The Serpent Princess

Hiram's past

So Marty Mantle came to the office to tell him he needs to stop telling Reggie what to do.

"Hiram. I'm asking you just leave my son alone. The debt's paid. Just let him go."

Hiram defends Reggie.

"Reggie is a grown man who makes his own decisions."

Mantle responded.

"Reggie is a fool. He's blinded by your money. Doesn't care how you get it."

Hiram explains.

Well, maybe, Marty, you're failing to see your own son's potential If he was my son, I would be proud."

Mantle said.

"Hiram, I swear, if you don't let him go... "

Hiram response.

"Choose your next words wisely."

Hiram was reminded of high school.

"Marty, do you remember how you bullied me?"

Marty nervously said.

"No sir."

Hiram said.

"When I confirmed that I was legally changing my name, you said Luna or Lodge, you'll still be shining my old man's shoes for burgers, Jaime."

Marty's face change by fear as he remembered Lodge beating him.

"What's my name, Mantle? Say it! I want to hear you say it."

Driven by fear he responded.

"Hiram Lodge." He panted.

Lodge responded.

"That's right. And don't you ever forget it."

Marty was speechless as Lodge said.

"Or better yet, get the hell out of my office."

So when Reggie came back he tells him about the gun.

"Untraceable like you asked."

Hiram said.

"Excellent."

Hiram continues.

"Reggie, your father came to see me. He, uh, stormed in, made wild demands. If you're gonna work for me, you need to get your house in order first."

Reggie was upset.

"Mr. Lodge, I'm so sorry."

Hiram said.

"Don't apologize. Just fix it. Then meet me back here tonight.

Reggie chatted with Dad then left to meet Hiram.

"How'd it go with your father?"

Reggie exclaimed.

"I don't have a father anymore."

Hiram said.

"That's a rather bold statement."

Reggie said.

"I mean it."

Hiram said.

"Of that, I have no doubt. It actually reminds me my own relationship with my father."