Chapter 12 Fury Blazed

• Janice and Clinton were driving back home after visiting Terry.
• She dreaded returning and knew she would likely face another round of scolding. The thought made her wonder if she should elope with Clinton or if that was her only choice. She had often thought about leaving home. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to leave her grandfather behind.
• As they drove, several cars suddenly blocked their path ahead. More than ten people emerged, armed with either wooden sticks or knives.
• The sight alone would intimidate even the timid. Passersby swiftly changed their routes, and some even dialed the police.
• Clinton knew it was trouble from the Quinn or Shaw families. On the contrary, Janice was scared since she had never encountered such a situation before.
• "Stay in the car. Don't get out." After saying that, he prepared to get out of the car.
• "Don't get off. They're clearly targeting us," she said with concern. "Let's call the police."
• "Are you worried about me?" He smiled happily upon hearing that.
• "They're thugs, or maybe even criminals. Why are you so impulsive?" Janice gave Clinton a disapproving look. "We're in this situation, and you're cracking jokes."
• "Don't worry. They can't touch me. Besides, the police won't intervene." He continued, "To deal with them, the best approach is to fight fire with fire." With that, he got out of the car.
• Across from them, an arrogant blonde-haired thug named Blaine Harris saw Clinton and asked, "Are you Clinton Keynes?"
• Clinton smiled in response. "Since you're trying to stop me, don't you know who I am?"
• "If you're Clinton, things just got simpler." Blaine pointed at him. "My boss has a message. Kneel down and bark three times. And hand over thirty million. Then, we can settle this." He added sternly, "Anyone with sense will fall in line. What do you say?"
• "Yes, that's a reasonable suggestion. But remember, I'm the one making it." Clinton waved his hand. "If you comply, I might consider forgiving you and letting you off the hook."
• Blaine understood Clinton's words and responded angrily, "If you're itching for a fight, it's not on me." He yelled, "Brothers, attack!" More than ten armed men charged at Clinton together.
• The first attacker swung a machete at Clinton, but he stood his ground.
• "Clinton, watch out!" Janice shouted from inside the car. She was alarmed by the unfolding scene.
• Just as she shouted, Clinton finally sprang into action. His swift kick landed with a loud impact and sent the first attacker staggering back several yards in surprise.
• "Ah!" Another cry rang out.
• Before anyone could blink, Clinton stopped moving while the dozen or so attackers writhed on the ground.
• Everything happened in just ten seconds. He stood motionless like a statue while the thugs he had knocked down kept rolling in agony, and others screamed in pain.
• What just happened? Was this real life or a scene from a movie? Was he like Chuck Norris?
• Blaine was bewildered upon witnessing the scene.
• On the contrary, Janice didn't expect Clinton to be so formidable. Her earlier worries had undoubtedly lessened.
• Blaine felt fear creep over him as he watched Clinton approach. "Hey, stay back!" His legs began to tremble involuntarily.
• Smack!
• Five bright red fingerprints were visible on Blaine's once-pale face. "How... How dare you hit me?" He remained defiant.
• Smack!
• Another slap landed.
• "Do you know who my boss is?" Blaine boasted. His tone brimmed with arrogance. "You'll regret this."
• "Fine. I'll give you ten minutes to call for backup." Clinton lit a cigarette. "If you're even a minute late, I'll break your leg or your arm. And maybe even your fifth leg."
• Blaine glared at Clinton before grabbing his phone. As one of Cohen's five Second-in-Commands, Blaine was used to being arrogant. He didn't take anyone seriously.
• His men were defeated, and he had been slapped. Anger surged within him as he thought, Sure, you can handle a fight, maybe even take on ten guys, but what about dozens or even a hundred? Blaine couldn't bring himself to believe that Clinton could handle it.
• …
• At the bar, Cohen and Sean were enjoying the close massage service from the hostesses.
• "Uncle Cohen, is everything over there taken care of?" Sean asked as he felt uneasy.
• "Don't worry, Blaine is one of my top Second-in-Command," Cohen replied casually. "With him on the job, that brat doesn't stand a chance."
• "You're right. With Blaine handling this matter, there shouldn't be any problem." Sean smiled. "But let's not kill Clinton just yet. I still want to settle things with Janice in front of him."
• "This is a good idea." Cohen laughed. "I'll call Blaine now and tell him to go easy."
• Just then, Blaine's call came in.
• "He's calling me," Cohen exclaimed. "He must be asking for advice on handling Clinton."
• "Go ahead and take it," Sean nodded.
• Cohen pressed the answer button and turned on the speakerphone. Before he could say a word, Blaine spoke up.
• "Boss, we messed up. This guy is tough," he reported. "He's given you ten minutes to show up, or he's threatening to break your legs. He's also calling you a coward if you don't come." Blaine exaggerated and attributed all consequences to Cohen.
• Cohen seethed with rage upon hearing that. He hadn't anticipated Clinton's audacity. Me, a coward? he thought angrily. Who in Deelton dares to say that about me? I led the Tiger Head Gang and commanded hundreds of men. His fury blazed, yet he overlooked a crucial detail Blaine had mentioned: all their men had already been defeated.
• "Tell him to wait," Cohen exclaimed. His voice startled the nearby hostesses.
• After ending the call, he brushed past them and was determined to confront Clinton.
• "Uncle Cohen, I'm coming with you. I want to see how brave Clinton is when faced with you."
• So, they quickly changed clothes while Cohen summoned his men.