Chapter 313

Andrew Smith and his two companions nodded in agreement. Old Harold Cooper patted William Cooper's shoulder. "William, you take charge of moving the supplies. I'll prepare a meal for Mr. Waters. Don't slack off!"

William straightened his back. "Yes, sir!"

Sean Waters leaned against the kitchen window, cigarette dangling from his lips as he exhaled smoke through the narrow opening. Through the curling haze, he watched the three country men laboring with the grain sacks, a cold smirk playing on his lips.

By the stove, Old Harold deftly rolled out dough for noodles. Soon, a steaming bowl of egg noodles was placed before Waters.

"Take your time, sir. I'll go help with the supplies," Old Harold said respectfully.

Waters slurped the noodles and waved dismissively. "Stay put, old man. Keep me company." His rare moment of kindness stemmed solely from the noodles suiting his taste.

Old Harold thanked him profusely and huddled by the stove to chat.

Meanwhile, William and Andrew carried sacks of flour, using them as cover for hushed conversation.

"Captain Smith, why are you here?" William's voice trembled. He never dreamed he'd encounter Luna White's fiancé in this place.

Andrew studied the gaunt young man before him. The William he remembered had been shy but bright-eyed. Now, he was hunched over, as if drained of all vitality.

"Luna received your message," Andrew murmured behind the flour sack. "We're here to assess the situation."

William's eyes welled up. He hadn't expected Sally to deliver the message, let alone for help to arrive so swiftly.

"This is an illegal coal mine..." William whispered urgently, pouring out everything he'd witnessed over the past six months. By the end, he was nearly frantic. "You shouldn't have come! There are over thirty armed thugs here—all ruthless criminals!"

Andrew adjusted the flour sack calmly. "Don't worry. Our men are nearby."

Only then did William relax slightly.

As they spoke, Waters' roar came from the kitchen. "Quit dawdling! Finish before I'm done eating!"

"Almost finished!" William called back obsequiously, seizing the chance to relay the mine's layout in detail.

Over a hundred deceived farmers were imprisoned here. The mine shaft was like a gaping maw—those who entered either worked themselves to death or were beaten to death, their bodies disappearing into abandoned tunnels.

As they moved the last sack, Waters emerged, wiping his mouth. "Follow me."

Suddenly, Andrew strode toward the stove. "It's freezing outside. Let's warm up first."

Waters' face darkened. He snatched up the fire poker. "You dare disobey me?"

The poker whistled through the air, but Andrew dodged effortlessly. In the firelight, the three soldiers exchanged knowing smiles.

"Come warm yourselves," Andrew said, flexing his wrists. "It's time to get comfortable."

Old Harold promptly ducked under the table, covering his head. Waters swung the poker wildly, but a kick to his knee sent him crashing to the ground. Before he could rise, the fire poker was at his throat.

"Now," Andrew pressed a foot to Waters' back, "let's discuss who's really in charge here."