The Royal Contract

Mike finally saw Haley in the flesh as she crossed the room with her father, joining the rest of the guests of this gathering.

He could not help but blame himself for their current situation. Haley was his responsibility. Therefore, how could he had not known that her father was already on to her location?

"I am sorry, Haley." He silently mumbled, thinking this was his fault. He was not paying attention to her safety. Now, he had to make it up to her by finding a way to save her.

He always prided himself on being one step ahead of his opponents. But lately, he had been lagging behind the line, resulting in being the last to know.

Was he losing his touch? No, he was not. He just lost focus for a while. But he was back in the game. This time, he was not dropping the ball.

"They look like a lovely couple." A woman, whom he only knew as the wife of one of their most high-ranking leader in the organization, commented.

He would have thought the same thing if he had not known Haley. But he would die first before he allowed Haley to marry that man. But how would he stop this?

He heard that Alfred and Don were expediting the wedding. Luckily, Don was still in the hospital, recuperating.

But it would be just a few days before he would be out again. Then, they would schedule the biggest union of two families in the mafia world.

"Mike," One of their leader's most trusted men approached him, looking serious. But he had always known him to be that way. He was one of those guys who did not have a smiling face.

He had been working around the clock, collecting information to send to Gerald.

So far, he had not seen an opportunity to infiltrate their enemy's defenses. It seemed that since Haley had arrived, the security had doubled, and it became harder for him to find a way to save her without risking her life.

"Yes," Mike pretended he was still one of them, cooperating as much with their operation.

Although he could feel that Don might suspect something, their leader had not acted on his suspicion. Therefore, he had to be extra careful not to fuel his mistrust by doing something stupid.

"Sir Don wants you to oversee Ms. Haley's security. The Boss also needs you to facilitate processing the marriage license for the wedding." The man stated several more specific instructions about what Don required him to do.

He did not find anything unusual with Don's instructions. He sometimes ran his security for him since he started working for him. And Don trusted him with the usual legal documents.

However, he still would not discount the possibility this might be a trap. Don could be setting him up to see what he would do.

"I am on it." He assured the man who was temporarily in charge while Don was indisposed. Still, he had to act like he was willingly participating in the task given to him.

He looked around again and found Haley surrounded by her father's associates. He knew she was not in immediate danger. His father would not do anything to harm her or the baby as long as he still needed them.

But still, he knew he had to act soon. Besides, Gerald was already anxiously waiting for his updates. He knew his friend could not wait to come barging into this party unannounced to reclaim and save the woman he loved.

He guessed this was his opportunity to gather more intel as he managed the security of the place. But as he had said, he had to be discreet with his plans.

"By the way, how is Don?" He asked, wondering if there was a new development in his condition.

Although he already had some feedback from his source in the hospital, he still wanted to hear what this man would share with him.

"He is doing great. The doctors assured me he would be out in a day or two." The man said before he moved on to mingle with the other guests.

It was no different from what he had heard, meaning his clock was ticking. He had to act fast as he moved across the room, looking for the head of security.

He took one last look at Haley and could not help but feel sorry for her. He believed she should not be here, caught up in the center of this power struggle.

He could not do anything about it anymore except ensure that she would not become collateral damage when this war was over.

"I promise I will make you and your baby safe." He mumbled, seeing again how miserable she was under the company of her father and his soon-to-be husband.

Suddenly, he fisted his hand on his side, wanting to beat the living life out of that man. He had been a thorn in their side since he had arrived in their organization.

He had enough of his meddling, guaranteeing that this would be the last problem he would give them. After this, that man would end up in a ditch, six feet deep, or in a four-by-four cell with no windows.

"Could you show me the security schematics around the mansion?" He told the security, confident that Don had given him access.

He had to determine the weak points of the mansion, which Gerald could use to infiltrate the place. And he had to find out any backup plan he could use.

Although they already had another plan brewing, they could not implement it until they had guaranteed that Haley was as far away from this place and safely tucked away somewhere her father could not find her.

He went with the man into the far end of the hallway and outside the main building until they reached another smaller building.

Soon, he was checking the security cameras, taking notes of their locations, making mental reminders of the blind spots.

"Have you noticed anything unusual tonight?" He asked the men in charge of checking the cameras.

"No, Sir." The two simultaneously answered. So far, the celebration was what it should be. Slightly loud, but not chaotic.

He also made a mental note of the men roaming the grounds. So far, he knew that they were more than usual, but only because of the celebration. After all the guests had left, the guards would decreased by then.

Now, he just had to get Haley alone to discuss a plan of action. But that would be the tricky part. It seemed that her father always had someone following her around.

"I have to go back to the party, but call me if there are any changes." He pretended to be on top of the situation, securing the place just like Don had ordered.

He walked back to the main house, still scouting the perimeter and the different entrances of the massive place. It would be difficult, but it would not be impossible.

"Mike," Suddenly, he heard someone call him as soon as he had entered the room. Who else but the groom, beckoning him to join them?

Of course, how could he refuse the future Boss of their organization? He quickly moved in their direction, seeing Haley's eyes were on him.

He only hoped that Haley would play along with his plan by keeping her mouth shut. He did not want her to say anything to compromise their already delicate situation.

"Mike, it is nice of you to join us." Michael greeted him, already acting like he owned the place. "I am sure you already met my future wife, Haley."

He had never liked him. He always felt that the man was a snake ready to bite the hands that feed him. He remembered how Gerald had helped him countless times in the past.

But who knew, he would be the one to put a bullet on his friend, at least ordered for his friend's death. Nevertheless, that was the life in this cutthroat business. Kill or die. Weak people had no place in this world. They would never survive.

"Yes, of course. It is a pleasure to see you again." And he was glad that she was ok. And checking on her physical condition, it seemed the baby was fine, too.

At least, he could assure Gerald he had nothing to worry about Haley's health. The last thing he wanted was to see Haley in distress.

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Mike Carter." Haley greeted him as if they were just an acquaintance.

But he doubted that Michael bought the act. Still, he played the part, not wanting to increase their suspicion.

The last thing he wanted was someone to pull out a gun and start shooting at this party. Then, all bets would be off. He believed only a few would come out of this place alive.

"I guess I should be congratulating the two of you." Mike extended his hand to the man of the hour. "You just picked a perfect bride."

But in his mind, he was not the groom who deserved to stand by her side.

"I also think so." Michael proudly said, but instead of a smile, he noticed a scowl on Haley's face.

He could only imagine what she felt at that moment. But his honest opinion was irrelevant. He had other more pressing matters like getting Haley alone.

"But would you mind if you keep my fiancee entertained? I have some people I need to talk to for just a few minutes." Michael asked him, indicating that he would leave her alone with Haley.

He could not help but think if that was fate, allowing him to proceed with his plan. Or could it be a trap designed to catch him?