Never Judge

Cedric had no idea why Ian had called him in such a rush, asking him to meet at an abandoned building in one of the abandoned areas of the city.

Growing up, Cedric had heard numerous urban myths and legends about the area.

Some people claimed that this area was haunted, that's why the developers couldn't finish the buildings on site.

While others claimed that the area was unlucky, there were often accidents involved when it came to construction.

There were those that insisted that the reason why that part of the city remained undeveloped and practically abandoned was because there was a sinkhole underneath. Others said it was because the owner faced legal issues.

Either way, the place remained undeveloped for over twenty years.

The Reyes Group had also attempted to purchase this property and those around it, but Ray and Alexi had both advised him to do otherwise.

Cedric knew that if those two warned him against it, there was something hidden here.

He didn't rule out the fact that it could be either government owned or it could involve the Mafia or the Gangs. After all, it was Ray and Alexi that told him not to buy.

With Ian's instructions to meet him there secretly, there was very little to doubt about. It was probably the headquarters of the Dean Family Mafia.

Cedric knew that Ian's friend, Seth Dean, was now their head. He was also aware that Ian was once part of that group back when he was assigned to Mor Co.

Since Ian had asked him not to draw attention, Cedric had his driver John bring out one of their older cars that had been modified for his use.

The windows are tinted darkly so that no one could see the passengers inside. The entire car was also made bullet proof and the engine was changed.

"John, did I ever tell you why I never wanted to sell this car?" Cedric said as he looked out at the empty street as horns sounded from the distant highway.

"No sir. But we assumed that it was your first car, that's why you kept it." John said as he kept his eyes trained to observe their surroundings.

Since Ian had asked to meet Cedric in secret, only John and Leon had come with him.

His assistants and bodyguards were all left at R Tower to keep up the illusion that he was still in the building.

"I didn't own it." Cedric said with a chuckle as he recalled how he got the car. "This car was owned by one of my bullies back in High School."

John was shocked at the revelation, he assumed that since Cedric placed such a high value on the car they were riding it had been his first car.

"Odd, I know." Cedric shook his head as they continued to wait for Ian.

"Why do you have it, sir?" John couldn't help but ask, he wasn't sure if it was a sensitive topic or not, but he had to know why Cedric kept his bully's car.

"As much as the world wants to paint me as this kind but cold CEO, I am not. A fact that you and everyone that has worked closely with me knows. Just like Ian, I have a vengeful heart." Cedric said as he smiled at the thought.

"This car reminds me of what I took from him." Cedric hissed as he recalled every torment he had to go through as a new student at school. "He may have been young, but even when we grew up he showed no remorse, so I took everything he worked hard for and this is a reminder."

"Where is he now, sir?" John asked as he glanced at his boss from the rear view mirror.

"Rotting in another country, alone, cold, afraid." Cedric shrugged as he recalled the last report on the man. "I have people checking on him from time to time, I won't let him stand back up and try to get back at me."

John silently nodded as he listened to the side of Cedric that they rarely saw.

"Ian is here." Leon pointed at one of Ian's less used cars as it flashed it's headlights at them.

"Follow him." Cedric instructed as the car turned to head to the back of the abandoned building.

The entered a narrow alley in which a car could barely fit. It wasn't too long until they reached a more open area with a small building in a much sadder state.

"I guess if you want people to avoid discovering your secret hideout, hide in a place they would naturally avoid." Leon commented as they entered a small garage.

They parked next to Ian, who rolled down his window and waved at them.

"Relax and don't panic." Ian said with a smile as the shutters around the garage slowly closed.

"What's this?" John asked Ian as he looked around, puzzled by the sudden movement.

"This isn't even the worst part." Ian laughed as the ground below them suddenly moved, dropping them in their cars.

It wasn't fast, but it was fast enough to make John worry and Cedric flinch in the back seat. This was not what they had expected.

After a few minutes being stuck in what seemed to be an elevator for cars, they were greeted by a large open parking lot with several cars and motorcycles in it.

"Follow me." Ian said as he drove his car up to a couple of slots that everyone seemed to be avoiding.

Once they were parked and out of the car, Cedric couldn't help but ask to confirm his suspicions.

"We're in the Dean Family headquarters, aren't we?" Cedric said as he approached Ian.

"Sort of." Ian shrugged as he led their group to a blank wall in front of two motorcycles.

To their surprise, a number pad appeared and several biometric scanners. Ian quickly typed in a code and let the machine scan his biometrics.

"This place has higher security than most vaults." John commented as one of the walls popped out and led to a passage.

"This is Seth's personal office, he hates working at the headquarters and prefers working from here." Ian said as he led them into the hallway.. "He has news for us, something that can't be said over the phone."