Chapter 2: A Fateful Encounter

As Judd stood amidst the dimly lit black market dealer's shop, surrounded by rows of illicit goods and contraband, he couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from the world around him. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and grease, and the sound of muffled voices echoed through the corridors. He had come here to cash in a favor, to claim a debt that was owed to him, and to see what kind of opportunities lay before him. The dealer, a grizzled old man with a penchant for scams and swindles, smiled as he approached Judd. "So, you're looking to pick up some gear, huh?" he asked, his voice dripping with an oily sweetness. Judd nodded, his eyes scanning the shelves and cases that lined the room. He was a man who knew what he wanted, and he wasn't afraid to take it. His gaze landed on a collection of high-end jewelry, and he reached out to touch a particularly exquisite diamond necklace. "Nice," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "But I'm not here for the trinkets. I'm here for something a bit more... substantial." The dealer chuckled, a dry, mirthless sound. "Well, I think I can help you with that. You've got a reputation, Judd. You're a man who can get what he wants, when he wants it. So, what do you say? What catches your eye?" Judd's gaze roamed the room, taking in the various items on display. He was about to give up when his eyes landed on a medium-sized dog crate in the corner. The crate seemed out of place among the other, more valuable items. "What's with the crate?" Judd asked, his curiosity piqued. The dealer followed his gaze. "Oh, that? Some guy sold me a kid a few nights ago. Said he was worth a pretty penny on the black market." Judd's eyes narrowed. He wasn't sure what to make of this, but something about the crate drew him in. He walked over to it, his boots echoing off the floor. As he approached the crate, he noticed that it was slightly ajar. He peered inside, expecting to see an animal or perhaps some valuable goods. But what he saw made his heart skip a beat. A young boy, no more than fourteen or fifteen years old, crawled out of the crate, his eyes glassy and unfocused. Judd's gaze locked onto the boy's, and for a moment, he felt like he had been punched in the gut. The boy looked up at Judd with a mixture of fear and confusion. His eyes were glazed, and his movements were slow and labored. Judd's mind reeled as he took in the sight of the boy, who looked eerily familiar. "Who is this?" Judd asked, his voice low and even. The dealer chuckled. "Like I said, some random guy sold him to me a few nights ago. I was thinking of using him for... 'requests' of a certain nature." Judd's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his cool. He walked closer to the crate, his gaze locked onto the boy's. As the boy looked up, Judd's eyes widened in shock. The boy's gaze was unfocused, but Judd could see the fear and panic lurking beneath the surface. "Jay?" Judd whispered, his voice barely audible. The boy's eyes snapped into focus, and he looked up at Judd with a mixture of confusion and fear. Judd's mind reeled as he took in the sight of the boy. He had seen him before, but not in a setting like this. The boy was... familiar. It wasn't until the boy's gaze locked onto Judd's that he realized who it was. Jay Bilzerian, the son of the famous lawyer, Alexander Bilzerian. Judd's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the boy. What was he doing here? And how did he end up in this crate? The boy's eyes seemed to bore into Judd's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Judd could see the fear and panic in the boy's eyes, and it hit him like a ton of bricks. He knew this kid. Jay was a friend of his little brother's, and Judd had met him a few times at family gatherings. He was a good kid, from what Judd remembered. A cold fury began to simmer beneath his surface as he stared at the boy, his mind racing with questions. What was he doing here? How did he end up in this crate? The dealer, oblivious to Judd's growing anger, smiled and said, "You want to take a look at him? He's a real catch." Judd's gaze never left the boy's face as he nodded. "Yeah, I want to take a closer look." The dealer's smile grew wider as he reached out to pat the boy's head. Judd's eyes narrowed, and he felt a cold fury rising up inside him. "What's his story?" Judd asked, his voice low and even. The dealer shrugged. "I don't know. Some guy brought him in, said he was worth a lot of money. I didn't ask questions, I just took him in." Judd's gaze locked onto the boy's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Judd could see the fear and panic in the boy's eyes, and it hit him like a ton of bricks. He was going to get the boy out of here, no matter what it took. With a newfound sense of determination, Judd reached out and gently removed the gag from the boy's mouth. The boy's eyes widened in fear as Judd's gaze locked onto his. "It's going to be okay," Judd said, his voice soft and reassuring. "You're safe now." The boy's gaze searched Judd's face, and for a moment, Judd thought he saw a glimmer of recognition. But it was quickly replaced by fear and uncertainty. Judd's mind reeled as he thought about what he was going to do. He was going to get the boy out of here, no matter what it took. And then, he was going to make sure that whoever had done this to him paid.