Chapter 73: The Last Ranger
With Max having once been the head of the White Tiger group, he knew a lot of street-level gangs.
There were many he could’ve chosen from. He didn’t pick The Pit by accident, and Wolf’s excellent fighting skills weren’t the only reason he’d made that choice.
It was because the White Tiger gang had used The Pit in several past operations. Max knew Wolf’s personality well, through stories, past dealings, and how his crew handled their business.
That’s why he hadn’t come here alone. He knew better. Wolf wasn’t someone you approached casually.
Now that everything had been settled, Max finally had the chance to ask someone who’d been fairly close to the White Tiger gang, face-to-face.
"I’m surprised a name like that came out of your mouth," Wolf said, leaning back into the couch. "But... you’ve been full of surprises so far."
"Well," he continued, "what do you want to know about them? Who they are? What they do? Their members? Depending on what you’re asking, I can’t just talk about them freely. You know how it is, it might cost you. Whether that’s in money... or blood."
It was the exact response Max had expected.
"As you know, I’m not from Notting Hill City," Max said. "So I just want to know... based on recent changes, does the city feel different? Has there been any big movement? You don’t have to give me much, just what the word on the street is."
"Recent changes?" Wolf echoed. Then he nodded slowly. "I guess that means you’ve heard then, that the leader, Maximus... is dead."
Of course Max knew.
He was the first person to know. He’d known before anyone else.
And he was sure that news had already started to ripple through the underworld.
"I can’t say much," Wolf admitted. "Honestly, I don’t know that much. I was bluffing earlier. But the city... it feels a bit uneasy. Like something big is brewing underneath. That’s what I’d say if you asked what the streets are saying."
"We don’t even know who the current leader of the White Tiger gang is," Wolf said, his tone dropping. "And we’re worried some bigger groups might move in from other cities."
"But what I will say is this, the White Tigers have been making the rounds in every area. The cubs are making sure all the other groups stay in line. And honestly, it seems like... they’re trying to expand."
"Is that what you think?" Max asked. "Or is that just word on the street?"
"Me? I don’t really think much," Wolf replied with a shrug. "Well... maybe just one thing."
He leaned forward.
"If their leader died, why the hell isn’t the group trying to find out who did it?"
"Everyone thought there’d be a full-blown war with one of the rival gangs. But... nothing. Silence. And then—boom—they’re expanding? That just doesn’t sit right with me."
Max knew the obvious answer.
If the ones who took him out were part of the White Tiger gang itself, then of course there would be no reason to look for the killer.
He wasn’t yet one hundred percent certain he’d been betrayed, but the gang’s recent actions... they were painting a clearer picture. And that picture was starting to confirm his worst fears.
"Thanks for the information," Max said, standing up. "I know you didn’t have to share it."
"Hey, I answered your question," Wolf said, stopping him. "Don’t you think it’s only fair you answer one of mine? "
Max turned slightly, his expression unreadable.
"I’m not gonna ask who you are," Wolf continued. "I know you’ve probably got your reasons. Your limitations."
"But what’s a high schooler doing walking around, asking me questions about the White Tiger gang?"
Max paused, then kept walking. As he passed, he looked back over his shoulder and gave Wolf a small smile.
"If I told you that," Max said with a small grin, "then I might have to kill you."
The phrase wasn’t spoken in English, it was a line often used within a particular circle. A circle that Wolf was very familiar with.
It wasn’t a threat. And Wolf knew that.
Which is why he burst out laughing.
"Let them go! Our business is done here. Contact me when you’re ready!"
The rest of the group didn’t need to be told twice. They were more than happy to get out of the area.
The odd bunch huddled together and started walking away from The Pit’s hideout.
After a few turns through the cracked pavement and faded paint of the retail park, they hit the main street again.
Max pulled out his phone to call a taxi, and the group stood waiting.
"That was intense," Joe exhaled, finally letting go of the breath he’d been holding. "But the worst part is, we’re gonna have to see them again. "
"And next time, they’ll be our allies, " Steven added with a groan. "Ah man... I feel like I’m gonna have to wear a mask or something. An adult like me can’t be seen going around beating up students! "
Everyone had their own issues, their own worries, but things were finally starting to fall into place.
"We have our Rangers now..." Max said, watching as the car pulled up in front of them. "Now we just need to make sure everything is ready before we act."
He turned around, taking one last look at Notting Hill City.
There was a good chance it would be a long time before he returned.
*****
Back at The Pit, the music was booming again. Drinks were out, laughter filled the air, and the gang had already started celebrating.
In their eyes, it was an easy job with a big payday. They had every reason to party.
One of the female members, Sandra, came over and sat down next to Wolf.
"Should we inform the White Tiger that we’re taking the job?" she asked. "That’s what we usually do, right? Just to make sure there’s no conflict of interest?"
"No," Wolf replied flatly. "I think it’s best we... keep this one to ourselves."
Then his eyes narrowed slightly.
"But what I do want you to do... is find out everything you can about that kid."