Mark, the Professional

Chapter 8 Meeting Tommy Smith

Mark got up at seven, went for a run, got home, showered, and got dressed. He was wearing black today, a black shirt, black trousers and black leather shoes. He was in a good mood, whistling as he went out to start his day.

Meanwhile, at the Lawrence Villa, Kate had just got up to see her mum waiting at the door. “Mum, you are up early. Is everything ok?” Kate asked and had a yawn, looking sleepy still.

Judy looked like she had a sleepless night, tired and anxious, but she smiled at Kate and asked the question that had been in her mind all night long, “Good morning, Kate. Did Mark Jackson leave the jade bracelet to you last night?” 

Apparently, she had been thinking about the valuable bracelet all night.

“Ah, the bracelet.” Kate then recalled that she found out it was a counterfeit and smashed it onto the wall angrily. “No, he didn’t. He said he will give it to you next time.” Kate lied.

“He’s not so genuine, is he?” Judy said, disappointed. “Kate, you know what. Why don’t you go and talk to your grandpa? Tell him you want to divorce Mark Jackson. He’s not the right person for you. He can’t make you happy.” Knowing that she’d lost the bracelet, Judy was utterly devastated and liked Mark even less.

“Mum, don’t worry about it. I’m going to get ready for work.” Kate got a tea, went back into her room and closed the door. She didn’t really want to talk about it with her mother.

An hour later, Kate was in her office. She made a phone call and requested to check on Mark Jackson. Then, she called Mark.

“Hello?” Mark answered.

“It’s me. Where are you?”

“Darling, I’m out working. Why?” He sounded cheerful on hearing Kate’s voice.

“Don’t you call me darling!” Kate snapped. “My mum asked about the bracelet and I said you will give it to her another time because it is fake and I threw it away.”

“Aha, does that mean I will see your sweet mum again then? Perfect.” Mark smiled cheekily. “I think you have grown to like me, darling.”

Kate hung up.

Mark smiled and put his phone in his pocket. He looked up at the man seated opposite him. They were in a spacious office room, with a few people standing and guarding around. Two men were standing in front of Mark, pointing their rifles right at Mark’s head.

The man seated opposite him had a scar on his left cheek, his left hand terribly burnt and with only three fingers left, his right hand stroking a hot and seductively dressed young woman. He was Tommy Smith, the badass.

Tommy Smith had been a gangster since he was little. Once, he saved their big boss, the chief of the gang, from a fire, and to thank him, the chief started training him till he succeeded himself and became the leader of the gang.

At first, Tommy Smith was a complete badass. From robbery to killing, he had done all sorts of terrible things imaginable and unimaginable. He was leading a violent team. However, later on, he built his own social network and started exploring the industry of military estate.  

Recently, Tommy Smith found a good piece of land and was planning of making a purchase with an unreasonably low price and built some villas. It would have been a very profitable investment. However, the locals all objected to his proposal and he couldn’t get the contract.

Later, Kate Lawrence bought the land for a decent price. The locals realized that they would have to give up and move out anyway, so it made sense that they sold it for a better price. Before long, Kate had her factory built.

Since then, Tommy Smith had been trying to negotiate with Kate, either politely or violently, but Kate rejected him every time. Last night was his most recent attempt.

“Young lad, you are a brave one!” Tommy said sarcastically. He had enough fun stroking the girl’s breasts and pushed her away rudely, and then lit a cigarette and had a puff.

Mark had come alone and just after he sat down, he received the call from Kate and answered it indifferently. That was why the two men got nervous and had their rifles pointed at him.

“Tommy Smith, you have been harassing my wife lately. I think you owe her and me an apology.” Mark leaned back in the armchair and spoke casually.

“Is this what your visit is for? Huh? To ask me for an apology?!” Tommy blew at Mark, and nodded at the two men standing next to him, with their guns ready. “Aim at his legs.” He ordered.

Mark held on the arms of the chair, threw a kick at the guy on the left and sent his gun flying, and then he quickly turned around and snatched the gun from the other guy. Bang, bang, bang. He fired at the ceiling three times.

Everyone watched in disbelief.

Mark pointed the gun at Tommy. Tommy’s bodyguards stared with their eyes wide open.

“Bravo!” Tommy put out his cigarette and clapped with a smile. He put his thumb up at Mark. “Impressive.” He said, and then, he looked around at his men and ordered, “Dismiss.”

Mark sat down and resumed his position as if nothing had happened. By now, Tommy had realized that if Mark had come to kill him, he would have been dead already. So he did come for the sake of talking to me. I should find out what he’s after then. Tommy thought.

Now Tommy and Mark were left alone in the room.

“Apologize?” Mark said. He was actually rather impressed by how Tommy reacted. If anyone else saw the scene earlier, they would have been down on their knees begging. Tommy appeared calm.

“Sure. Mr. Jackson, I didn’t know that you are the son-in-law of the Lawrence. I apologize to you and your family for the trouble we caused last night.” He said with a smile, though he had in fact wetted his pants and his heart was still pounding nervously. He rubbed off the sweat on his forehead discreetly with his hand.

“I assume that you know the Jones Corporation?” Mark spoke.

“Yes. Why? Are you collaborating with them as well, Mr. Jackson?” Tommy wondered what Mark was plotting and why he mentioned the Jones.

“Not really. In fact, I’m planning on destroying them.” Mark answered, and added, “Completely.” He looked at Tommy into his eyes as if to make sure he understood that he was serious.

Tommy held his gaze for a few seconds. Then, Tommy continued, “I wonder if you are interested in working with me and of course you should get some profit from it.”