by Ammar Habib
Jacob knew better than to stare at strangers on deserted streets, so he looked away as the man came closer. An hour ago his pager had gone off when his boss tried to get in touch with him. Jacob was starting to appreciate technology much more having broken his cell a few days ago. Having to rely on a pager was already getting old.
The gap between him and the stranger was almost nonexistent as they walked towards each other. Jacob made sure to avoid eye contact, looking straight ahead.
Without warning, the stranger suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Jacob by his collar. Showing no hesitation, the stranger threw him into the entrance of an alley. Roughly landing on his back, Jacob attempted to pull out his weapon, but stopped when he realized his assailant was pointing a silenced P99 at his head.
Taking a few quick breaths, Jacob felt sweat beads form along his brow as he stared into the barrel of the gun. He slowly raised his hands up in a show of surrender as he looked into the face of his attacker. He knew better than to make any sudden movements. This man had the eyes of a killer.
The attacker spoke in a voice that caused chills to run up and down Jacob’s body. “Slowly pull your gun out of your back pocket and toss it towards me.”
Jacob lowered his hands and took out his revolver, holding it by the barrel with his thumb and index finger. He placed it on the ground and slid it towards his attacker’s feet. With incredible speed, the attacker forcefully shoved the barrel of the gun into Jacob’s mouth. The dealer let out a whimper, expecting his assailant to pull the trigger and end his life.
But he didn’t. Instead, he spoke in a merciless voice. “If you do anything I don’t like, or try and lie to me, I swear to God I’ll end your worthless life. Do you understand?”
Jacob slightly nodded as his eyes began to glaze over in fear.
Slowly, the assailant pulled the gun out of his victim’s mouth and wiped off the barrel on Jacob’s grey coat. He took a step back and aimed the gun at Jacob’s head. “The man who died last night: Nicholas. He worked directly under you for the cartel.” He stated.
Jacob nodded.
“Did you hear how he died?”
Jacob didn’t answer, but his eyes told the assailant that he knew.
“I’m the one who killed him. Along with his circus. And I’ll kill you twice as painfully if you don’t tell me what I need to know.”
With his hands still raised, Jacob spoke. “T―tell me what you wa―want to know?”
“Anthony Griffin. I know he’s leading the cartel’s operation in this city. Where is he?”
Jacob vigorously shook his head. “I don’t know that. I swear―”
“You’re lying!”
Ethan’s voice echoed loudly throughout the alley, causing Jacob to cringe as he continued to plead. “I swear I don’t know! Please don’t kill me!”
Tears began to stream down Jacob’s cheeks as he curled into himself, his fear getting the better of him.
After several seconds, Ethan spoke again. “Who do you answer to in the cartel?”
Jacob looked back up. His words rushed out, his voice quivering as he spoke. “Peter. His name is Peter Jennings.”
“How high up is he in the cartel?”
“H―high enough to know where Anthony is.”
The assailant took a small, menacing step forward as Jacob stared directly into the barrel of the gun. “Where can I find him?”
Jacob paused before speaking; knowing that saying the wrong thing would surely end his life. “He goes to the B—bb—blue Beetle Club sometimes. That’s the best place to find him.”
“Which nights?”
“Uh, um…I’m don’t know. Wednesday for sure.”
Right as the sentence ended, the assailant pulled the trigger and Jacob’s body fell lifeless onto the floor.
***
Jacob’s murder did not bother Ethan in the slightest. Neither did the sight of the corpse. Looking away from the body, he lowered his P99.
“Drop the gun.”
The commanding voice came from behind Ethan. He slightly turned his head and saw a police officer standing there in his perfectly pressed blue uniform. He was obviously a rookie. Ethan could see the cop’s body shaking as he tried to intimidate Ethan into surrender. He had his weapon drawn out and aimed at the back of Ethan’s head. It was a miracle that he could keep the gun straight.
“I said drop it.”
Ethan looked back at the officer and took a deep breath. “You don’t want to do this, pal. Lower the gun and I’ll let you walk.”
“Do it. Now!”
Ethan’s voice was calm as ever. “Chances are you’re already on the cartel’s payroll. But I’m giving you a chance to live to see another day. Choice is yours.”
The rookie’s grip around his gun tightened. “Drop it n—”
With a sudden move, Ethan twisted around as he fell onto his back. While falling towards the floor, Ethan pulled the trigger of his weapon and a bullet pierced the officer’s chest before he had time to react.
The officer fell to the floor as the gun came out of his hand and hit the cement ground. Ethan came to his feet and took a few steps towards the dying officer. Their eyes met as streams of blood rushed out of his wound. He gasped for air, the bullet having pierced his lung. Ethan could see the cop’s eyes begging for mercy. Begging for Ethan to show some humanity.
But, Ethan didn’t have any mercy left in him.
Aiming his gun at the officer’s forehead, Ethan’s eyes stayed locked with his. “You should’ve taken the day off.”
***
It had been nearly two years since Ethan had taken Naira from the village. And it had been the best two years of Ethan’s life. They had travelled far from her village and explored northern and central Africa. They had seen so much together, creating a bond that not even death could break.
For the first time in years, Ethan had experienced happiness. The worries that had burdened his heart were gone. His time in Crown City and Zimba seemed like memories of a past life.
Since Naira, everything had changed. He wasn’t only looking out for himself. He had to take care of her now. He stopped taking unnecessary risks and realized that there was so much good in the world that he had never appreciated until seeing it through the eyes of a child. Naira’s eyes.
Two months ago, Ethan had decided that it was time to go back home. Back to Crown City. He had even commissioned a captain to take him and Naira.
Now, Ethan found himself under the scorching sun in a field. Hundreds of other dark-skinned workers were slaving away in the fields, growing and harvesting the crops for the owner. Ethan carried a straw basket in each hand filled with plants he had just picked. Around each wrist he wore a rainbow bracelet Naira had made for him.
He looked to his far left. Under the shade of a tree on a hilltop Naira sat against the trunk with the doll Ethan had made for her in her hand. It would only be another hour before Ethan would be done and they would both be going back to their house. He always brought her to work with him, not trusting to leave her with anybody else. Even the nice elderly couple that they were both staying with.
Ethan looked away. Only another two weeks of this and he would have the money he needed to take Naira and him to Crown City.
Then, he would spoil her with everything her heart desired. Every wish she ever had would be fulfilled. She would never want something and never be able to have it. He would show her everything there.
A smile came to his face as he imagined Marion and Emanuel running and scurrying after her and obeying her every command. He could see her driving the two of them nuts. He could see him introducing Naira to David.
A voice from behind Ethan broke his thoughts. “Ethan, I need to speak to you.”
Ethan stopped and turned around. A middle-aged, slender man came out from behind the tall stems of plants. Ethan recognized him as another one of his fellow workers, Solomon. Solomon took a few steps towards Ethan, apparently not wanting to be overheard by any
of the other workers.
Ethan slightly smiled at the man and spoke. “What can I do for you?”
Solomon did not smile back. “I heard you had a confrontation with Jutu’s son, Baatu, this morning.”
“If you’d call it a confrontation. He was harassing a young woman so I just hit him in the face. He ran off after that.”
“You broke his nose.”
“Unintentionally.”
Solomon shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Don’t you know that Jutu is in charge of all the cartel’s operations here? You can’t just disrespect his son like that. This is the second time in two months.”
“Hey, Jutu should tell his boy to quit being such a punk. He’s a grown man and he spends his day going around town bullying and harassing whoever he wants and spends his nights getting drunk with the rest of his gang and causing trouble. And nobody stops him because they don’t want to get his daddy upset.”
Solomon put his hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “That’s the way it works around here. I just want what’s best for you and your sister there. You two are good people. And I hate to see bad things happen to good people.”
“Thanks, Solomon.”
He nodded. “Jutu’s boss was here this morning before you came inspecting the fields.”
Ethan’s eyebrows rose. “Really? How is he?”
“Not as I expected. He’s a fair skinned man. My age, but much larger. I think I heard his name as being Anthony Griffin. Jutu was giving him a tour of the fields.”
The young man nodded. “Is he the one who put Jutu in power here?”
“Sadly, yes.”
“Wish he didn’t. We wouldn’t have to deal with his punk son otherwise.”
Solomon laughed. “Well, just keep your head down Ethan.”
With a nod, Ethan turned away and started to continue his journey with the baskets in hand. It was only two more weeks of this. It seemed like so little time. They were on the home stretch. Ethan closed his eyes as he got back to imagining how life would be like when he returned.
But nothing he imagined would ever come to pass.
***
Under the darkening sky, a crimson Ferrari slowly travelled over the roads of the quiet neighborhood. Ancient trees elegantly stood on either side of the road, covering the entire sidewalk with shade. Enormous houses stood erect beyond the walkways. Each one unique.
Half the sun was hidden beyond the horizon now and the rest would soon be out of sight as well. Only a few small, weightless clouds could be seen floating in the sky. The heavy rain clouds that had covered the city only a few hours ago had passed by without sending down the much anticipated rain.
Sitting behind the steering wheel, Ethan lightly tapped on the brakes as an orange-striped cat suddenly darted across the middle of the road. With one hand on the wheel, he used his free hand to pull out his phone.
With the click of a button, Ethan woke up his sleeping phone and realized that Charles had left him a message. Within a matter of seconds, he pulled up the message and put his phone on speaker. Charles’s recorded voice soon echoed throughout the vehicle.
“Hey, Ethan this is Charles. Just wanted to remind you that David’s auction is on the 15th of this month. That’s this Wednesday evening. It starts at ten and will probably go to midnight or maybe a little later. Try to get there early if you can. It’s very important that you be there. Many notable citizens will be present and I’ve told them about what we discussed at your penthouse a little while back. Most of them might be on board, but they want to see you in person and talk to you about it. So, like I said, it’s important for you to be here…anyways, just give me a call back when you get this message.”
Ethan hung up the phone and carelessly tossed it onto the seat next to him.
Wednesday evening. Ethan already had plans, but he couldn’t ask Charles to change the date on such short notice. Things shouldn’t take too long on his end if everything went according to the plan. That is, if he could make Peter talk. He would have to come up with a lie though since he would inevitably show up late to the auction. But that was one thing he was good at.
Coming to a stop Ethan turned off the ignition and pulled out the key. He waited several seconds before finally unbuckling his seatbelt and slowly exiting the vehicle.
He shouldn’t have come here. He knew that things between him and Katrina would only end badly. But for some reason he could never say “no” to her. He couldn’t stay away from her. As he walked under the shade of a tree, he could hear the chirping of birds. His footsteps echoed against the pavement with each step. Just knowing that he was about to see her again caused his heart to skip a beat.
Ethan reached over and pressed the doorbell. He wasn’t sure if it worked, but he took a step back and waited to see if somebody would come and open up the door.
Within a matter of seconds, he heard the door unlock from the other side and it slowly swung open. Standing on the other side was a young woman about Ethan’s age. With her brown hair tied back in a bun, she quickly spoke. “Are you Ethan?”
Ethan nodded. “May I come in?”
The maid moved to the side, allowing Ethan to enter the foyer.
A polished wooden floor lay under Ethan’s feet while an enormous, circular Persian rug rested on top of the wood muffling the sound of his steps as he entered the room.
“Katrina will be with you shortly.” The maid told him before exiting through a side doorway.
Ethan looked around at his surroundings, admiring the cleanliness of the home. Looking outside through the glass window behind him, he saw that the sun was now completely beyond the horizon.
Hearing somebody enter into the foyer, Ethan turned around and was met by Katrina’s ever present bodyguard. “What’s up, Ivan?”
Ivan didn’t reply, but Ethan thought that he saw him slightly nod in his direction. Knowing better but being unable to stop himself, Ethan decided to have a little fun with the man.
“So I’m guessing you don’t get the weekends off?”
Ivan continued to blankly stare at him.
“That’s too bad.” Ethan looked around the foyer.
A voice from the top of the staircase caused Ethan to look up. “Ethan, please stop antagonizing Ivan.”
Ethan stared at the girl who had stolen his heart years ago. Every strand of her wavy hair seemed to fall perfectly in place. Dressed in a short-sleeve pink blouse and a pair of designer jeans, she looked stunning.
Slowly, Katrina began to descend down the stairs as Ethan spoke. A sly smile crossed his features. “Ivan and I were actually having a good conversation.”
Making her way towards him she laughed, the melody in her voice echoing throughout the foyer. As Katrina finally came to the ground floor Ethan moved closer towards her.
“So when did Boris buy the house?”
“Hmm…about two years ago I think.”
Ethan nodded as he looked around again. “Boris certainly has a keen eye.”
“I’m sure he’ll be glad to hear that.”
Ethan looked back at Katrina. “So did you already eat dinner?”
She nodded.
“Emanuel cooked lobster this evening, you missed out.”
As Ethan spoke he playfully rubbed his stomach causing Katrina’s smile to grow bigger as she shook her head before turning away, heading towards the hallway as Ethan followed. “You silly boy.”
Hearing the slightly flirtatious comment, Ethan’s heart momentarily soared. They entered into the brightly lit hallway and noticed that Ivan wasn’t following them. Thankfully. “So what did you have planned for tonight?”
“I was thinking we could play some music.” As she continued to move forward, she turned her head back, giving him a look over her shoulder. “Just like old times.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Ethan passed by numerous closed doors, and colorful paintings without paying them much heed. With his hands in his pocket, he kept his stare constantly aimed at the
back of Katrina’s head as she gracefully moved through the corridor. Finally stopping in front of a closed door, Katrina quickly opened it and went inside as Ethan followed her.
The room was magnificent. A polished grand piano sat against the far wall, while a bass sat upright in the opposite corner. The room appeared to house several musical instruments including a gilded harp, a flute, several cellos and a viola. Ethan could still hear Katrina on her harp, her music sounding as if it came straight from the heavens.
Against the last remaining wall was a five-foot elevated stage surrounded by numerous burgundy chairs. Katrina appeared to have her very own concert hall. Ethan wasn’t the least surprised. She had always had a passion for music.
“Nice place.”
“Thanks. Grandpa put this room in the house just for me.”
“Do you still sing?”
Katrina nodded, “Can you still play the piano?”
“Well, they say it’s like learning how to ride a bike: once you learn it you can’t forget.”
“I guess we’ll find out if that’s true.” Katrina looked back at Ethan. “So, let’s see how much you still remember.”
“Just don’t laugh.” With a smile, Ethan turned around and walked over to the piano. Katrina walked up behind him as he took his seat in front of the instrument and jokingly stretched each of his arms. “Eat your heart out, Mozart.”
It all came back to him.
***
The next few hours seemed to pass like minutes. Before either of them knew it, it was well past midnight. Realizing the time, Ethan and Katrina made their way into the living room after enjoying each other’s musical creations and Ethan was able to remind himself of what their relationship was like when they were children, when life was much simpler for the pair.
Ethan wasn’t sure what there was left to talk about. He felt like they had explored every topic. The only thing she hadn’t seemed to ask him about was his travels. She didn’t seem to care where he had been, only that he was here now.