by Tia Siren
Head against the carpeted floor, his gaze was fixed on the huge mirror sitting on the floor, giving him the reflection of his soul.
“Who are you?” He asked himself, still staring in the mirror.
“I’m Anton Belinsky. A famous billionaire. A leader of the notorious and most feared mafia in the world. That child was dead, long time ago. I’m alive. Free. Successful. No one could beat me down anymore. No one. No one.”
However hard he tried to forget his past, it would always grab hold of his foot, pulling him down. Unless he learned to forgive. Only then he would find an inner remission that would set him free eternally from the bondage of his oppressed childhood.
Chapter One
Ripping the envelope, the sound of tearing paper increased her blood pressure. As she pulled the letter from its shelter, her hands quaked in great fear. She knew what it was. Something she foresaw coming. Something she’d been praying not to happen.
“Oh, please….” She cried out as she saw the Eviction Letter with her mother’s name on it.
“Mama…..” She called out. Her voice’s wavelength echoed all over the street.
Drinking coffee while watching her favorite program on T.V, she was perplexed to hear her daughter’s ear-splitting scream. What happened? She thought, alarmed that something was not right in the kitchen.
“What? Did you burn the patties I told you to cook for breakfast?” She asked, eyes wide open.
“No!” She replied, annoyed that she was oblivious to what was happening. “Did you know about this?”
Her mother knew exactly what she was talking about – it was fairly obvious. “Tasia. Look…..” She tried to explain, but Tasia cut in, exasperated that anytime soon, she might find her mother residing with other inmates.
“No. You know all about this, don’t you? Don’t lie to me.” Tears began to escape her eyes.
“Have a sit-down dear. I know you’re disappointed in me, but let me explain everything.”
“No! I don’t wanna hear your lies again. I’ve had enough of it. You told me you were not gonna gamble again. And yet, you did. How could you?” She cried in complete sadness as she imagined her mother being in jail.
“Please, sit down.”
Not knowing what to do, she was forced to sit down and hear her mother’s plea.
“Since your father died, I’ve been really lonely. Gambling is my only therapy, and you know that. I didn’t know what to do. I gambled what was left to us in hope to make it grow, and it did. That’s why I got you through to college.”
“I know that. But you told me you’re gonna stop.” Tasia cut in.
“Darling, you must understand that I’ve been really depressed lately when you were gone doing you studies. I couldn’t stay home. I’d go mad. Is that what you want? Tell me?”
Tasia felt what her mother was going through. She’d been there. She knew how it felt to be left out and abandoned. Of course, it was miserable. Who would want to be in that position? “So, what do we do now?”
“We’ll figure something out. Don’t worry about it so much. It’s my problem. It’s not yours to solve.”
Really? How could you say that? Tasia asked her mother in her thoughts. She was everything to her. And she would do almost anything to protect her. That was the promise she had made before her father died. A promise she had to keep.
****
Anton was wiping his .30 Carbine pistol when the brothers arrived from hunting. Raising his gun up slightly, he mirrored what they were doing through the shiny surface of his silver pistol.
“So how many did you manage to hunt?” He asked, wondering how much money they would earn out of the illegal weapons his brothers managed to trade.
“A couple.” One of them spoke.
“Give me the details.”
“20,000 pistols. 30,000 armalites. 15,000 shotguns. And 10,000 missiles.”
“Is that all?” He asked. His voice sounded like he was angry.
“Yes… We couldn’t convince the idiots to give us more shotguns. Instead, they gave us missiles.”
Turning around to face them, his face expressed a hint of danger. The brothers felt the sting of his stare.
“What are you gonna do with those freaking missiles? You all know not many wanted that crap. I told you to get shotguns, as many as you possibly can.”
“That’s the thing. They’ve run out. Oh, well. At least, that’s what they’ve said.”
“Assholes…. You should’ve blown their heads off.”
He turned again to put his pistol away.
“Go. Find our clients. Make sure you don’t mess up this time. Or otherwise, I’ll definitely blow all your heads off.”
The brothers were shocked. Fear clouded the atmosphere. They knew he was serious. A powerful and candid person like him could do almost anything with his money. They knew they were no match for him. One word – they might breathe their last.
Thinking about not having enough shotguns to provide his clients’ requests triggered his fury. Damn cunts, he thought. He walked back and forth repeatedly, trying to calm himself down. But the hatred pre-conceived as a kid always got the best of him.
He threw his pistol against the huge mirror. The sound of the mirror shattering into tiny pieces irritated him even more, inclining his already flaming temper. He wanted everything to be perfect. He was very organized. One mistake could turn him into a monstrous creature that everyone feared. He believed he could obtain everything through violence. At least, that was what he learned as he grew up.
He looked at his wristwatch for the time before dialing a number on the telephone.
“Hello? Sam, are you there?”
Sam was the old fellow who introduced him to the industry of mafia. He was an American man who traveled to Russia for illegal trading. Learning Anton’s crestfallen childhood forced him to help him reach his ambitious dream.
“Oh, hello there Anton. What brought you here?” He asked.
“I’m still in Russia. I’m coming over to talk about important stuff. If you know what I mean.”
He did not want to be so specific about the topic. He knew there might be FBI spies listening on the line. He’d seen it happened before to one of his brothers, and he was too wise to be fooled.
“Yeah, I know what you’re talking about. Just pop in. You know where I live, right?”
“Alright. Thanks!” Then he hung up the phone without even saying goodbye.
Chapter Two
Under a tree, Tasia sat on one of the benches in the park close to her house in Chicago, waiting for her cousin to arrive. The sun was in its full glory as it cast its tentacles all over the place. Thank goodness, a southerly breeze came in and whispered to her, drying the droplets of sweat all over her face.
As she gulped the last drop of water, she heard someone slam their car’s door with a mighty bang. She had a suspicion it was him. He liked a loud entourage to grab ladies’ attention.
“I knew it was you,” Tasia said as she turned her gaze to Nigel.
His X-Large yellow hoody shone brightly against the rays of the sun. His jewelry spoke that he was rich, not just pretending, pure 18 karat gold. His original NY hat covered his patchy, severely curled hair. But his outfit did not quite compliment his dark and shiny skin.
“Hello there, cousin. How have you been?” He gave her a hug and kissed Tasia’s cheeks as a token of his appreciation to see her after years of without.
“I’ve been well. What about you?” She asked, although she already knew the answer.
“Can’t you see?” He spanned his arms, showing off his expensive attire.
“Yeah, I see….” She agreed as her head bowed repeatedly.
They sat together, letting the heat of the moment calm down. After a couple of minutes, he noticed she became quiet.
“Tasia, you’re ok?”
“Ha? Ah, yeah… I’m ok, Nigel. I’m just thinking of Mama.”
“By the way, how’s Aunt Tonya?�
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“Yeah… she’s fine.” Tasia’s voice hinted resignation, which he quickly read. She could not lie to him. They grew up together, and he knew exactly that she had something in mind. Or otherwise, she would not have called him to meet up.
He was aware this was not just a casual meeting. She needed something.
“Tasia.” Nigel’s voice was stern.
“Yeah?” She lazily replied.
“Tell me the truth. Is everything fine with you and Aunt Tonya?”
“Ha?” She was shocked. Did he know already?
“Don’t lie to me. I knew something was up. What is it? Is it money?”
“Ummm… Actually, you’re right. It’s money. I don’t know if you already know but –“ She paused, thinking whether she should tell the truth or not.
“But?” Nigel extended his neck, waiting for her to continue.
“Mama is going to jail, and we’ll be evicted soon.” Tasia looked away, trying to restrain the tears welling up in her eyes.
“What?” He asked in disbelief. He’d never imagined them being destitute. As a young lad, he remembered her father giving him money just to attend school. His death was hard for him to accept, but ascertaining his beloved aunt would be imprisoned was even harder to take in.
“What happened?” He continued.
“Don’t ask!” Tasia said rudely, turning her back on him.
“Look, I don’t mean to offend you in any way, but I need to know how I could help you.”
“I need money. And I-I don't know where to get it. I don’t earn as much as you probably do, and all my wages go towards the bills. Oooh…. I don’t know what to do.” She cried silently, not wanting to attract anyone’s attention.
Nigel felt guilty. While he was earning tons of money by illegal trading on the Black Market, his cousin was problematic about her mother’s debts.
“Look. I know of something that could help you pay off your mom’s debts.”
Tasia’s countenance brightened. A glimpse of hope lightened her heavy laden.
“Really? Oh, thank goodness. What is it?”
“Before that, I just wanna ask you something.”
“Yeah, sure. Tell me.”
“Whatever you heard in this place, stays in this place alone, ok?”
Suspicion dimmed her mind.
“Ok?”
“Ummm… Not sure. Tell me first.”
“No. Deal or No Deal? Choose one.”
Sighing, she could not say anything but to agree.
“Deal.”
“Alright. Here it goes.” Then he paused and looked at her in the eyes.
Please, just say it. She thought.
“I work as a trader in the Black Market.” He began.
“What?” His words drummed against her ears. She couldn’t believe it.
“Remember what you said.” He reminded her, making sure her tongue wouldn’t slip off and put him in tremendous trouble.
“Right. Continue.” Tasia inhaled deeply.
“That’s why I get a lot of money to buy these.” He pointed at his jewelry.
“So… if you want to earn a lot of money in an instant, I would introduce you to my boss. He’s black too like us, so I think you’d be fine. Just make sure you dress properly. No skirt. No tight-fitting blouses. And most of all, no stripping naked.” He laughed.
“Hey…. I ain’t a whore.” She laughed as well, sharing her cousin’s humorous jokes.
“So, what do you think?” He whispered, making sure no one was listening.
“Ummm… Let me think.”
“You can’t prolong this opportunity. There’s many out there who’re waiting to get in. So what? Yes, or no?”
“Oh, man… I don’t know….”
Fist clenching her arms, Nigel wanted an instant answer. “Tasia. Look, you’re doing this for your mother. Think of her first.”
Drawing a deep breath from within, Tasia finally said, “Yes.”
Although against her will, she had no choice. Family first before herself.
Sorry, Papa. I’m not doing this for myself, but for Mama. She’s going to jail, and you don’t want that, right?
Her eyes fixed on the cloudy sky.
Chapter Three
Ivories from Africa lay on the floor, perfectly aligned, allowing the traders to choose the best ones with the best prices. Guns. Armalites. Bombs. All sorts of stuff were laid out for everyone to choose from.
“Welcome back to the Black Market, Anton.” Sam placed his left arm around his shoulder as they discussed the matter intimately.
“I’ve told you already about the shotguns that you’ve ordered, right?” Anton spoke.
“Yes, son. Don’t worry about it too much now. Let me do the talking to our other brothers. I know they’d understand. If they don’t, they know what’s gonna happen.”
“Make it sure!” Anton replied.
Just around the corner, Tasia was standing still, letting everything sink into her head. She couldn’t believe she was actually taking part in illegal trading in a notorious market that the majority of average people did not know about.
She had been in the industry for a week now. But it felt like she was in a dream. A dream she hoped to be unreal with real money. It did not make sense. Nothing made sense. Everything happened in a blink of an eye. What am I doing here?
“Hey, don’t just stand there. Look for customers!” The other traders in her group yelled at her as if they were the boss.
Trembling. She opened her mouth to respond. “Yes, sir.”
“Hello everyone….. Come and see our cheap products here…. Yooohooo….” She tried her best, but it was not enough. In fact, it was not good at all. This was not a normal market. Professionalism was highly required in this field.
“What are you doing? That’s not how you call for customers. You’re booing them away.” Nigel told her in a quiet voice.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I-I just don’t know if I can do this any longer. It’s hard.”
“It’s just in the beginning. You’ll get used to it. Keep on trying.”
Anton noticed their muttering. It intrigued him. But what got his attention was Tasia. He had never seen her before, and he knew by experience and the way she acted, she was new to this field.
“Alright. I’ll try again.” She inhaled as she bravely spoke, not wanting to put her cousin in trouble.
“I’m gonna go now,” Nigel said. “They need me inside. We’re having a meeting.”
As soon as Anton saw him leave, he raised his foot towards Tasia’s direction. Hands in his pocket, he kept walking as his shoes made ticking noises of a clock. Approaching, she noticed him coming. Her heart gladdened. Finally, a customer who would purchase their products.
“Hello there, sir. How are you today?” She smiled as if she were a sales lady in a department store.
He was impressed by her attitude. In his mind, she had a place that could help his business grow. He could use her.
“What are you selling?” He asked.
Hearing his voice, she knew he was not an American. His accent was so strong that made her wonder which country he came from. Whenever he spoke a word, she found it cute. His golden brown hair that gleamed by the light of the yellow bulb made him so attractive. She liked brown-headed guys. They were sexy.
“Are you, ok?” He asked as he noticed her staring at him continuously, following his every move.
“Ha? Oh, yes. Of course. Sorry.” She stuttered.
He smiled. Seeing her freak out put a smile on his face. He liked whenever a woman was in a hurry. Her true self came out.
“We’re selling electronics, sir. The brand new IPhone 6 and 6S are here, look.” She pointed at the mobile phones on the left-hand side.
He was not genuinely interested in the stuff she was offering. He was more interested in her. He saw a potential in her – something that could benefit him.
“Let me ask you something. How much do you earn?”
&nb
sp; “Come again?” She asked, surprised to be questioned such a private matter.
“I didn’t know you’re a bit deaf. I said, how much do you earn?”
“Sorry, sir. But in this country, privacy matters the most. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to answer your question.”
Smart woman. He thought. Instead of being annoyed by her rude response, his interest in her grew even larger.
Recognizing his voice, Nigel came out just to see what was going on. Eyes widened. Heart pumped wildly. He could not believe it.
“Anton Belinsky?” He was astonished. He’d only seen his photo on T.V as one of the most wanted mafia leaders in the world.
Anton looked up in wonder of who called his name.
“It’s you. Oh, goodness gracious me. Is this real?” Nigel asked himself as if he’d seen a celebrity.
“Who are you?” Anton asked in annoyance. He knew he was popular, but not with guys. He was a straight male.
“Oh, let me introduce myself. I’m Nigel Smith, from Chicago. I’m her cousin.” He pointed at Tasia.
She was shocked. What’s going on here?
Teleporting to her direction, Nigel pulled her in to whisper something that would change Tasia’s life forever. Something that would make her regret about what she said.
“He’s one of Sekret Rynka’s leaders. He’s from Russia and he’s freaking rich.”
Her eyes bulged out. Yes, she was convinced she was in a dream. Everything that was happening was unreal and fabricated by the figment of her imagination.
She laughed. Her white teeth exposed. Her eyes twinkled.
Anton smiled, finding her reaction amusing. Whatever the boy said to her, it did not matter to him.
Hearing something funny was going on, every member of Nigel’s team went out to join the conversation, including Big Boy, the boss who was a member of a rival mafia group.
“What’s going on here?” Big Boy asked.
After recognizing each other, Anton and Big Boy’s expressions fell in great dismay. Their mafias were not in harmony with each other. In the industry, everyone was so competitive. Greed. Hatred. Fear were the words to describe accurately their memberships.