Leo took the group to the familiar "Noodles" restaurant—a place he often visited before joining the military. The owner, known to everyone simply as Noodles, ran this Italian-style eatery. No one knew his real name.
Looking at the three young men seated stiffly, Leo nodded with satisfaction. Compared to Desmond, who had already slouched into a chair and was chugging beer, these were clearly his trained soldiers.
The three were Sean Cooper, Daniel Taylor, and Joseph Green.
All from Lynchburg, all former Marines. When Leo had built his special ops unit, he'd selected them from thousands of applicants.
"Relax," Leo said. "You were discharged a month before me. What are you up to now?"
"My father got me into the police force," Joseph said. "Sean and Daniel have just been waiting for you to come back and make them rich."
Sean, a heavily built machine gunner, chimed in: "Don't listen to Joseph, sir. Getting rich is secondary. We'd follow you anywhere—even as cowboys."
"That's right, sir. Whatever you plan to do, just don't leave us behind," added Daniel, the sniper.
"Hey! There are three of us—why are you leaving me out? I'm in, too!" Joseph barked.
"Aren't you already a cop, sir?" Daniel teased.
"Just temporarily, you hear?"
Joseph clinked glasses with Leo and grinned. "And when it comes to following orders, they're amateurs. You know me, boss—I never question your commands. Besides, I couldn't exactly say no to my dad—he's the town sheriff."
"And me, Leo," Desmond added.
Leo was touched.
Only those forged in blood and fire could understand such loyalty. He had no doubt: if he said they were robbing a bank—so long as it wasn't in Lynchburg—these four would be right beside him with guns in hand.
"Originally, I planned to take everyone to New York to make our fortune. But... something happened."
"If it doesn't work out, you can join the police department. We're short-handed," Joseph said.
"Thanks, Joseph. But I've already got a plan."
Everyone straightened up.
It was instinct. On the battlefield, whenever Leo walked into their tent with a clipboard, his opening line had always been: "Boys, we've got a mission. I have a plan."
To them, Leo's plans always meant one thing: victory.
"Sir, what do you need from us?" Sean asked calmly.
"I'm going to start a real estate company."
"Leo! Is that you?!"
Before Leo could continue, a joyful voice interrupted.
Turning toward it, he saw a girl in a blue and white floral dress running toward him, glowing with excitement.
Her light brown hair curled naturally, bouncing as she ran. Her large amber eyes sparkled with joy and disbelief.
Leo's mind instantly recalled her name: Emily Brown.
If there had been a vote in 1940 Lynchburg for the town's most notorious troublemaker, Leo Valentino would've won by a landslide.
Every father warned their daughters: stay away from that punk or you'll end up alone for life.
And yet... this infamous delinquent had a girlfriend?!
Watching Emily's radiant figure and her enthusiastic approach, Leo was stunned. Even after three years apart, with someone like his predecessor, and no cheating? Not only that—she was still in love?
Leo stood to greet her, but Emily gave him no chance.
With a graceful leap, she launched herself into his arms.
Her long legs wrapped around his waist like they belonged there. Her youthful energy overwhelmed Leo's old-soul heart.
Her amber eyes locked with his, lips curled in a sweet smile—and then she kissed him.
Damn. DNA activated.
He'd indulged himself plenty in New York, but nothing compared to this—the kind of passion love could ignite. The kind that brewed for years.
This was a soup seasoned with youth, now bubbling with desire.
For the first time in four years, Leo thought: Maybe this world isn't so bad after all.
Wolf whistles erupted across the restaurant. Loudest among them was Noodles, who seemed to see his younger self in the couple.
The two finally pulled apart, breathless and still savoring the moment.
"Leo," Emily whispered, flushed with a mix of joy and shyness.
Embarrassed by the attention, she lowered her voice, asking Leo to let her down.
Reluctantly, he released her. His hand unconsciously clenched, remembering her warmth.
The next second, a soft hand reached for his and squeezed tightly—as if to say, don't disappear again.
After such a public reunion, talking business was no longer appropriate. Leo offered his apologies:
"Let's meet at my house tomorrow. We'll talk then.
Oh—Daniel, invite Kevin. Tell him drinks are on me."
"Yes, sir," Daniel nodded. He had no idea why the boss wanted to see his father. But if booze was involved, Kevin would definitely show up.
As the group split, Sean looked at the six people who had arrived with Emily. Frowning, he asked:
"Sir, should I come with you?"
Before Leo could reply, Joseph nudged Sean.
"Relax. The boss has it under control."
As they walked away, Sean muttered to Joseph:
"Two of those six looked shady. Shouldn't we—"
Desmond cut him off.
"Sean, have you ever heard of the Lynchburg Gang?"
"Not really. I grew up on a farm outside town. I only know the name—it's what people called a bunch of local troublemakers a few years back. Wait, are you saying those guys are the Lynchburg Gang? Then we really should go back."
Daniel patted Sean on the shoulder and said with a sigh:
"No need at all. Because the Lynchburg Gang's leader... was Leo Valentino."