Osric and Jayson entered his small home.
"Please come in. I'm sorry for the mess."
"No worries."
'What mess? It's surprisingly clean.'
"Please wait here sir. I will get my mother."
"Sure, but you don't have to call me sir. I'm only a few years older than you anyway."
Jayson had already walked away.
Osric sighed.
'He's a very respectful and sensitive kid behind that tough guy act.'
A few minutes later Jayson came back.
His mother was slowly walking next to him while holding onto his arm.
One could immediately tell how weak and sickly she was.
Despite only being in her late thirties, she looked fifty.
"Ah, you must be Osric. Thank you so much for helping my boy. You can call me Anna."
"Hello Anna. It's a pleasure to meet you and I'm sorry to disturb you so late."
He then turned to Jayson.
"Have you explained our situation?"
Jayson nodded.
"Yes. I tell her everything."
"Got it. Then let's move quickly. The gang probably won't move until tomorrow, but it's best to be safe."
They followed Osric out.
"What a kind young man he is. You have always had an eye for people, Jayson."
"Haha, that's true mom."
Jayson smiled warmly.
'What a bond they must have.' Osric thought.
'I wonder what my mother would look like now? But I am still grateful that I had Florena and Greta.'
—
It was already past midnight, but they still went to the guild, despite it being closed.
Osric knocked on the door.
"It's closed." Someone said from inside.
'I knew he'd still be here working.' Osric thought.
"Franklin. It's me, Osric. Open up please."
They heard footsteps from inside, coming closer.
The door opened slowly and creaked.
"Osric? What brings you here so late? And who are they?"
"Nevermind. Just come in."
Jayson looked nervous, but his mother being with him gave him comfort.
'I hope he can really help us.'
—
It took a while to explain everything, but Franklin was finally caught up.
"Phew."
"That sounds tough. You're lucky you didn't come any later. I was just about to leave for tonight."
"But in case something similar happens in the future, here is my address." He said as he handed over a small paper to Osric.
"Thanks Franklin. So can you help us?"
Franklin chuckled.
"You're finally asking for help since joining us, other than sparring with you, that is."
"And you seriously underestimate me, Osric."
"If it was the biggest gang in Ashbrook, the ones that also happen to control the underground arena you fight in, that would've been a different story, because they work with House Greydell—
But the Dark Ogre Gang is nothing."
"I don't even have to step in myself. I can send some of my guys to take care of them and the city guards and investigators wouldn't even blink. So clean up isn't a problem either."
"Don't worry. They'll be gone by tomorrow."
Osric was relieved.
"Got it. Thanks a lot."
"Of course. It's my fault for not specifying what I can back you in."
"If you need extra equipment or training, you can ask anytime. The same goes for manpower, if it's for a good reason. Just ask me anytime."
"Of course, later on you will have to help with some stuff too, but we already talked about that."
Osric nodded.
"Understood."
Jayson and Anna didn't really know what they were talking about, but they understood most at the beginning.
Anna decided to ask something.
"You said you would take care of the gangsters. Does that mean you will kill them?"
She looked worried.
Franklin looked her into her eyes.
"Some yes, most will probably just be crippled. And some of the youngsters or unwilling members will be let go."
"I am already well informed on all criminals in the city, so I know how to handle them individually. I will also relay that information to my people."
Anna looked relieved.
"That is a relief. I don't want innocent people to die." She said while putting her hand on her chest.
Jayson put his arm around her.
"Don't worry mom. Nothing bad will happen."
Osric just observed curiously.
He also noticed something that he liked.
'Jayson didn't look worried or remorseful when Franklin mentioned taking care of them.'
'Despite being sensitive and kind, he isn't naive or too soft. That's good. I was worried that it would take time and experience and maybe not even then for him to harden up.'
'Our future will hold many challenges, including a lot of bloodshed. I need to prepare Jayson for that, like I did with William.'