Resurrecting the Genius Within (Calypso Rain) novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74 Shadows of Loyalty 

Isabelle was kind of stumped for words. She just nodded and was like, “Yeah, got it.” 

Feeling a bit awkward about what they were chatting about before, Isabelle was quick to switch things up. She was like, “Hey, I’ve got something to chat with Mr. Harris about.” 

And Mr. Harris was calm about it, saying, “Sure thing, Miss Jenkins.” 

Isabelle was like, “So, our spot in Blackwater got snagged recently, but we got it back a few days ago. I’m thinking of scouting out a new location. Could my crew crash into God’s Armament for a bit?” 

George quickly glanced over at White Owl and the gang, then nodded without missing a beat. 

“I reckon the spot next to God’s Armament could work just fine. Maybe we’ll end up being neighbours, watching each other’s backs down the line. So, I’m thinking, could I snag a piece of land there?” he proposed. 

Dylan’s eyes widened. “That’s a mighty kind thought. Are you sure it’s all about looking out for each other and not just getting a sweet deal?” 

George’s grin held steady, but he didn’t spill any more beans. White Owl and the crew exchanged knowing looks, piecing together that Isabelle was throwing them a lifeline. By bunking at God’s Armament temporarily and then setting up camp nearby, they’d be sending a clear message to troublemakers in Melfrey. 

Then George came in with a curveball. “We’re all about talent at God’s Armament, especially folks like Miss Jenkins here. Instead of just being neighbours, how about joining our crew? You’d be part of the family, sharing both the ups and the downs.” 

Did that mean they were being invited to join God’s Armament? White Owl and the gang turned to Isabelle, waiting for the scoop. For a mere group like theirs, getting actively recruited by God’s Armament was significant. 

White Owl and his crew hesitated, their loyalty to their former boss, No Name, weighing heavy on their minds. How could they justify jumping ship to join God’s Armament in light of their past allegiance? 

Isabelle raised an eyebrow and said, “It’s not totally off the table.” 

White Owl looked like he was about to speak up, but Isabelle beat him to the punch. “But here’s the thing. I’m used to calling the shots. Would Mr. Harris be willing to hand over the reins and make me the leader of God’s Armament?” 

In the end, George came through, granting the land next to God’s Armament to Blackwater. They got a sweet villa for their temporary digs and a boatload of workforce and resources to help them stake their 

claim. 

Once settled in the villa, Isabelle laid down the law for White Owl. “Spread the word that Blackwater’s on the hunt for new blood. Those who sign up will pocket 50 grand a month, with the real talents pulling in seventy large, plus a hefty commission that starts in the six digits. This offer blew the competition out of the water. 

White Owl asked, “How many folks are we aiming to recruit?” 

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Chapter 74 Shadows of Loyalty 

off the charts, with loads of old members coming back into the fold just in time for the Duel Tournament. 

With the chance of setting up shop near God’s Armament, they figured spreading the word would reel in a tonne of new recruits. 

Isabelle shrugged. The more, the merrier. If you can round up everyone in Melfrey, you’ll be sitting pretty.” 

But White Owl knew that was a pie–in–the–sky goal. God’s Armament wouldn’t be cool with them monopolising the whole town. 

“Why do we need such a big army, though?” he wondered, 

At first. White Owl saw shades of their old boss, No Name, in Isabelle. But her sudden change in tack showed she was a whole different breed. 

After a beat of silence, Isabelle got honest with them. “What if I told you I’ve got a score to settle with Dark Shadow? Would that spook you?” 

White Owl scratched his head. “You mean the big–shot assassin group, Dark Shadow?” 

Yep. 

In reality, Isabelle could’ve spilled the beans to White Owl and the crew about how Dark Shadow offed their old leader, No Name, and how they were itching for payback. But she held back. She didn’t want them to walk into the same danger just for revenge. 

If they were down to back her up, cool. If not, well, folks come and go, right? 

She needed allies against Dark Shadow, but she wasn’t about to play with their emotions about No Name. 

Isabelle couldn’t help but feel a pang of irony at White Owl’s words. After all, she was No Name, and No Name was her. 

If you were scared of biting the dust, you wouldn’t have stuck around in Melfrey. You’d be back home, tilling the fields without a care. Our old boss, No Name, used to preach about loyalty being our bread and butter. And now that you’re calling the shots, your beef is our beef. Anyone who messes with you is messing with all of us,” White Owl declared, his tone unwavering 

Isabelle raised a barely–there eyebrow. Did she really used to spout such grandiose speeches? 

“My moves at the Duel Tournament might’ve drawn some eyes from Dark Shadow, but they likely haven’t caught on yet. Let’s keep this on the down–low for now, but stay sharp,” Isabelle instructed.