Chapter Two: Alexander

Alexander turned up his collar of his shirt as the cold wind blew. A storm was slowly blowing in which made his already sore shoulder hurt more. He rubbed it as he rolled his shoulder, feeling at where flesh meet metal letting out a slight groan. He could fix his arm easily enough if it was damaged but he couldn't fix anything in the shoulder mount which was attached to bone. He wiggled the fingers of his mechanical arm about to make sure it was still in working function before sliding on his glove to cover it.

Saving the noble woman was a stupid move on his part. Last thing he needed was his picture in the paper. Granted a handsome reward would have been nice, or maybe enough at the very least enough to buy a knew jacket since he had to toss the one he was wearing because of the blood. The homeless man Alex had gave it to didn't seem to mind the blood in the least and he would need it more then Alex in the coming months.

Alex however had more important things on his mind right now then any reward. He smiled as he saw Julianna waiting on him where she had told him to meet her. Though he wished it was under better circumstances it was good to see her again none the less after so many years. Alex didn't have many people left that he truly cared about but Jules and Jon where as close to family as he had left in this world so when Jules sent a message Alex came running as fast as he could.

“Alex” Jules said as she came over and gave Alex a hug and a pat on the back. “You smell nice?” She said as she slid off of him. No doubt mocking him for the slight scent of the woman he had saved. Humor was sort of their go to in stressful situations.

“Long story.” Alex said as he gave a small smile. “You heard anything about your brother?” Alex asked as he let her go.

“No. I have gone to the wardens station and checked all of the hospitals, I don't know what to do.” Jules said as she shook her head.

“Jules, we will find him.” Alex touched her chin. Whoever took Jon would want him alive. Alex considered himself to be a smart man but Jon could make even Alex feel like a idiot. It was no surprise that Jon had been offered a scholarship to Ravencraft University but he would only except if Jules could join him. She wasn't as gifted as her brother but Alex never saw a machine that Jules could not fix. Plus she was one of the few who could keep Jon focused and on task.

“This the place?” Alex looked at the bar across the street.

“Yeah. The guy you are looking for is the bartender.” Jules nodded.

“You find a spot and keep an eye out..” Alex smiled as he touched her shoulder.

“Alex I can take care of myself.” Jules protested.

“I know that but I rather you not get mixed up in things with these people if we can help it.” Alex gave her a stern look.

“Good luck.” Jules said with a smirk and Alex gave a nod. Alex went to cross the street as he stopped for a passing Auto before preceding across and checked to make sure his sleeve was unbuttoned. The pub looked like just any other business on the street but that was the point since it was probably a front to launder money for the syndicate. No one was really counting how many drinks a bar sold compared to how many barrels was actually bought but Alex was sure the books didn't match up to actual sells and people who where on the payroll . If there was money involved that meant that who ever was running the place was upper management in the syndicate.

The syndicate where not the kind of people Alex wanted to cross if he had a choice. They where harden war veterans whom had turned to crime to make a living after the war. Which meant they where well organized and disciplined. They had either whipped out or taken in the street gangs that had been prevalent during the war and where now a criminal enterprise though they also had a code of honor which Alex hoped would work in his favor.