The Royal Contract

He knew what she was asking him. But his circumstances were different from hers. He knew the world he was about to face again since he had been there before.

This time, he would not let the red tape, unethical acts, and unbalance of justice corrupt and distract him from his goal of helping as many people as needed.

"Because I know it would do good than bad," Adam answered her question. "Besides, I think David and Evan are two of the most honorable and decent people I know. So, I don't think I am in the wrong hands."

He truly believed that. It was one of the reasons he had agreed to accept the job he had left a few years ago. He could tell that it would be different this time.

"I think you are right." Serena agreed with him, probably believing that his brother and their friend would never operate a shady firm that worked on gray areas.

"By the way, I met a friend of yours. Ken." He remembered to tell her about the young man while changing the subject.

He wondered if she knew the boy. Or if the boy had managed to trick him. But in truth, it did not matter. He would have helped Ken even if he did not know Serena.

She smiled at the mention of the young boy's name. She looked like she knew that intelligent and resourceful young boy.

"Ken?" She initially asked as her nose scrunched up, appearing to be thinking. "Are you talking about a young, sweet boy who lived in the street?"

Well, young and sweet boy was not the adjectives he would use to describe the young man. But he guessed they were talking about the same person.

"Yeah, I think that is him." He responded affirmatively, confirming that it was him. And that Serena knew him.

"Why? What happened to him? Is he ok?" Suddenly concern etched on her beautiful face.

He could tell Serena cared about the young street kid that came to his office for help. Still, he could not picture how the two had crossed paths and become friends.

Slowly, she moved toward the exit, with him following closely behind. Suddenly, he wondered what had happened to the other man he had met with her. He had not seen him yet. But he was not complaining. He believed it was for the best.

"So, they are back on the street," Serena stated, seemingly relieved to hear that her young friend remained free.

She encouraged him to join her on a bench near the fountain as they watched the water flow freely to the pond below.

"They are, but I wish Ken would listen and accept help. The street is not the right place for him." He concluded, thinking of what was best for the boy.

He also believed Ken should be back in school, using his smart ass to good use instead of wasting it on the street, hassling to survive.

But convincing the child could be a tremendous challenge, but something he would like to tackle once he went home.

"Yeah, maybe you would have better luck in convincing him." Serena looked at him as if she had faith in him.

He doubted that, but he would still like to try. But about this woman at his side, would he be able to convince her to give them a chance?

"Maybe it would be best if we could do it together." He dared himself to say. He came here for a reason, and he was not about to back out now.

"We?" She suddenly turned away from him, seemingly unsure of herself. "I don't think I am ready to go back yet."

He could see her eyes debating with herself. He noticed the chaos going on inside of her. But how could he help her?

"Why?" He wanted to take him into his arms and reassure her that everything would be ok. "What is stopping you from coming back?"

"You..."