Capheus was happy today. Sitting down now with his mother having breakfast she looked good and more to the point, healthy. It has been a long haul for the both of them. His conscience, forever battling right versus wrong, ultimately sided with whatever it takes to get his mother better. Most recently, he was lucky that his mother never questioned where the medicine he gave came from. He wanted to keep from her that the medicine he got was the direct result of his work with his newest employer, Silas Kabaka, the noted crimelord.

In spite of his notoriety he treated Capheus well and even went so far as to entrust him with his daughter. After already having proved himself, and seeing he was not one to fire a gun, Silas made him official caretaker of 'The Light of His Life' as he often called her. Whether this caused any animosity within, Capheus did not pay attention. All he cared about was medicines for his mother which he was gifted; lots of it ever since he saved Silas's life and that of his daughter's. So after all of this, Capheus was more than willing to turn a blind eye to his business dealings.

Later in the morning he was to take his mother to see a doctor that Silas had arranged for her to see. Her last visit was too long ago. Doctors were expensive and too far away. Capheus was grateful for his kindness and for the sake of his mother accepted it.

"You are a good son, " his mother was now saying.

He smiled. "You are my mother," he answered simply. "Come," he told her. "finish your breakfast and get ready. You have a doctor to see. Jela will be here shortly. We are both taking you."

His mother nodded and continued eating. In only took her a few minutes to finish up and when she did she got up and put the dishes in the sink. She began to roll her sleeves up and moved a hand to turn on the facet when Capheus touched her arm. He looked at her.

"No," he told her. "You have to get ready."

His mother turned her head to face him. "Very well," she answered She pulled back her hand and walked away from the sink and out of the kitchen. She went into her room and closed the door.

"Thank you," he said to her as she was walking away.

Now all he had to do is wait for Jela. Jela. At the thought of his friend he smiled. The two had been friends for many years now. With the business of Van Damn it only made sense that the two be in it together. They have been close since boyhood, attending the same schools, living in the same neighborhood. As young adults they did not stray far from the place they knew and managed, together, to get odd jobs here and there to help their families. Jela, over the years grew to love Capheus's mother like his own and devoted himself to her just as much as her own son did.

Capheus was now standing by the door facing his mother's room. Jela should be knocking the door any time now. Capheus looked at his watch. They had some time but could not be late. His mother was still in her bedroom and the whole house seemed usually quiet. Finally there was a knock on the door. He opened it with a sigh of relief at his arrival and let him in.

"Where is your mother?," he asked.

"Still in her bedroom. She is still getting ready. I hope she is done soon." Closing the door behind Jela he motioned him to the kitchen table where they each took a seat to wait. Jela smiled.

"She is trying to look pretty for me. The ladies always take their time for me." At that Capheus smiled back.

"Trust you to be so smooth. But this is my mother. Show some respect." Playfully he gave his friend a nudge to his shoulder and the two began to laugh in unison. Even in the darkest of times he knew how to lighten the mood. Even now, with his mother appearing better the stress of his worry for her still showed. He appreciated Jela's effort to lighten the moment; at least for a little while.

"Van Damn is doing well.," he now was saying. " all those customers. We may have to buy a second bus."

Capheus smiled.

"Yes," he agreed. "We have been very lucky, you and I."

"Because you are Van Damme, Van Damme," Jela explained. He smiled again, a big smile, liking how that sounded.

Capheus looked at his watch. Why was his mother not yet ready? He got up from the chair and headed started heading toward his mother's bedroom, motioning to Jela that was what he was going to do. As he started walking in that direction there was a knock on the door. Puzzled he looked at his friend inquiringly.

"I have no idea who that could be," Jela answered to his look.

Capheus turned around and walked to the door. After unlocking he reached for the the knob and turned it. He opened the door and he looked into the face of Silas Kabaka.

Before he had a chance to react Silas extended his arm to shake Capheus's hand and pull him forward to give him warm embrace.

"Ah, Van Damme," he was saying now with a smile. "It is a good day, indeed."

Capheus moved to let him in and close the door behind him. As Silas moved closer in he turned his head and saw a fearful Jela sitting at the table. He walked over to him extending his hand.

"No, no," he was telling him. "It is a good day. Van Damme is a good man. I am forever in his debt. You are his good, close friend, yes?," When Jela nodded a yes he went on. " No, no. You mustn't fear me. I will take care of you. Because you are Van Damme's family. Van Damme's family is my family. I always take care of family."

Jela extended his hand to meet Silas's. Still looking shocked he shook his hand, gulping afterward, words failing to leave his mouth. Capheus, who had now moved away from the door stood behind him. He let out a nervous laugh.

"Don't mind Jela, Sir," he was saying. "He is not used to celebrity."

Silas turned to face him and smile

"We are waiting for my mother. She is to see the doctor this morning," Capheus now told him

"No, no, " Silas corrected him. Your friend will take your mother. He will tell you how things turned out. You must come with me.,"

"But she is my mother," Capheus repeated. "Please,"

"I give you my word she will be alright.," Silas assured him. When he saw the look of worry come across his face he went on, "She will be fine. I have men to guard you to keep you safe, just in case, yes?"

Capheus sighed. "You let me wait for my mother to come out and I tell her."he now said with the indication that that was the only condition he had before he left with him.

"Of course, of course," he agreed now

It was at this point, a still very nervous Jela managed to find his voice. He was still in shock that his man, out of all men, stood inside his friend's house. He thought it would be wise to clear his throat before he spoke. He did.

"Mr. Kabaka," he began.

At the sound of his name he turned his attention to where Jela sat.

"She is his mother," he was telling him. He was pleading with him now. "She will want him there. Please, can it wait? At least until we come back? Capheus will want to know right away how she is from the doctor himself without hearing it second hand from me."

For a brief moment there was silence. The once happy man that stood next to Capheus was now looking warningly at his friend. No one has ever questioned him. No one has ever said no. There was a noise coming from the rooms off to the kitchen. All three heads turned their attention there. Jela was grateful for the distraction. He saw that look and he now feared it.

It was Capheus's mother. She left her bedroom and closed the door behind her. Once that was done she lifted her head and saw three pairs of eyes now looking at her. She first walked over to Jela and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Once she finished that she walked over to Capheus.

"Another guest?," she asked him. "Why did you not say so?," She then turned her attention to Silas and extended her hand. "I do not believe we have met, have we? Any friend of my son's is welcome here."

"Silas Kabaka, ma'am," he told her. At that she looked at him with recognition. She nodded back indicating she understood.

"What brings you here, Mr. Kabaka?,"

"I wanted to borrow your son this morning," he was telling her apologetically. "I understand that you are to see a doctor now. I know how awkward this all may seem that I need him now, the moment that his mother needs him too...,"

"I see," she answered. She turned her head again to look at Capheus. "If you must go...," she told him. "Jela and I will be alright. Don't you worry about me. Really. I will be fine." Looking at the expression her son was giving her she walked closer to him and put his face in her hands. "Son, " she told him looking into his eyes. "It is okay. Go.,"

"Thank you, ma'am, thank you," Silas now said turning on his charm

"I'll be back, I promise, mother. I am sorry.,"

And with that Silas opened the door to let himself out with Capheus following close behind.