Chapter 96: Utilization
The next morning, Mason arrived at Donnie's repair shop as usual.
As soon as he arrived, he overheard a group of runners whispering amongst themselves.
"Have you heard?"
"Last night, Mad Dog Johnny was attacked. He and four of his crew were all killed in their quarters!"
"What? Johnny's dead!"
"He was the Gear Gang's top enforcer in this district. I heard he just seized territory from the Blood Source Society."
"Exactly! I heard it was the Blood Source Society who retaliated!" Several runners discussed quietly, then dispersed casually when they noticed Mason approaching.
"What happened?"
Mason was momentarily confused. He and Chris had disposed of Johnny's body together yesterday—how could the Blood Source Society be blamed by the next morning?
Just then, he saw Chris and Gerald walk in from outside, their faces grim.
Seeing Mason, they initially seemed inclined to avoid him, but hesitated for a moment before approaching.
"Have you heard the rumors about Johnny?"
Chris nodded.
"It was Boss Donnie who orchestrated it!"
"After Johnny died yesterday, several of his crew were eliminated."
Gerald's face was extremely dark. "I don't know what Boss Donnie was thinking. Only the three of us know about yesterday's incident—everyone else who knew is dead."
Mason was slightly startled, an ominous feeling rising in his chest.
"That Donnie is truly ruthless. He was publicly humiliated but endured it, yet to maintain his authority, he actually killed all the other gang members who witnessed it." The matter seemed to have been swept under the rug, but Mason felt no relief.
If someone could kill without hesitation to save face, then they must hate Mason, the real instigator, even more.
When he'd made his move, Mason had been confident that even if Donnie was furious, he probably wouldn't cause immediate trouble. After Mad Dog Johnny's death, Donnie didn't have many capable lieutenants left, and Mason was definitely among the most valuable.
Donnie had just taken over a new territory, seemingly achieving victories, but in reality, he'd also suffered heavy losses and was desperately short on manpower. At least for now, keeping Mason around could maintain order.
As for Mason, as long as he got a breathing period, he could continuously strengthen himself through the Time-Space Courier Company.
After one or two more missions, even if Donnie wanted to move against him, Mason would be fearless.
It seemed Donnie was indeed short-staffed right now, even resorting to killing to cover up the truth. However, from Donnie's actions, Mason could also sense that once the situation stabilized, Donnie would definitely eliminate him immediately!
"Mason, Boss Donnie wants to see you!" George suddenly approached and informed Mason while the three were analyzing the situation.
Mason looked up and didn't notice anything unusual in George's expression. He stepped forward and asked casually.
"Do you know why Boss Donnie wants to see me?"
George glanced around. His relationship with Mason was slightly closer than others due to their previous interactions.
"Boss Donnie isn't in a good mood—you'd better be careful." He then stopped talking and strode forward.
Mason's heart tightened, his fists clenched slightly, and he followed.
George opened the door but didn't enter. As soon as Mason stepped inside, the door slammed shut behind him.
Donnie sat behind a large desk, smoking. The desk was spotless, with only two items on it:
A thick stack of currency and a modified pistol!
The room was filled with smoke—impossible to tell how many cigarettes Donnie had consumed. His gaze was unfocused as he stared ahead.
"Do you know why Mad Dog Johnny was so arrogant and difficult, yet I still valued him?" Donnie said slowly, exhaling smoke rings.
Before Mason could answer, he continued, "Because he was a useful dog. As long as you kept him on a leash, he was quite effective."
He turned to look at Mason.
"And you?"
Mason kept his head down and didn't answer, but his eyes were fixed on the pistol on Donnie's desk, frantically searching for cover in the room and calculating the possibility of a preemptive strike.
"Do you know how much trouble your impulsive killing of Johnny has caused me?"
"You were someone I selected. Johnny was just a mad dog, but that mad dog just completed an important job. To avoid controversy, I had to eliminate everyone who knew!"
"Mason, you betrayed my trust!" Donnie looked genuinely pained.
Mason was about to speak when he suddenly felt as if he were being targeted by a predator. His hair stood on end. He looked up in alarm and realized that the pistol that had been on the desk was now in Donnie's hand.
The dark barrel was pointed directly at his forehead!
His muscles tensed, and he was about to dive for cover when he saw Donnie deftly spin the pistol between his fingers and tuck it into his waistband.
"You'll take over Johnny's remaining responsibilities. The territory he just secured isn't stable yet. If news of Johnny's death spreads, the Blood Source could launch a counterattack at any moment. Guard that area well. If anything goes wrong, don't bother coming back!"
Donnie pushed the stack of currency forward.
"Do a good job—I have faith in you!"
Just moments ago, if it had been a fraction of a second later, Mason might have already attacked. At this distance, the outcome would have been genuinely uncertain.
He relaxed now, only to realize his back was soaked in cold sweat.
He feigned gratitude, took the money, and carefully left.
As soon as Mason departed, Donnie's expression instantly darkened.
"You arrogant bastard! If I weren't so short-handed, I would have killed you immediately!"
"Hmph!" Donnie sneered.
"I'll let you operate for a few days. Once that business is concluded and I've secured that official's trust, with my current achievements, I should be able to advance and escape this godforsaken Lower City."
"Then I'll deal with you immediately!"
Mason, clutching the currency, was filled with murderous intent. The better Donnie treated him now, the more severe the backlash would be once he lost his usefulness.
He had to find a way to eliminate Donnie as soon as possible!
But thinking of Donnie's supernatural marksmanship, Mason's scalp tingled.
He couldn't comprehend how Donnie had drawn the weapon right under his watchful gaze. Had his speed really been so fast that it was imperceptible to the naked eye?
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