Bullseye cursed in his heart.
How could he be this unlucky!
Earlier, he was discussing a deal with Owl, though it wasn't so much a deal as following Kingpin's orders to trap Owl. Given the unequal power between the two, Owl's decision could be considered smart.
At least he could keep his title as boss, even if it was in name only.
Bullseye was never good at negotiations, scheming, or calculating. His expertise was killing. Luckily, Kingpin was strong enough, so Bullseye just had to show up. Originally, this was Wesley's job, but for some reason, Wesley didn't show up today.
He didn't screw up the job, but he went home frustrated. Before he could even sit down, a call from one of his men pulled him back up.
Just as he was about to curse, the caller gave him an address and hung up.
At first, Bullseye was confused, but then he suddenly realized: that was the secret address Kingpin had once mentioned—Wesley's place!
Speaking of which, living in a place like this didn't fit Bullseye's style or needs at all. In fact, Kingpin had arranged for him to live here. Kingpin had even handled the house purchase himself.
The reason? "To protect Wesley's safety."
Bullseye knew very well that Kingpin placing him so close to Wesley wasn't just about protection. The real purpose was likely more about surveillance...
Of course, that was something you wouldn't say out loud.
Bullseye guessed that Wesley was well aware he was being watched, but he pretended not to know and carried on like nothing was happening.
The truth was: Wesley knew he was being monitored. Bullseye knew Wesley knew he was being monitored and also knew Kingpin expected him to do so. Kingpin, in turn, knew Wesley knew Bullseye was watching and was aware that everyone was playing along.
It sounded like a tongue twister, but it was actually quite simple: Kingpin knew Wesley had betrayed his weaknesses, and Wesley knew his act had been seen through.
But no one exposed the other.
Because everyone understood that from the moment Kingpin became the ruler of darkness, their relationship was no longer just about friendship.
A king doesn't need friends. He needs absolute submission!
...
Bullseye hung up the phone and rushed straight to Wesley's place. It was true Kingpin wanted him there to keep an eye on Wesley, but if Wesley really ended up dead, Bullseye knew his fate wouldn't be any better.
He quickly arrived outside Wesley's door, but after observing for a while, there wasn't a single sound inside!
A few minutes later, more of Kingpin's men arrived, fully armed.
At that point, Bullseye couldn't just stand by. Who knew if Kingpin might later question these guys? To Bullseye, these men seemed more like supervisors.
He casually tossed a nail he'd picked up into the house, but there was no expected sound of hitting a target—no one was hurt, no one dodged.
Seeing all the underlings staring at him, Bullseye felt a bit embarrassed.
But no matter how awkward it felt, Bullseye wasn't going into that house.
He was a killer, sure, but he was also a smart coward. He knew who not to mess with, and that's why he'd survived so long despite his long list of crimes.
Kingpin was one such example.
When Kingpin found him, Bullseye knew he couldn't beat him. And knowing Kingpin wouldn't let him leave alive, Bullseye quickly surrendered!
It's just business—nothing personal.
Bullseye's physical skills weren't particularly strong, just better than the average person. His real strength lay in his genius-level marksmanship and throwing skills.
There was no way he was going to storm into a room, not knowing what traps the enemy might have set up. Facing an enemy who could take a bullet head-on in close quarters would be suicidal!
"Kingpin will understand," Bullseye told himself.
Still, he couldn't just stand around. Who knew if Kingpin might show up any minute?
With a wave of his hand, Bullseye threw a barrage of projectiles into Wesley's house, moving so fast that his motions blurred.
In that moment, he was like a one-man machine gun!
Then, he heard someone shout.
"Who the hell threw a nail and killed Mr. Wesley!"
...
If he could do it over again...
Bullseye's first thought wasn't to rush in and kill whoever it was. No, his first thought was...
Cover it up!
He glanced around at the other men. They exchanged looks, whispered among themselves, and avoided eye contact...
Great! If Wesley ended up alive, it'd be fine. But if he died and his body showed injuries from Bullseye's attack...
Whether or not it was his strike that killed Wesley, Kingpin would immediately know that Bullseye had launched an indiscriminate attack without confirming whether Wesley was alive or dead!
Cover it up?
Bullseye did a quick calculation of the time and the number of people present...
No!
Suddenly, Bullseye realized: it wouldn't matter.
Whether he could cover it up or not, he couldn't escape Kingpin's wrath. He might as well spend that time preparing to run for his life!
So, what to do? Should he really run?
Even if he managed to escape and Kingpin didn't chase him down, was he really going to live his life on the run, giving up his current comfortable and respected lifestyle to become a wandering fugitive?
In just a few seconds, countless thoughts raced through Bullseye's mind. In the end, he made a decision: no turning back!
Destroy the evidence!
As long as no one could definitively say Wesley died by his hand, everything would be fine!
"Damn it! How could you guys show up and not even kill a weak bookworm?"
What kind of thugs are you?!
Bullseye had noticed the equipment those underlings had brought. One piece, in particular, fit his plan perfectly...
...
He managed to get away with it, but when Kingpin showed up, his silent demeanor was terrifying.
Before leaving, Kingpin sat in his car and glanced back at Bullseye, that look in his eyes...
Damn it!
What a mess!
Back home, Bullseye began seriously considering leaving New York.
He was sure now—there was no way he had misread Kingpin's look!
Maybe... I should leave tonight?
But Bullseye wasn't sure he wasn't being watched. Especially after what had happened today.
As he was thinking this, a paranoid Bullseye suddenly noticed someone emerging from the woods outside his window!
(End of Chapter)