Chapter 368: No Need to Be Afraid
Mandel's greeting, "Master," hung in the air, drawing a strange look from Holbrook, who stood nearby.
If it had been a young girl calling John "Master," perhaps Holbrook wouldn't have thought much of it. He might have been amused by the flirtatiousness of modern youth. But when a man—especially one like Mandel—addressed John with such a title, it felt awkward.
Back in Holbrook's day, such terms of respect were rare and reserved for situations of great formality. For a man to call another man "Master," particularly in such an intimate setting, struck him as odd.
John, sensing the discomfiture in the air and knowing Holbrook's mind well, cursed inwardly. This guy's been poisoned by too many unrighteous thoughts, he thought bitterly.
But before he could dwell on it any longer, Mandel called out again, "Master..."
John stiffened at the repeated address. His discomfort was apparent. His face contorted as if a chill ran through him, and he quickly waved his hand dismissively. "Don't call me that anymore. Just call me Mr. Lopez," he said, his tone slightly strained.
Mandel blinked, confused but obedient. "Okay, Mr. Lopez."
Feeling the shift in tone, John decided it was time to step outside. He motioned for Mandel to follow him. "Come with me," he said, leading him out of the Feazer Medical Clinic and into the quiet street beyond.
Once they were alone, John turned to Mandel, his voice serious. "Tell me the truth. Why did you come all the way to the US instead of staying as the second-in-command of your Australian Ninja League?"