’t been for Jagoan’s benevolence, his parents might have faced dire
consequences due to his actions.
Moreover, he had severed his own meridians that day. Were it not for Jagoan’s intervention, he’d still be powerless.
His journey from weakness to mastery in the dark realm was all thanks to Jagoan. He felt profound shame when
recalling those events.
Furthermore, he was alarmed by Jagoan’s downplay of their connection. To the outside world, Jagoan insisted that
the Jagoan family had depleted their wealth to secure the Dragon Temple’s support. Consequently, Wesley was
apprehensive, wishing he could broadcast to the world that he had lost, while Jagoan insisted he’d won.
Upon hearing these words from Wesley, Aman was equally overcome with panic. He hurriedly apologized, “I’m
sorry, Mr. Jagoan. I was influenced by rumors from outside. Please pardon my impertinence…”
Jagoan smiled and reassured, “No need to be so frightened. I told you, I’m not cut from the same cloth as you.”
Aman breathed a sigh of relief. At this point, he cared little about whether he was bound for Syria or Afghanistan, as
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmlong as it meant preserving his life.
Jagoan scrutinized him and said earnestly, “Ramovich, you’re distinct from the gang bosses upstairs and Antonio
from Sicily. They’re small fry, unfit for the grand stage, but you’ve been a true oligarch. I believe
you were sharp and resourceful in your youth, but as you’ve grown older over the past two years, you’ve been
dazzled by beauty.”
Aman hung his head in shame. He’d realized earlier that both of his past transgressions had revolved around
women. Yet, his obsession was never with the allure of the opposite sex, his intentions always ran deeper.
He had sought to win the respect he deserved in Western Europe, yearning to marry Helena. Similarly, in New York,
he aimed to wed into the Antonio family to swiftly establish a foothold. Ultimately, his actions stemmed from the
circumstances he found himself in.
True, he was an oligarch, but due to his identity and background, he remained on the fringes of Western Europe
and North America. What value did wealth truly hold on its own? He might reside in the finest British abode, but
even a British toddler dared to insult him on camera, demanding he leave the UK. He felt marginalized.
His mind meandered towards the days when he contemplated his life. A persistent theme had emerged that he was
an oligarch unable to claim the recognition he deserved. But these thoughts were triggered by a lack of genuine
power, rather than a fascination with women.
Jagoan recognized this, and his words revealed a fresh perspective. “Aman, neither Eastern Europe nor Western
Europe is your true calling. Europe and the United States don’t suit you either. However, you may find a new
purpose in Syria. I’ll have Hamid pay special attention to you. If you win his favor, you might discover a fresh
direction for your life in Syria.”
From Jagoan’s view point, Hamid came from humble beginnings, just as Aman had. Hamid had risen through the
ranks with a gun, while Aman had crafted his oligarch legend through his intellect.
Their potential collaboration could yield positive results. Aman might not hold Syria in high regard, but he lacked
alternatives. Jagoan chose to tamp down his expectations and encourage him to regard Hamid as
a potential partner, granting him a chance to turn a new leaf.
This process was akin to helping a wealthy man find a partner who met his extraordinarily high standards, only to
scale down the requirements gradually until just one remained, offering a lifeline for survival.
Update of The Charismatic Charlie Wade