The police car door slammed shut, and now the group could only hear muffled cries coming from Dipter inside, having no clue what he had been about to say. It was a question that lingered in many of their minds, but they wouldn't be getting the answer today.
"What are you guys still hanging around for?!" one of the policemen barked. "I already said, the rest of you can leave!"
He was talking about Aron and everyone else who had been cleared to go. And without wasting any time, before the police could change their minds, they were quick to take the opportunity.
As they stepped past the sites barriers and started heading down the street, the Pit members were left scratching their heads, clearly confused.
"They just let us go… just like that?"
"That's never happened before, right? They didn't even ask us for statements or take our names. What just happened? I'm so confused."
The joy of not getting into trouble had clearly overwhelmed the Pit members, and because of that, they hadn't been paying close enough attention to fully grasp what was really going on.
"Abby," Max said, turning toward her, his voice calm. "I think it's best you head home for the rest of the day. It's been tiring, and there's a lot I need to think about."
He offered a faint smile.
"We'll see each other at school, right? And don't worry too much… I've got a feeling things are going to be a lot better at school from now on."
Abby wiped away her tears. She still felt guilty for calling the police when she did, and the swirl of emotions clouding her thoughts made it hard to think clearly. Still, she believed it had been the best thing to do, at least for now.
As the group started walking, they made their way toward the train station. After all, Wolf and the rest of the Pit members were heading back to Notting Hill City, their job was done, and their contract fulfilled.
Along the way, a particular figure stepped closer to Max. One of the larger walls of muscle in the group.
"Max… it was you, right?" Jay asked. "It's because of you that I'm walking free. That I'm not still back there, with the police, like the rest."
"I told you I'd pay you back for the favor you did for me that day," Max replied. "I don't lie. I don't go back on my word. Still, that was a small favor, in my eyes, compared to what you did for me. So again, if you're ever in trouble, let me know."
Jay quickly bowed his head.
"Thank you," he said. And as he lifted his head, he took off running, fast, without looking back.
Where he was going… what Jay would do next… it was hard to say. But he had morals, unlike many of the others. It was difficult to understand how someone like him had ended up working under Dipter.
But for now, it wasn't Max's business.
"Hey," Steven said, walking beside him. "Looks like we actually managed to get out of there, and I've got a feeling it's all because of Max."
"I don't think you're wrong," Joe replied. "That guy, knowing gangs, having a bodyguard with him the entire time? How the heck did anyone even get away with bullying him for so long? I have no clue what's really going on. But I do know one thing, I lucked out when I decided to join Max's side. If things had gone any differently, I'd probably be back there with the rest right now."
Finally, the group arrived at the train station. It was time for them to part ways.
"Thank you for today," Max said, turning to Wolf. "You all did a good job. You deserve the money. I already sent it over, so I think you should treat your guys, celebrate a little."
"Oh? Are you telling me how to run my gang now, too?" Wolf raised an eyebrow, half amused. "You're an interesting person, Max. A very interesting person. If you need our help again, I won't ignore a call from you."
Wolf turned, the rest of the Pit members following behind him.
"Who knows, maybe next time, I'll be the one giving you a call."
After the others boarded the train, Max then turned to Steven and Joe as well.
"The two of you did good as well. It's because of everyone that I was able to get where I needed to," Max said with a small nod. "Although… I think I saw, Joe, you only took out three guys? And Steven, you took out six in total."
"Hey, wait a minute!" Steven said. "That's because I was dealing with that tank of a student! He should at least be worth ten students. It's not about quantity, it's about quality!"
"Yeah? And I took out Ko!" Joe added proudly. "That's gotta count for something, right? You remember how badly he bullied you? He deserved everything that happened to him."
"You mean we," Steven corrected. "If I remember right, you told me you were one of the people picking on him too. Honestly, I think you should donate your payment to me, for training you properly."
Max just laughed, shaking his head, and started walking ahead while the two of them continued bickering behind him.
****
A few hours later, the Pit members were back at the abandoned automobile shop where they usually hung out. They had ordered a mountain of takeout food and drinks to celebrate, just like Max had instructed.
However, something weighed heavily on Wolf's mind. Even as they relaxed, joked, and ate, the events of the day replayed in his head. Something about it all just didn't sit right with him.
As the group continued drinking and unwinding, the sound of footsteps echoed across the shop floor. Instantly, the Pit members turned, alert, eyes narrowing toward the man who had just entered.
"It's alright!" Wolf shouted, raising a hand. "I was the one who invited him."
The man walked in with a white jacket draped over his shoulders and glanced around at the Pit members as he passed them. A few of them noticed the symbol stitched onto the back of his jacket, a white tiger.
"Everyone seems in high spirits. You celebrating something?" the man asked casually.
"Lee, it's been a while since we last saw each other, right?" Wolf replied. "I called you because you owe me a favor, from that last outing we had."
Lee gave a nervous smile as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I figured you'd cash that in eventually… might as well get it over with. What is it you want?"
"You guys have a big network, and a lot of pull. After all, your crew's one of the biggest groups in the city. So, if I asked you to get information on someone, you could do that, right?" Wolf asked, his voice calm but serious.
"Haha, are you serious?" Lee replied with a grin. "That's your big favor? As a member of the White Tiger, I can get you information on anyone you want."
"Alright then… I need you to look into this kid for me. I want everything you can find out about him."