Theo had left in a frenzy when Dreco had spread the words that his company was being raided by the police to him. With the chief of police clearly favoring Oliver , Theo had lost what little influence he had as the authorities no longer answered to him which was quite surprising because he had made sure he always drops a bigger cut for him as well, he couldn’t help but wonder what Oliver got on him that made the man so submissive.

Lately, they hadn’t just watched him, they hunted him. And none more so than Detective Shawn who had turn harassment into a personal crusade. The man had a venomous way of smiling as he issued threats, like he was so sure that it was only a matter of time before he gets Theo under his thumb.

Theo had made mistakes, sure. He had dabbled in drugs when the future looked uncertain but he’d cleaned up. The company had begun to thrive, profits climbing and his newly launched car model was flying off the lot.

Dreco pulled over, tires grinding against the curb. Since this was the company matter, Theo had only trusted him. Just as they both stepped out of the car, Theo’s eyes locked onto a figure across the lot, cold, poised and unmistakably familiar, it was Detective Shawn.

As soon as Shawn spotted them, he began walking forward, a smug smirk stretching across his lips like he’d just cashed in his first billion. But Theo knew better, he knew exactly what laid behind the detective’s satisfaction.

“I thought you skipped town” Shawn drawled, his voice laced with mock surprise.

“Did we really drag you all the way back here? Désolé but not really, your company reeks of raw crimes, and I’m here to tear through every filthy layer until I get my hand on it” Shawn spoke, his expression darkening with each word. Theo, however remained composed. A slow knowing smile played on his lips, one that only deepened the detective’s irritation.

“I assure you Detective,” Theo started coolly, “there’s nothing here to uncover__unless of course, you’re looking to trade up for a new ride, you could use one honestly, that rust bucket of yours might as well drive you straight to the front of a train, that will be sad, don’t you think?” Theo’s gaze had casually drifted to Shawn’s car parked nearby when he had said the last part, the insult sharp and deliberate.

Shawn didn’t respond at first but the tension in his jaw spoke volumes. Everyone knew salaries in law enforcement were barely enough to scrape by but Shawn, too arrogant to stoop to bribes and too proud to admit weakness was broke. Theo saw it clear as day, but he knew persuasion would be wasted on a man like him.

Theo’s thoughts wandered, back to when he was still just a boy, silently observing his father’s empire from the shadows. There had been a detective back then, he was loud, persistent and dangerous. Even though it was a long time ago, Theo recalled his name. They had called him Jake of the west because he came from the west. Theo recalls how the man was silenced, his father had a knife to the man’s wife’s throat which reminded the man of what power was.

Theo wouldn’t go that far, not anymore. Thirty years ago, he might’ve slit Shawn’s throat without hesitation but now, he wanted a trace of redemption, something to hold on to. So instead, he smiled.

On the other hand, Shawn held a grudge on Theo’s father which is why he was bent on getting Theo behind bars, if it’s the only thing he could do to get justice for his late mother.

A call breaks the tension. It was Shawn’s phone that rang. His brows furrowed as soon as he saw who the caller was. It was his superior and he already assumed what the man was going to say. He glanced at Theo who had a cool smile on before picking up the call.

‘Looks like he got back to his senses’ Theo thought until he saw Shawn’s expression brighten up.

“Looks like you are too broke to give out money this time” Shawn said to Theo as soon as he ended the call. He brings forth his handcuffs, taking slow steps towards Theo. Dreco was alerted, he immediately takes a step towards Shawn as well but Theo held his hand to keep him still.

“Relax big guy, Jeez I’m so scared” Shawn said with sarcasm.

“Can we do this without cuffs involved” Theo said.

“You should have talked that out with the authority, I’m just no one who listens to no one” Shawn said and smiles, he handcuffs Theo’s hands together and led him towards his car which Theo had mocked him about. Theo had sighted a reporter lurking by earlier, he had signaled Dreco to go after him which had left Shawn and him together alone.

“You should get used to my car now just as you will have to get used to being behind bars” Shawn said amidst the drive which Theo gave no response to. Ten minutes passed and Shawn thought to speak up again.

“No doubt you are just like your father, you can’t change that, even if you keep this facade on. What he took from me, I will take back” Shawn said which aroses questions from him to Shawn. He was about to ask when Shawn’s car takes a stop. Theo’s gaze shifted to the front. He sights Oliver unexpectedly, and the chief of police, locking hands with him. Shawn followed Theo’s gaze, he saw Oliver which made a smile form on his lips. He was well aware of the coherence Oliver and Theo shared so it amused him to see the look of detest on Theo’s face.

Theo studied every ounce of the chief’s face. He could see through the man’s failed attempt of looking calm. At once, Theo figured what Oliver had on him.

“Looks like he got families involved” Theo mutters to himself. Someone like him and Oliver played their games dirty, only that he repented.

It was the power they held.