The Johnson Saga: The Unwilling Mistress

Chapter 2

Ryder Johnson, sits in the boardroom at Athens Casino, surrounded by a hundred of the most dangerous and power-hungry men in the country. The air, repugnant with the stench of overwhelming cologne, cigar smoke, and egos. The continual talks of money, drugs, and gambling grating on his nerves. Everyone knows what they do and how much is due to the Johnsons. Why the drone, he would never understand? 

The Johnson family business began with his Grandfather, a loan shark, and a Drug lord. It continued with his father, with a lot more flair. Thys Johnson was a businessman at heart. He had converted most of the illegal business into legal enterprises. The casino, a front for money laundering and illegal booking. The continual war over turfs ended when he, allowed certain areas to be run by the lower level gangsters, with an allegiance vow to the Johnsons and forty percent share of the profits. 

The Johnson's still ran more than fifty percent of the ground and were the strongest, meanest sons of bitches you would ever cross. The only issue was the wannabes that kept on springing up. Hence, the meeting with all sector heads. Affirm loyalty and stamp out competition. This has been Ryder's life for the last year. Civil business meetings discussing illegal activities. The irony was not lost on him. Dressed in a grey Armani suit, black silk shirt, and tie, he looks the businessman his father desired. 

When he turned twenty-six, his father had announced, that as the eldest son Ryder needed to learn how to run the business. As the future head of the family, Ryder's duty was to the business, even though that would not happen for years, Thys Johnson was never told no. Ryder's brothers, Fletch and Wade tortured him mercilessly on being Under Shepherd. But they understood the rules, just like he did. 

A vibration in the inside pocket of his jacket distracts Ryder from his father's question. One glance at his screen and the calmness etched on his face changes. 

"Catt's at the dance." 

"Take her home now." "Ok Boss." Vince, one of the Johnson soldiers and unfortunately for him sometimes babysitter to Catt, replies instantaneously. 

Ryder pockets his phone, and replies, "The shipment is due next week, distribution will be two days thereafter." Barely five minutes later his phone goes off again. 

"She refuses to leave. Jase made a scene. Levi came running." 

Ryder excuses himself immediately, "Sorry, an emergency, I need to deal with." Ryder does not wait for a response, vacates his chair and heads towards the door. 

All eyes turn to the lone figure exiting the boardroom. 

Wade, the youngest Johnson, also the most diplomatic of the lot, fills the silence. "Why don't we all take a quick break, we've been in this room for a while," Looking at the scowl on his father's face, he quickly follows Ryder's path, shadowed by Fletch. 

Ten steps outside the door, they find their brother yelling on his phone. As they reach him, the similarity in their appearance is very apparent. They are Thys Johnsons' boys. Over six feet tall, with jet black hair, deep dimples, square jaw, and powerful physique. All three carried the signature Johnson grey eyes. And they behaved just like their father. Dangerous to the core, ruthless and merciless. 

"What the fuck is going on?" questions Ryder. 

The voice on the other side of the phone is barely audible as the banging sounds to Higher Life comes through the call. "I told her you said I must take her home. She refused, Jase got involved as usual. There were a few punches and Levi came running."