The King Of War Returns (Jaden Rift) novel Chapter 43

"Cut that crap, I don't need your stupid apology. Where's the girl?" Norman snapped, grabbing Fatima by the collar and yanking her forward. His voice trembled, not from weakness, but from pure rage mixed with fear. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead.

"If something happens to Julie, me and Bob are dead men walking. You don’t understand who her brother is!"

Fatima’s face paled as she stammered, "I-It was my cousin, Robert! I swear, I didn’t know he’d go that far! He took her... I don’t know where but please—I’m not the one you're looking for!" She fell to her knees, shaking uncontrollably, her hands clasped in a desperate plea.

Bob’s jaw clenched as he growled, "Robert...? That son of a bitch. I’ll rip his spine out myself!"

Norman turned to Bob, stunned. "Wait—you know this guy?"

Bob nodded sharply. "Yeah. He’s one of mine. One of the street rats under my payroll."

Norman’s eyes widened in disbelief. "One of your men!? I thought you sent the message out—to everyone—not to lay a finger on the King’s family!"

Bob nodded again, this time slower, angrier. "I did. I even sent out photos. I made it clear. Anyone who touched them was dead. But Robert..." He clenched his fist until his knuckles cracked. "He wouldn’t do this unless he had some fool backing him. Someone stronger... or stupid enough to think they’re untouchable."

"Call him." Norman said.

Bob was already dialing, pacing like a caged beast. Ring after ring. No answer. He redialed. Again. Voicemail.

"He’s not picking up!" Bob roared, throwing his phone to the ground, cracking the screen. "He knows I’m coming."

Norman didn’t hesitate. "We find him. Now."

Bob nodded. "He’s got a few dirty hideouts in the city. Start with the scrapyard at Rust Alley. If he’s not there, we check the docks."

---

This wasn’t just clothing. It was a declaration.

Only members of the Black Dragon Group were permitted to wear it. And anyone else caught in one... wouldn’t live to take it off.

Jaden brushed a finger across the insignia.

"I like this one," he murmured.

Then his eyes sharpened.

"Let’s go pay Baron Gravesend a visit."