X-MEN- CH-85. Hell's Kitchen

The key was a classic car prepared by Martin, perfectly matching Logan's temperament. After the group took a tour of Logan's future home, food and drinks were laid out in the living room on the first floor.

"Here's to your new life." Martin said, raising his glass of wine. Everyone joined in, except Kayla, who held a glass of water.

"She can't drink." Logan explained with a smile.

"Why?" Someone asked.

Kayla beamed and said, "I'm pregnant."

"...Congratulations." The wine in Martin's hand suddenly seemed dull.

The women around Kayla were pleasantly surprised and began asking her about her health, all with warm smiles. For a brief moment, Martin felt his age catching up with him. He'd never paid much attention to children before, but now it felt like they were everywhere around him—yet he had none of his own.

Still, he was genuinely happy for Logan. In a way, there was finally a new life in their little circle.

"And what about Jean?" Logan suddenly asked as he took a sip from his glass.

Everyone in the family was there except Jean.

"She's at college. Planning to apply for a doctorate soon, so she's been busy. I didn't want to pull her away from that."

Logan shot Martin a look of disapproval and shook his head.

"What?" Martin retorted, "Kayla is many years younger than you."

"But I only love her." Logan replied.

"Oh, you're just jealous. Don't think I don't know."

"Rubbish."

"..."

The two men continued bickering good-naturedly, drinks in hand, while the women sat together talking about children. The atmosphere was warm and lively.

A while later, there was a knock at Logan's door, and Charlie entered, holding little Nina.

"Hi, Nina!" Raven greeted the little girl with excitement, taking her from Charlie's arms for a hug. She then turned to Charlie and said, "Come in, Charlie. Martin and everyone else are here."

"Alright, let me meet the new boss."

Charlie entered and greeted everyone he knew.

Introducing them, Martin said, "This is James Logan Howlett, just call him Logan. And this is Kayla, Logan's wife." He then turned to Logan, "And this is Charlie Evans, our farm manager."

"Hello."

After introductions, Charlie joined Logan and Martin, and they started chatting. Charlie spoke with his usual diligence, updating Logan on the farm's operations. Logan was impressed by Charlie's thoroughness and invited him to continue managing the farm.

If Logan were left to do it alone, he would probably struggle just as much as Martin.

"Where's little Jeremy? Why didn't you bring him?" Martin asked.

"Ruby has the day off, so she's with Jeremy." Charlie replied.

At that moment, Nina ran over, "Uncle Martin!"

"What's up, sweetheart?" Martin asked, lifting her onto his lap with a smile.

"Are you going to keep a dog on the farm?"

"Do you like dogs?"

"Yes." Nina nodded, "We used to have dogs at home."

"Alright then, how about we keep a dog too? You can come play with it anytime you want."

"Okay!" Nina nodded happily, then hopped down and ran back to Raven and the others.

After chatting a bit longer, Charlie excused himself to check on the farm, leaving Nina to play. The celebration continued through dinner, and Martin and his friends stayed at Logan's house that night.

Little Emma was staying at her sister's place. The farm's quiet night was a refreshing change from the city, with no light pollution and only the sounds of small animals around.

Martin took Raven and the others outside to enjoy the night scenery.

---

The following morning, after breakfast, Martin was playing with four puppies he'd just bought—two pit bulls and two shepherds. Though they would grow to be fierce, everyone was enamored with their small, playful nature.

Charlie drove up, parking near Martin's house. Instead of his usual rounds, he walked directly over to Martin.

"Martin, after I went back yesterday, someone came by asking about things here." Charlie said, stepping out of his car.

"Oh?" Martin handed him a glass of wine, "Who were they, and what did they want?"

"Some gang members. They didn't say much, just asked about the farm and your information."

"Did they scare Nina or anyone else?" Martin asked with concern.

"No, they didn't do anything." Charlie assured him.

"Any idea which gang?"

"Not sure, but I heard they're from Hell's Kitchen."

"Alright. Just keep doing your work as usual; I'll handle it. If anyone asks you anything, feel free to give basic answers. Protecting your family is what's important."

"Got it."

Martin then said, "Your place is rented, right?"

"Yes." Charlie replied.

"How would you feel about moving here? I'm thinking of building a small community on the farm for permanent staff. It'd be safer, and you wouldn't have to commute so much. Plus, you could help with the planning."

"A permanent community?"

"Yes. We need people to care for the place, and it's better to have people we trust living here. I want to offer housing for those who can do the work and who have a bit of grit."

Charlie looked curious, "Are you forming some sort of...group?"

Martin shook his head, "No...just an idea for now. But think about moving here. I won't charge rent, and it'll be a safer place for your family."

"Alright, I'll consider it."

After Charlie left, Martin fell into deep thought. He'd originally just wanted to set up something like a large homestead. But with people wanting to join, he wondered how they'd make a sustainable living.

For now, he set that concern aside to deal with the gang matter.

He'd heard about a prominent figure in New York named Wilson Grant Fisk. Recently, Fisk had thrown a celebration for his newborn child, which Emma and other notable business owners had attended. Fisk had a sterling public image and was reported to be charitable.

"Honey, I'll be going out for a bit." Martin called from the door.

"Alright." Raven's voice echoed back.

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