The Royal Contract

"I don't know how to thank you, Tim, for all you did to get them back." Ethan walked inside another room where Tim lay on the bed. 

Tim was recovering from an additional injury he incurred during the encounter. Ethan learned that when the shooting started, Tim immediately went to join the fight.

He could not thank Tim and his men enough for their bravery and selflessness in risking their lives just to rescue the people he loved.

"It is my job. You don't have to thank me." Tim responded to Ethan as he shifted into a sitting position in the bed to greet the old man.

Although, it was more than a job for him. He would have done anything to save Alex and his wife, even if no money was involved. But still, he appreciated that the old man recognized their effort. 

When Tim heard what his team leader planned to do, he immediately agreed that it was the right move. Instead of waiting in his hiding spot, he decided to help out.

"I am sorry about your men." Ethan offered his condolences, standing closer to the injured man.

He felt responsible for the two men who were killed in the line of fire and the different injuries suffered by the other members of the team besides Tim. 

He planned to offer them reasonable rewards for what they had sacrificed. But he knew that it would not be enough replacement for the lost lives of his men.

"They knew the risk when they had joined our group. We always considered that there would always be a fifty percent chance that we might not come out of this alive every time we went on a mission." Tim solemnly said as he remembered one of his crew, who remained unconscious until this time.

The doctor had assured him that his injured men were out of critical condition. There was a high chance that they would recover fully well. He was glad because losing another of his team was hard on him.

Even finding out about what Joe did was painful for him because he had treated every member of his team as if they were his brothers or his sons. They were the family he did not have.

He never chose to grow old alone. He had a few relationships in the past. Unfortunately, he did not meet a woman who could understand his passion. 

Each one of them loved him but did not like the risk he was taking every time he picked up a gun. Eventually, each left him when he failed to give up his missions.

"Still, I am grateful for what you did for my family. Let me know what you need, and I will do my best to grant them." Ethan said to Tim. 

He believed that he had never met someone like Tim before. He had always been a good judge of character, and Tim had exceeded his high standards.

He did not easily get impressed by any man, whether by wealth, power, or beauty. He did not measure the success or worth of any man with those qualities. He preferred the quality of character and contribution to society.

"You already did so much, Sir. But if my men would need anything else. I am not going to hesitate to inform you." Tim said, speaking for his men who could not speak for themselves.

His men who died had families who were now grieving their loss. The only thing he could do for them was helped their families, that were left with a hole in their hearts. Maybe compensate them with all the help he could get to bring them back on their feet.

However, it was not just the money he was talking about but the support they could provide for them. As for the injured, recovering would also require rehabilitation and therapy. He planned to give them the best help he could find.

"What about you? What do you need?" Ethan asked the team leader. 

Ethan had heard what his men needed from him, but what about him. What help could he provide for the man who had led this entire operation to its success?

He understood from the report that their interference had tremendously helped Alex and Dani escape from that place. They had provided a diversion that led the enemies away from the two.

Then, he remembered that he still had to thank the other man who had helped them escape from their captivity. He was another hero in his book, despite what he did in his past. What mattered to him was what he did today.

"I don't think I can ask for more. You already provided what I need." Tim spoke up, declining additional reward from Ethan.

Then, he remembered something. "Well, I only have one favor to ask." He told him.

He did not need money since he had enough to last him two lifetimes. With his low-maintenance lifestyle, he believed that he would not need more. Besides, he had no family to spend it on. No one to give it to.

Being injured again with a gunshot, this time, reminded him that he was easily susceptible to death. However, he was unsure if he should rejoice, not leaving anyone to mourn for him if he died.

"Tell me." Ethan anticipated what he would ask of him. He already knew that it was not a financial reward since he had already offered it before, but he declined.

He wondered what else a man like Tim would want from a man like him. It was hard to guess since most people wanted money and power, but Tim was not like that.

"I only want to take care of my men. If luckily, Joe is still alive. I want you to let me handle him." Tim said as his mind pictured Tim and what he would do to him.

He had been a friend to Joe, but he still had to pay if he was still alive. He could not let him get away with his crime. Despite what they had been through, he could never forgive Joe for causing harm to his teammates and putting his need before the others.

In his team, he had one most sacred rule. Nobody dared break it because everyone agreed with it. Except for Joe, so far. But the rule was simple.

All for one and one for all.