THE ALGORITHM

4.

As soon as Andrew laid eyes on Bilal, his footsteps slowed. He felt as if he was looking at a giant. Andrew heard good things about the Lawsons, and this was his first time seeing Bilal in person. He wasn't expecting him to be so tall and so muscular. He didn't need a team of bodyguards—he was a bodyguard.

There was something about Bilal. He had an unshakeable confidence that radiated from him. He stood there—tall, firm, and unapologetic. Boldness oozed from him, which was expected. He was a Lawson. Being from an organized crime family would make anyone feel like a formidable person.

The senator and his people were dressed in navy-tailored suits. Only three men were with him. There were no signs of weapons, and they wore no earpieces because Bilal didn't want any wires around him. Their hands were tucked away as their eyes darted around at the sudden movements made by the mob.

"Mr. Lawson..." Andrew began, his face etched with unease. "I appreciate your willingness to meet with me today. This means a lot to me."

Bilal glanced at Andrew's hand and realized he was holding it out for a handshake. His fingers trembled, which meant he was nervous. Instead of shaking it, he pushed out, "Senator." His voice carried a hint of authority.

Andrew withdrew his hands and quickly stuck them by his side. He sighed before saying, "I'm so grateful for your assistance. Please, how can I repay you for your help?"

Bilal eyed the man for a moment. Having a connection with a senator wasn't a bad idea. However, he quickly wiped the thought away. Andrew was reckless, and the organization didn't need that behavior around.

"My only concern is to ensure your daughter is safely returned to you."

Bilal was the don—the head of the entire organization. He didn't have to be there at all. However, he wanted to meet Andrew for himself. There had to be some kind of control. Bilal wanted to ensure the exchange went smoothly and according to plan.

Bilal glanced at his cousin, Kip, who was overseeing the soldiers. He ensured the men were prepared for every situation. They were around the same age and had grown up together. Both men were well aware of how the operation ran. They weren't new to the dialogues and exchanges.

Kip signaled to another man, and they wasted no time retrieving the girl. One of the beefy soldiers held Cameron by her arm. She walked inside the room looking better than before.

When Bilal first met her, she was covered in dirt, grime, and blood. Now, she was clean and had on fresh clothes. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, and she held a neutral expression until her eyes landed on her father.

"Daddy!" Cameron raised her voice while pulling away from the soldier. He allowed her to.

Bilal watched as she ran into her father's arms. Andrew seemed elated to have his daughter in his embrace. He closed his eyes while hugging her tightly. The moment lasted for a while.

Cameron wept silently in his arms as he hugged her and kissed her forehead.

"Oh, baby girl. I thought I lost you. I didn't think I would ever see you again."

Andrew glanced at Bilal with wet eyes and said, "Thank you so much. You saved my family."

Bilal only nodded his head. He couldn't allow his stoic expression to slip away.

Suddenly, Cameron pulled away from her dad and looked at him. Her face was red from crying, and she had moist eyes and a wet nose. After sniffing, she said, "W-we have to leave here and get out of town."

"Darling..." Andrew trailed off while running his hand over her hair. "We're safe now. You have nothing to worry about. I'm sure Mr. Lawson took great care of you while you were with him."