The Space Between

Chapter 14; The bad side

By morning the issue was still highlighting in the headlines of every major news channel but Xavier's friend assured him that they would get it down from every  news channel and soon it would be forgotten by the people too.  Sarah looked at the headlines shocked. She was currently at the office where everyone instead of doing their work were gossiping and huddled in front of the TV stationed at the wall which showed Francis Smith's interview as he spoke about the whole ordeal. "I like to think of my cousin as a good guy but he does have anger issues." He said as the reporter asked him about Xavier's behaviour. Then the camera turned towards Zender Creek as he accused Xavier of manipulating a construction contract. Putting much emphasis on Klaus and the matters before his death. So now not only did Xavier had the title of abusive rich boy but also a manipulator who shouldn't be trusted with any business. Coming from a known and trusted face of Zender Creek did manage to make the others feel a bit doubtful. Xavier couldn't believe his ears. His own friend had build up on this opportunity to tackle him down. But that was expected. What wasn't expected was the utter lie and twisting of words. It was Zender's own mistakes and miscalculation that cost him his project. Xavier's father was not happy in the slightest as he sat in his office.. "You said you had the situation under control" Ryder's voice was dangerously low, his eyes sharp as knife. "It still is father. This is just a slight issue. It will be resolved in no time- "
"I don't see it-"
"For once, can you just listen to me?" Xavier angrily spoke, annoyed at his father interrupting him everytime. Ryder slightly taken aback could do nothing but raise his eyebrow to show displeasure and his lips turned into a thin line. Xaver stared right back with a taut jaw. Taking the cue, Xavier spoke
" That's the real reason I had called you. I took care of Francis for now. But he won't last for long. I need your help to put him away just as we did with Shehry"
Ryder didn't speak for a second or two Comprehending In his head what Xavier was asking for. "You know the only reason I did that was because Shehry's father was my competition. What is in this for me? " Xavier scoffed. Ofcourse he did. For Xavier, taking revenge was for his brother and Sarah but for his father it was just business. "It is your company after all father. We let Francis loose now and he will swing back with double force " Xavier said leaning back. The one who cared more about this was Ryder not him. Suprisingly,  Ryder just stood up spoke "No" and walked out giving no further explanation. Xavier was stunned. Was his Father really being this easy about the matter. He couldn't believe it. He was the one most worried. While on the other side, the office gossips had become active. To the viewers, It was clear that Francis was not speaking in his favour and just grabbing the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. "Ofcourse he would do that. He is after all Klaus's brother" one woman spoke and the next standing with her further inquiried. "What do you mean by that?"
The woman took the sip as she further explained. "I think it's in their blood to stur trouble. I remember years back the same news like this echoed using Klaus's name but the family took the news down using their connections. This one will also be gone by the next few days" The woman gave a surprised reaction. Sarah not wanting to hear more was just going to sit down to work when their manager came out from her office and shouted. "Now, if you all are done gossiping. I would like to see you all doing some real work". Everyone sat down at their places listening to that and resumed their work.

It took a lot of reassuring from Xavier's side to calm Ryder down. But thankfully he understood Xavier's point of view. He still refused to join hands with him. On the other hand, Francis was using this opportunity to bring them down but Xavier was not surprised. Having a clear history of no bad press, the media was having a field trip reporting this news on Xavier. He knew Francis would not let this opportunity go from his hands to cause them damage but he had forgotten that this was not the first time dealing with news headlines and controversies and it was not going to be the last. So he could play his shot all he wants but he still won't get what he so desires that was what Xavier was confident to bet on. The board members did show a slight reservation due to Zender's wording as he was a trusted face in the business but in a briefing, Xavier had told them all the truth and the whole story. So they wouldn't overthrow him just yet. His mind then moved on to the matter  at hand and the cause of this whole issue. The man he needed to pay a visit. Ditching his formal attire, Xavier changed into his  black ensemble. The place he was to go to wasn't on the developed parts rather a bit further down in the city. The dark allys and the shady neighbourhood. Reaching the said destination, he parked his cars in the shadow under the bridge. He moved towards the club where he knew he would find shehry wasted away. Xavier told the passcode as the bulky man let him in. The place wasn't much big with bar at one side and tables on the rest of the ground. The smoke from the neurotics making a fog. He scanned his eyes around the room and finally found shehry seated at the corner. Barely concious on reality. Xavier  knew he would not be able to hold back this time. Moving towards him, he waited as Shehry looked up slowly with hooded eyes and said "Didn't think you would be coming down here after leaving it" He laughed and Xavier dragged him out the club and into the alleyway. The grip on him was deadly. No one stopped him since no one was with shehry or cared enough to know what was going on. Fights were common in this area. He threw him on the ground.  "I would wait to fight you till you're sober but I don't think I should be considerate with you" Xavier said kneeling down on the floor and Shehry tried to pick himself up. "Aha Xavier always the softie" Shehry said laughing and standing up. "You planned that scene on purpose didn't you? Who sent you?" Xavier said coldly.  "No one send me to do anything. You know with me it isn't about money. Any way to destroy you and I would happily help" Shehry said seriously and spatting on the ground. Nothing but pure hatred for the man in front. He moved towards Xavier to attack him but Xavier dodged it with ease. He pulled on his arm twisting it on his back and hit the back of his knee to push him to the ground. Xavier couldn't think straight as he punched untill everything of Shehry's body was heavily bruised. Taking a napkin out of his pocket, he wiped his hands of any blood standing over his passed out body. Inspecting it, he saw not any noticeable damage came to his hand. He wouldn't be a suspect. Dialling the number to one of his men for the job he had shehry picked up and taken to the hospital. The man held Shehry's body and carried it to his car while Xavier followed behind in his car. Xavier didn't feel happy in the slightest going back at the place he hated the most, there were so many horrible memories attached to it but he also knew that was the only way to deal with the situation. Some people can only understand the consequences after they taste their own blood. On reaching the hospital he made the perfect excuse that he had found him passed out and was here to help. He waited in the hospital till Shehry woke up and sat beside his hospital bed. "You see how you are alive on my mercy. The next time you try to mess with me just think of this and the things I won't hesitate to do. And if you even as much as think of mentioning her again, you'll be laying down in your grave covered in your own dirt" Xavier whispered holding his bruised hand. It seemed by Xavier's smile that he was saying something encouraging rather the tone in which he gave his warning was devoid of any sympathy. The nurse next to them smiled not hearing the words. "Please take good care of him for me. Will you?" Xavier addressed her, smiling charmingly and the nurse said they sure would. Shehry just watched him in disbelief. His eyes holding his own anger. The various bandages and such restricting him for now.