Jacob was walking alone in the woods. He was not in school. He was at a military school. Because of his participation in survival camp the school had a trip to the grounds of a military school where Leandro used to attend. They had an exercise to do a treasure hunt in the grounds and use their skills for navigation. They had to do it alone. He had been walking for fifteen minutes and still he hadn't found anything yet.
He stopped and looked at the map. As he was looking at the map he found himself in a headlock as someone grabbed his neck in their hands and dragged him away. He struggled to get away. They dragged him for a while and then as he started he found himself dragged into a cabin.
Then suddenly Jacob managed to overcome whoever that was choking and dragging him. He freed himself. Jacob was coughing as he turned around and faced his attacker. He looked at him with shock. The attacker was bulky and muscular. No winder he hadnt budged. He stared at him as he stopped coughing "What did you do this for?"
The attacker stood there and crossed his hands over his chest as he was leaning to the door blocking the exit deliberately. He looked at Jacob silently and calmly. He then narrowed his eyes "So... you are the great Neuer that everyone talks about."
Jacob said "I am Jacob Neuer. Nice to meet you." He then offered his hand for the attacker to shake. "Can I find out who do I have the pleasure of meeting right now?"
The attacker looked at his hand and looked at Jacob. He let his hands down and took a few steps towards Jacob. As he was no longer crossing his hands over his chest Jacob managed to read the badge on the attacker's military uniform "Captain Lochlan Kennedy."
Lochlan raised his hand and shook Jacob's hand and squeezed hard "Yes. Thats me. I am delighted to meet the boy who is taking my sister to the charity homecoming." He then twisted Jacob's arm and made him turn around. Jacob freed himself and turned to Lochlan.
Lochlan said "Your reflexes are so slow. You need faster reflex than this if my sister doesnt like you."
Jacob said "First you choke me and next you nearly pull my hand out of its socket... Why?"
Lochlan said "But I didnt pull your hand out of its socket. I could. But I didnt. You are matched up with my sister by Leandro and he has a reason to put his queen's brother as my sister's homecoming date... I cant possibly send you back to him with a busted arm. He is waiting for you at the other side of the compound after all. So dont complain."
Jacob said "Am I meant to say thank you then? Why did you attack me?"
Lochlan said "To test you... It seems that you are a great football player. One of the best. But you are not amazing in your reflexes in a fight."
Jacob said "I can hold my own."
Lochlan said "I bet you can. Otherwise Leandro wouldn't have paired you up with my sister. But your reflexes can be faster. You shouldn't get caught if she attacks you and rejects you."
Jacob said "Dont you want your sister to kick my backside?"
Lochlan said "I do. I am just stating a fact. You need faster reflexes with my sister. Now thats besides the point. You are here to answer my questions."
Jacob said "Really? You dragged me to ask me questions?"
Lochlan said "Yes. You need to answer me before you can take my sister to the home coming."
Jacob couldnt believe Lochlan. But he said "Ok. Fire away." He had nothing to hide. It made sense for a brother to question his sister's home coming partner.
Lochlan said "How many ex-girlfriends have you had? I want their names and addresses."
Jacob was taken back by the question. He blinked. But then he stated "I have never had a girlfriend."
Lochlan said "Are you sure? So you dont have any exes?"
Jacob said "No." Lochlan was giving him a displeased look. One that was almost deadly. Jacob said "What? Why do you look at me like you want to murder me? Am I meant to have exes before I can take your sister to home coming?"
Lochlan said "No. You dont. I dont want my sister to be anyone's second. I want to know if you are telling the truth. I dont like liars."
Jacob said "Look. Its your problem if you dont believe me. Not mine. Maybe I should go if you dont want to accept answers. I dont lie."
Lochlan blocked Jacob's path as he was heading for the exit." Lochlan said "You are not going anywhere. So you want me to believe you?"
Jacob sighed "Yes. I dont know about you city boys but country boys dont lie."
Lochlan looked at Jacob and then remained silent for a few seconds. His expression was calmer and less riled up now. He said "Alright. I guess I should believe you. Second question. If my sister wants to go out with you where will you take her?"
Jacob said "Dont you think you are getting too far ahead here?"
Lochlan said "I am asking questions. I want answers. Answer hypothetically."
Jacob sighed "I dont know. I will take her where she likes to go."
Lochlan said "That wasn't so hard. Was it?"
Jacob said "It is hard. I havent even met your sister. I have only seen her once and she was slaughtering some boys who were sitting in the stands of a football match. They didnt part fast enough for her to pass through or so they said. I hardly call that a meeting. I dont even know her and you are asking about dates."
Lochlan said "I need to consider all the possibilities. Next question. Whats your past like?"
Jacob said "What do you mean? My past? I was raised in Hale...Michigan...."
Lochlan said "No. Not that. I meant your track record. Do you have any records?"
Jacob said "You mean what kind of records?"
Lochlan said "Have you ever upset the wrong crowd? Angry mobs from the illegal betting world. Loan sharks. Drug dealers. Are you wanted in other states? Have you ever done anything that means someone may come after you? If anyone comes for you then they may come for my sister if she ever goes out with you after the home coming date."
Jacob was looking at Lochlan strangely "You make no sense. You are getting way ahead. To answer your question... No. I have a clean record. Do I look like a criminal?"
Lochlan said "No. I am just asking. My sister's safety is my priority. If you have upset the wrong crowd I need to know. I can help get rid of them for you. Have you killed anyone?"
Jacob was looking at him with his mouth open "No. I certainly havent killed anyone. Have you?"
Lochlan said "I havent killed anyone... yet..."
Jacob said "Thats a relief."
Lochlan said "Next question. If your sister and my sister have a fight, who's side will you take?"
Jacob said "Look. This is getting too far."
Lochlan said "Answer the question."
Jacob said "Knowing my sister she wont fight with anyone. She is the most gentle girl anyone can ever meet."
Lochlan said "We are talking hypothetically."
Jacob said "Fine... But Its hard to imagine that... I guess. I am fair... I will try to be fair... It depends whats happened and why they are fighting but I never ever abandon my sister in a fight. That I know...."
Lochlan took a step towards Jacob and stood face to face with him. "Neither will I Jacob. Neither will I. So you see you and I have common ground here. If there is a fight I never abandon my sister either. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my sister. Nothing. You hear that. Do we have an understanding?"
Jacob said "We have an understanding."
Lochlan said "I am glad. Next question.
The questions had gone on and on. Jacob's head was spinning with the questions about his intentions to Lochlan's sister and how he treated girls and much more. Suddenly there was a loud noise outside and it startled Jacob but it didnt startle Lochlan.
Lochlan looked at his watch "Time is up. That was the end of the game canon.I will take you to the field where everyone is gathered." He then looked up "I guess I am satisfied for now. I give you permission to take my sister to the home coming."