Smith shook his head:
"Winston, you need to understand that it wasn't John Wick who killed Gianna D'Antonio. It was Santino D'Antonio who invoked the blood marker and forced John Wick to do it."
"This is a family matter between the two. The High Table cannot hold John Wick accountable."
"And I don't think Santino can handle John's retaliation."
"This is a man who never forgets a grudge."
Winston looked at Smith and asked curiously:
"You think so highly of him?"
"Are you planning to recruit John Wick into your organization?"
Smith Doyle smiled:
"I have complete faith in John Wick."
Winston stood up and said:
"Enjoy your time at the Continental, Mr. Smith, Ms. Fox."
Watching Winston leave, Smith knew he was going to revoke Santino D'Antonio's blood marker token.
Fox looked at Smith and said:
"Seems like you really do think highly of John Wick."
"Ever since I met the guy, he's been walking a path of blood."
"But at least he only kills bad guys."
Smith Doyle nodded and said:
"Especially this time, the target—Camorra—is quite interesting."
---
Triskelion Building.
In the office of Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Phil Coulson was reporting the latest developments.
"Director, we've just intercepted a combat video featuring Smith Doyle."
"From this footage, we can clearly analyze that Smith Doyle possesses physical capabilities far beyond a normal person."
As he spoke, Coulson placed a tablet in front of Nick Fury.
Fury played the video, watching Smith Doyle and Fox's fight at the T-junction.
Observing Smith's strength and ability to deflect bullets with a blade, he said:
"This kind of strength and reflexes should be flagged as an 084 for observation."
"This isn't something a normal person should possess—it qualifies as a superpower."
"Have the experts analyze his strength, speed, and reflexes based on this footage."
"And have our undercover agents within the Assassin's Guild gather as much intel on Smith Doyle as possible."
Coulson nodded and then asked:
"Director, do we initiate contact with Smith Doyle?"
Fury shook his head:
"Not yet. For now, focus on intelligence gathering, psychological profiling, and multi-angle observation."
"You'll lead the monitoring effort on Smith Doyle, Coulson."
Coulson replied:
"Yes, sir."
Fury thought for a moment and added:
"Also, deploy a team to investigate other high-ranking members of the Assassin's Guild. Is this power unique to Smith Doyle, or do others possess similar abilities?"
Coulson asked in surprise:
"Director, do you suspect they've replicated the Super Soldier Serum?"
Fury looked at Coulson:
"We can't rule it out. Many factions have tried to replicate the serum over the years. The Assassin's Guild might've succeeded too."
"If it's just Smith Doyle, then perhaps it's a unique genetic mutation, like some others we've encountered."
"But if there's more than one, it could mean their research succeeded."
"Also, reclassify Smith Doyle and the Assassin's Guild files as Level 5 intel."
Coulson nodded:
"Yes, Director!"
---
Continental Hotel.
Smith sat with a smile on his face, dining with Fox in the hotel's restaurant.
Winston, having finished his business, was sitting on the nearby sofa reading a newspaper.
Fox took a sip of red wine and asked:
"Smith, I didn't see Poole when I came in today. Where is he?"
Hearing Fox inquire about Poole, Smith said:
"Wesley keeps pestering him, so he's hiding out somewhere."
Just then, a voice came from upstairs: "Winston."
A slightly disheveled figure appeared. Winston, still seated, looked up and said:
"Mr. D'Antonio."
With a hint of sarcasm, Winston said:
"Looks like you've had an exciting day!"
Glancing at Smith Doyle, he added to the approaching man:
"I assume you're here to lay low?"
Smith said to Fox:
"Showtime's about to begin."
Fox looked at the newly appointed head of Camorra with a mocking smile—it seemed some entertainment was coming.
She didn't say anything, just nodded silently.
Santino D'Antonio finally noticed Smith Doyle sitting nearby, but he didn't care. He walked straight to Winston and commanded:
"I want John Wick's membership with the Continental revoked!"
"Immediately!"
Winston looked at the agitated Santino and calmly replied:
"According to the rules, John Wick hasn't broken any."
Santino, frustrated at the refusal, snapped:
"But you know I'm a member of the High Table—I command you to—"
Winston took off his glasses and smiled:
"No, you don't command me, Mr. D'Antonio."
"This kingdom belongs to me alone!"
"If you want to change the rules of the Continental, it requires a unanimous vote from all twelve High Table seats."
Santino's face darkened:
"Fine!"
"Cling to your kingdom while you still live!"
Winston retorted:
"Then you hold tight to your privilege!"
Santino, now done with Winston, turned to Smith Doyle and asked:
"Mr. Smith Doyle, would you be willing to sell me the blood marker you hold for John Wick?"
Hearing this absurd request, Smith laughed and refused:
"You want to desecrate a blood oath?"
"That's not something that can be broken."
Rejected by Smith Doyle, Santino slumped at a nearby table and ordered steak and red wine.
—End of chapter—
Enjoying and Wanting more!? Read ahead!
Join my Patreon.com/Tenacious Hare. By Purchasing my Carrot 🥕 Tier, You get 10+ chapters ahead and Faster updates
Both Platforms offer the same content, but pick whatever suits you!! Your support and help keeps this story alive.
I Deeply Appreciate your support ❤️❤️
Thank you for supporting my work! 🗿❤️
~ Tenacious Hare 🥕