The Raven And The Dove

VII X Group

THIRD PERSON POV:

"There you are, BirthdayBoogie!" GreenGoblin strays from the usual formal talk, a tint of excitement escaping his voice. "How are this month's sales going?"

A tall man leans over him, his lips merely an inch from Goblin's ear.

"Good, Goblin," Birthday chirps. "And what about you?"

"On schedule, as usual," Goblin replied nonchalantly, his eyes darting to the floor. Of course it isn't good. At least not while the recent murders have wrecked havoc and created a widespread mayhem.

"Are you sure?" Birthday leans in close and whispers into GreenGoblin's ears, "I've heard of some trouble brewing in your district."

Goblin turns and pinches Birthday's ears.

"Owwie, what the fuck is that for?" Birthday protested, momentarily startled.

But GreenGoblin silenced him with a finger gently pressed to his lips. "Rest assured, Birthday. Law enforcement is likely handling the situation discreetly. There's no need for alarm."

Birthday's child-like demeanor suddenly grew menacing.

"Goblin, this is grave," he hissed, his nails digging into GreenGoblin's shoulder. "Think about your family, and what if our investors lose faith? What will you do in that case? If you don't do something now, we are fucked!" Birthday snaps.

"Shush it Birthday," Goblin grits. "Murders don't affect drugs."

"Don't you grasp the gravity, Goblin?" Birthday seethed, his grip on GreenGoblin's shoulder tightening. "Those girls are the very daughters of our investors! What if they start suspecting and decide to reveal our secrets? Reflect on this, Goblin. It's not just our lives on the line, but the entire X group!"

Goblin glared at Birthday, his voice cold and cutting. "So you don't trust our investors? You seem to doubt our security system. Nobody can touch us. That's what makes the X group the most powerful underground organization out there. Even our low-ranked lackeys are untouchable. I expect more from a corporal."

Goblin's icy stare locked with Birthday's as tension hung in the air. Birthday's words had hit a nerve with Goblin, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew that Birthday was right, that the murders in his district could potentially lead to the downfall of the X group, and that included him and his family.

Goblin took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. I'm the bigger man, he repeats to himself. "You're right, Birthday," he said, his voice calm and measured. "I need to do something about this before it gets out of hand. I'll speak to our investors, assure them that everything is under control. And I'll increase security in my district, make sure that our operations stay under wraps."

Birthday nodded, the anger in his eyes dissipating. "That's all I'm asking for, Goblin. We need to take action before it's too late."

Goblin clapped a hand on Birthday's shoulder, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thanks for looking out for me, Birthday. I appreciate it."

Moments passed as they stood locked in their thoughts. Finally, Goblin broke the silence, 'I should get going. Finally, Goblin spoke up. "I better get going. I have a lot of work to do."

"Yeah, me too," Birthday said, his expression sobering. "We'll talk later, Goblin."

With a nod, the two men parted ways, each one lost in their own thoughts as they made their way back to their respective tasks. Goblin knew that he had a lot of work ahead of him, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of impending doom that hung over him like a dark cloud. But he was determined to do whatever it takes to protect the X group, and his family.