Three months had passed since William's recruitment. During that time, over twenty attempts had been made on his life and the lives of his family members. Only the professionalism of the "Devils" and their readiness to give their lives to fulfill the mission allowed him and his family to survive. This led to him beginning to work diligently, providing the best weapons at the most favorable prices.
And the fact that his wife had learned about the dark side of his business resulted in him sleeping on the couch. She also said:
"If I find out you've sold weapons to anyone other than the 'Devils,' I will personally cut off your balls."
Aside from the fact that Ray was managing a public company from the shadows, he continued training and corresponding with his mother. The fact that everything was fine with her allowed him to fully concentrate on his work and the realization of long-term plans.
The main source of financing for the "Devils" was corrupt officials and wealthy pedophiles. These very people became the source of the starting capital that allowed the "Devils" to spread their wings.
The scientific and medical research department was now working hard so that the company could make a breakthrough and start generating fully legitimate income.
The realization of their plans would sooner or later lead to someone coming for them. Ray and his people were already preparing to leave the police and their competitors with as few opportunities as possible. Some of the "Devils" were opening shelters funded by their company. These shelters housed mostly children from troubled families and those born as a result of violence.
From the day Ray lost his girls, his soul and mind had been constantly tormented by nightmares. One of the ways to pull himself together a little was running at night in the rain.
In addition to managing the "Devils," Ray continued to train and called his mother every day to make sure she was alright. He sent one of the most loyal "Devils" to her. Only after receiving the news that his mother was well could Ray fully focus on work.
Besides that, he also sent a person to watch over Violetta. Despite the fact that the little girl might never be able to forgive him, Ray couldn't leave her unattended.
Having entrusted the care of his loved ones to trusted people, Ray threw himself headlong into work. This allowed the "Devils" and the company operating behind them to develop actively. Ray and his comrades-in-arms were very pleased with the results of their activities. Even those who had doubted were forced to admit that their methods worked.
But Ray received a call that forced him to drop everything and head to his mother. The news received several hours ago made the fury inside his body boil.
Entering the doctor's office, Ray barely contained his rage. The main reason he was able to do so was that the office's owner was an elderly man.
Looking at him, the old man smiled bitterly and said:
"I understand your anger, but this was your mother's wish. If you think it will make you feel better — you can hit me."
Letting out a heavy sigh, Ray still pulled himself together and wrote:
"I don't think you're the one who deserves that. But I want to know everything."
"Of course. And I am sorry you had to go through this. A little over half a year ago, your mother came to us. She had learned she had a rapidly developing brain tumor. She wanted to know if we could slow the tumor's growth and make it possible for her to carry the child to term."
"At the time, we couldn't give any guarantees, but we said it was possible. Upon learning that, she came to us. We managed to keep the disease under control for almost six months. But your mother's body was at its limit, so we made the decision to perform a cesarean section. Your mother held on long enough. Now, your sister must fight for her life."
"Once, when your mother could still speak, I asked her: 'Why did you go through with this?' — and she told me your story. She said she didn't want you to be left alone."
"I know it's very painful for you right now. But your mother had to go through hell to give this little girl life. And right now, she needs you very much. So hold on."
With great difficulty, Ray still managed to hold back his tears. He headed to his mother's room.
Entering, he saw Amy connected to life-support machines. Kneeling beside her bed, Ray had so much he wanted to say.
Even knowing she wouldn't understand him, he couldn't do it. Looking into her green eyes, Ray was horrified by the realization that his mother was now merely a beautiful doll. In her bright green eyes, there seemed to be no life at all.
If in the doctor's office Ray had managed to hold back his tears, now the sturdy guy, over two meters tall, holding his mother's hand, broke down sobbing like a child.
Ray spent several hours in his mother's room. During that time, no one disturbed him. Having calmed down, he left the room and went for another conversation with the doctor.
When he returned to his mother, there was a syringe in his hands. When their eyes met, it seemed to him that she smiled at him and nodded. He understood it was merely a trick of his imagination, but it made his task easier.
With trembling hands, he administered the injection and held his mother's hand, waiting for the drug to take effect and put an end to her suffering.
Looking at the baby girl in the neonatal box, Ray saw her bright green eyes. Somehow, he understood: she would fight. Smiling tenderly at her and sitting beside her for a little while, Ray finally decided to speak with those to whom he had entrusted his mother.
The first person he visited was Amelia — a girl who, along with her twin sister, had been among the first batch of girls pulled out of sexual slavery by the "Devils." Both sisters had worked hard to join their ranks and were among the few who knew who Skatos was.
Seeing Ray, the girl immediately dropped to her knees. Closing the door behind him, Ray pressed a pistol to her head and handed her a note with a question:
"I entrusted my mother to you. I want to know — why did you betray my trust?"
The girl's voice trembled as she began to answer:
"Your mother understood why I was there. She dropped to her knees and began to beg me not to tell you what she was planning. I couldn't refuse her."
"If it makes you feel better — you can kill me. All I ask is that you take care of my sister. And I hope that one day you can forgive me."
"Do you think your sister would be happy with my care if I take your life?" Ray wrote.
"It will hurt her, but I'm sure she would accept it. Because, although I believe I did the right thing, the truth is that I betrayed your trust."
Looking into the girl's sincere eyes, Ray holstered his pistol and stroked her head. Rising to her feet, the girl bowed and said: "I won't let you down again."
"Your mother asked me to give you this video," Amelia said, handing Ray a camera.
"Do you know what's on it?" Ray wrote on a sheet of the notepad he always carried with him.
"No. I was only asked to pass on the video. So I'll leave you to watch it alone."
Having watched the video to the end, Ray was shocked. He needed time to process it all. He knew his mother could be a little crazy, but he never imagined she would dare go so far.
If it weren't for this video, Ray would have been one hundred percent certain he would punch Frank. But his mother had managed to quell his anger even after death.
He needed time to think everything over and make a decision. When he met with Frank and Jill, the couple was visibly worried — they feared this could badly affect their relationship.
"Kid… forgive us for this, but we couldn't refuse your mother," Jill said guiltily.
"When I was heading here, it seemed to me I wouldn't be able to control myself. But I forgot just how good my mother was at persuasion. Part of me is still angry that you didn't tell me about this."
"I thought I should have been there with her. But the truth is, I'm not sure I could have made it through this. Thank you for being by her side all this time."