At Your Service (Book Two)

Chapter 21: Reverie In Motion

Another voice came into the fold which no one except for Santiago and his lackeys have heard in person. Standing tall and imposing beside him, the figure possessed a vaster build than Swift's that hinted at a life of stronger physical strength and intimidation. His tanned complexion, resulted by the sun and reflecting his time spent in Florida, added a rugged and weathered quality to his appearance.

His dark hair, precisely styled, was neatly combed to the side, the same trait that Swift held most of the time. His deep-set crimson eyes were framed by a pair of thick eyebrows that arched slightly, adding an enigmatic touch to his intense stare. His impeccable sense of fashion was shown by his well-tailored brown coat, and beneath that was a black plain shirt that offered him warmth.

"You're a lot more shorter in person, Ryan." The man giggled.

Swift blinked, in confusion about how the man knew his name. "And who is this?"

The man's smile dropped in a flash, his eyes growing big, feeling insulted. "You dare kill my brother in cold blood and tell me you don't recognize me? To my face?!"

"Buddy," Swift scoffed. "I killed a lot of people. Even brothers, maybe. So, you gotta be more specific." He said in a mix of confusion and an insulting manner.

"I swear, when I get my hands on you, I'm gonna-" The man charged at him.

Santiago stopped him before he could reach the younger boy, "Easy, Mister Knight. You'll get your chance in dissecting him, just not here."

"With what reason do you want to dissect me?" Swift asked.

Knight sighed, regaining his patience. "Remember Florida? Three days ago?" He asked, with Swift still expressing an unmoving confusion. "A boat accident involving Roark Shipp?"

Swift's head jerked. The recognition hit him like a moving train. "Oh... Florida. Yeah, I remember. A great time."

Knight snarled, "You won't have a great time soon enough, that's for sure."

"Didn't answer my question. Mister... Knight, was it?" Swift asked.

"Andor Knight."

"Ah," Swift said, in a way that almost spoke ignorant to his name. "Pleasure."

Santiago raised his head hearing the ringmaster speaking into the microphone once again, slightly grinning as he knew who was next on the list. "Alright, Vicky. Your turn." He started to approach her. Then Swift raised an arm fronting her, backing her away from him.

"Like hell it is." Swift sternly remarked as the opposing party stood before him closely.

Vicência stared at Santiago with a look full of anxiety, a face that said reluctance. Swift's presence only gave her a conundrum that maybe she didn't want to go up on stage. Seeing the disinclination in her eyes, Santiago groaned with a hint of disappointment. Without any warnings, he quickly raised his cane, striking Swift in the stomach, to Vicência's horror.

While Swift groaned and recoiled against the cane, Santiago took no time to swing his cane again, now smacking against his cheekbone, the stinging pain causing Swift to collapse to the floor.

"No!" Vicência almost went to help him up, but the silver ball on Santiago's cane ceased her to do so, pointing close to her chin.

Santiago shook his head slightly, stern eyes that persuaded her to walk away from Swift. Fearfully, she backed away slowly as Swift still suffered from that violent act. Then Santiago twirled his cane before nodding to three of his men behind him. Nodding back, the sharp-dressed men walked up to a dazed Swift, grabbing him up by his arms and restraining him.