As soon as Tony spoke, Diego's gaze went to him.
Initially, he did not pay much mind to Tony , assuming that the latter was merely a child. It was not until Tony started talking that he perceived something out of the ordinary, thanks to his years of experience in the underground circles.
Hmm, this kid is something else.
He regarded Tony with a grim look in his eyes. “Why should I trust you?”
“You're already in prison, and for such a long time at that. Is there still any need for me to sabotage you?” Tony questioned.
Diego merely listened without saying anything.
Without beating around the bush, Tony bored his eyes into the man and cut straight to the chase right then and there. “We came to seek you out to ask you about someone,” he revealed.
Diego's gaze radiated chilliness and disdain. He lifted his eyes languidly. “Who?”
“Twelve years ago, you and a few others stole a genuine painting known as 'Darkness' in Yartran. Do you still remember that?” Tony asked.
Upon hearing that, Diego narrowed his eyes dangerously. A moment later, he chuckled out of the blue. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
Seeing right through him, Thalia reassured, “Don't worry, for we're not here to feel you out. You might be spending the rest of your life here, so there's no need for us to charge you with another crime.”
Despite having been exposed, Diego remained unruffled. He swept a gaze over her before leaning back against the chair, seemingly covering something up. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
Only when Tony heard Thalia's reassurance did he realize what exactly Diego feared. Therefore, he went straight to the point. “I reckon you've heard of Magus, yes?”
At the mention of that name, Diego's brows furrowed imperceptibly. “Who?”
“Magus, one of those involved in the theft in Yartran. Back then, he was even abandoned at the crime scene,” Tony enunciated.
Following that explanation, Diego's eyes narrowed a fraction. He contemplated for some time before drawling, “Oh, he's the person you're talking about. He's known as Magus?”
“You don't know him?”
Diego merely shrugged, looking as insouciant as ever.
It was clear as day that he was still wary about the matter.
Tony pondered for a moment. “I'm here to investigate him, so you only need to answer my questions properly. I promise you that you won't be implicated in any way!”
However, Diego snickered. “Haha... Why should I answer just because you asked?”
Thalia fixed her eyes on him, all too familiar with scoundrels like him. Her eyes darkened, but her lips curved into a smirk. “You should be aware that your life is in our hands since we managed to find you
and even gain entry here. With just a word from me, an accident is nothing...” She did not finish her utterance, but her meaning was already unmistakable.
At that threat, Diego's expression stiffened slightly. Sure enough, he then practiced much more restraint.
“What will I get in return if I answer your questions?”
“You're still hoping to get something in return?” Thalia snarled.
“What do you want in return?” Tony interjected before the two of them went into a heated argument.
Diego shifted his gaze to Tony . From the seating arrangements and the latter's demeanor and tone, he could tell that Tony had the authority to call the shots.
“I want to get out!” he declared.
“That's impossible!” Tony rebuffed firmly.
At once, Diego frowned. “If so, what can you give me?”
Tony stared at him, looking both calm and composed. “Something realistic. You can ask for anything within the limits, but forget about delusional fantasies!”
In the same manner, Diego locked his eyes on Tony . A while later, he uttered, “I want a bottle of wine.”
Tony deliberated about it briefly before nodding. “Okay. But are you sure?”
“I'm here to stay, so what else could I ask for other than food and drink?” Diego lamented.
“If you want to convey a message to your family or something, that's fine too,” Tony suggested.
No sooner had that subject come up than Diego's expression gradually darkened. “I'm an orphan and have no family!”
Hearing that, Tony quirked a brow. “Sorry, I didn't know that.” “Hadn't you investigated me before coming over?” Diego retorted. “Yes, but those things could have been fabricated,” Tony replied.
As Diego scrutinized the boy across from him, fear slowly crept into his eyes. Initially, he merely thought
that Tony held a higher “position.” After the simple chat, however, he realized he was far off the mark. In truth, Tony 's words and the logic behind them were downright terrifying.
Eventually, his guard went up another notch. “Well? What do you want to know?”
“We want to know about Magus,” Tony answered frankly. “Isn't he... the one who's skilled in disguise?” Diego queried. “Yeah.”
“He's been released, no? Can't you seek him out and ask him whatever you want to know?” Diego argued.
As Tony and Thalia left the prison building, they walked side by side. “Well? What do you think?” Thalia asked.
“I don't think he was lying,” Tony surmised.
In response, Thalia dipped her head. “Same here.”
“But while he didn't lie, he was definitely hiding something from us!” Tony added. Again, Thalia bobbed her head. “I agree. It was beyond obvious.”
“So, the issue lies on...”
“That boss of his,” Thalia concluded, completing the second half of Tony 's utterance. Tony gave a nod of his head. “Yes. In other words, he's the key in this matter!”
Thalia turned her gaze to him. “Don't tell me you're planning to ferret the man out?”
“No, that isn't necessary. Truthfully, I already have my suspicions. But I need verification,” Tony replied.
“How are you going to verify it?”
Tony considered it briefly. “Let's wait for a while longer. Perhaps there'll be news very soon.”
“You mean the person who trades in information?” Thalia queried. Tony inclined his head a fraction in affirmation.
“You're the only one who trusts him!” Thalia huffed.
“But wasn't he the one who found Magus?” Tony countered. Thalia arched a brow, but she did not deny it.
By then, they had exited the prison gates. The instant Miguel spotted them, he scrambled out of the car and rushed up to them.
“How did it go, Master?” Miguel asked.
“We've gotten something at least,” Tony answered. “So, what's the verdict?”
“That'll take a bit longer,” Tony responded.
Upon hearing that, Miguel nodded. “All right, then. Where are we going now?”
Lifting his wrist, Tony glanced at the time before murmuring, “It's about time.”
Just as Miguel was about to ask for clarification, Tony continued, “Let's go. We'll head back first.” Thus, Miguel dipped his head in acquiescence.
Subsequently, they got into the car and geared up to head home.
Mere seconds after they had started the engine, however, Tony 's phone rang.
The moment that happened, everyone in the car cut their gazes over. It was as though they were all aware of the caller's identity.
Taking out his phone, Tony glanced at the incoming phone number. A barely-perceptible smile tugged at his lips. He swiped his finger over the answer button and picked up the call.
“Hello.”
“I've already collected all information on Magus. When can you come over?” the person on the other end of the phone asked, cutting straight to the chase.
“Give me your location.”
“Let's meet at the usual place.”
“Sure!” After saying that, Tony promptly hung up. Right then, everyone in the car was staring at him.
“Why are you all looking at me?” A frown marred Tony 's countenance. “Are you psychic, Master?” Miguel exclaimed.
Why does it feel as though he knows everything?
“From the moment I laid eyes on him at the marketplace and mentioned Magus' name, I was aware that he undoubtedly knows everything,” Tony divulged nonchalantly.
“If so, why did he ask you for a day or two?” Miguel screeched.
Thalia pinned her eyes on him, regarding him as though he was a fool. “How could he show that he'd been working hard otherwise? And would he have the nerve to take the money?”
At that, Miguel was momentarily stunned. He then lamented, “How foolish of me!” Having said that, he withdrew his gaze and started driving.
Thalia snorted a bark of laughter. “Those around Dave are just slow-witted!”
Following that insult, Miguel immediately objected, “You can disparage me, but not Dave!” “I simply want to do that. What can you do about it?” Thalia retorted.
Miguel's mind whirred at warp speed. I'm not her match physically speaking, much less when it comes to oral skills. He brooded upon the matter, his gaze trained on the rearview mirror. When he glimpsed the boy sitting in the backseat, his gaze flickered. “I can't do anything about it. But then, I'm Master's apprentice while you're his colleague. How's that?”
Words eluded Thalia.
She snapped her head over and glowered at him. “Well, well, well... you even know how to divert my wrath now.”
Miguel flashed her a faint smile. “Not really. We're currently somewhat related, aren't we?”
Fixing her eyes on him with a half-smile, Thalia clenched her fists so hard that cracking sounds split the air. “Shall I now analyze the relationship between us for you?”
At the sight of her in a fit, Miguel instantly stammered, “I-I'm driving, and there are three pillars of the pack sitting in the back. They're all Darknetz's pillars!”
After giving it some thought, Thalia nodded. “All right, then. I'll only teach you a lesson later!” At once, Miguel was struck dumb.
Donna , who was sitting in the back, could not help bursting into giggles as she watched them tease each other.
How I wish the relationship between Darknetz and DX is like that between the two of them! Then, we wouldn't be caught between a rock and a difficult place!
In no time, they arrived at the place they previously went, as per the man's instructions. By the time they climbed out of the car, the man was already waiting there.
At the sight of Tony , he swiftly hurried forward. “You're here, Sir?” Sir?
That address had Thalia inexorably dissolve into laughter behind him.
Indeed, Tony deserves the title after forking out so much money!
Tony eyed him without rejecting that address. “Where is it?”