Hera
The intense smell of tobacco and weed snaked its way through the front door, filling up the nearby alleyways with its distinctive but engulfing aroma. The muffled voices of men, talking and laughing, were almost inaudible through the sound of cars passing by and regular people going about their night life. Some groups of young teens blasted rap and hip-hop playlists from their vehicles' sound systems, transforming the neighborhood into a playground for their enthusiastic races.
Through several honks and revs, the Rolls Royce pulled over, near 54th street's entrance, marked by a graffiti drawing of a snow leopard. Three women emerged from it, closing the doors behind them. It was the first time they'd step foot in unknown territory, but the lack of courtesy shown by its owner was something Hera needed to settle in person.
Hera, the headmaster of the only group ran strictly by women, had known that a few weeks ago Ash Lynx decided to pay a visit to Cain Blood, requesting his aid against Dino Golzine. To her, Cain's group had little to none political know-how on how to go along that man, therefore, she took it personally when the young man chose them instead of her and her girls to aid in this battle.
She'd brought Delilah and Pyxis with her, the first being her personal driver and the latest being her right hand and eye.
Thanks to the life she led, the right side of her face had been left fully disfigured by acid burns' scars, rendering her right eye useless.
Madam, you might want to close your coat a bit further up. These New Yorkers seem to lack proper eyesight or manners… – advised Delilah, releasing her long blond hair from a high ponytail so that it would cover her ears.
Thank you for your concern, honey, but it won't be necessary. – she answered, confidently.
Hera's long fur jacket covered enough of her body already. The number two thing she refused, besides being left out of negotiations, was to hide her scarred chest or any other part of her body solely due to fearing unwanted male attention.
After turning a few narrow corners and going down two flights of stairs, under Pyxis' guidance, they'd finally arrive at the famous bar's door. Delilah stepped in front of them to knock thrice on the door. As she noticed someone peeking through the peep-hole, Hera gently guided her to the back.
I've heard that this bar serves a premium piña colada. – she said, removing her velvet gloves and handing them over to Pyxis.
The door soon opened in front of them.
Thanks to the number of people inside it, the bar's temperature was considerately warmer than outside. The naked brick walls, with their striking orangey red color gave an extra push to the sensation. The men were scattered all around the bar, either lounging on the worn-out leather couches, challenging each other in snooker competitions or drinking their sorrows and happiness away at the counter.
As they entered, the time seemed to stop for several seconds as all of them ate them up with their eyes.
- Disgusting… - scoffed Delilah.
- Pyxis! – yelled Skip, the young boy Ash had taken in, running towards them.
- Hi, there. – Pyxis smiled, greeting the young boy in return.
Hera locked eyes with Ash, who lounged with a whiskey in hand.
- To what do I owe this beautiful visit, my dear Hera?
- Ash. – she said, while the boy took her right hand in his, kissing its back ever so lightly. – Do I really need to ask?
The blonde smiled, pressing both hands together in front of his chest and slightly bowing to her.
- Will you allow me to explain?
- Bottom line is: I wouldn't feel comfortable putting you and the girls at such a risk. I'd rather try to solve it like this for now and, afterwards, if necessary, I would've definitely put you up to speed.
- I'll let what you've just said slide just this time. But be honest with me…. Do you think we wouldn't be able to handle Papa Dino? – she asked, spinning the drink inside the glass.
- You know what he's known for. Most of your girls are too young-
- Yeah, I am aware. He preys on both boys and girls, so your little friends would also be at risk, no?
- It's different.
- Because we're women?
- No.
Hera clicked her tongue and propped herself forward. As she did so, she removed a Cuban cigar from her jacket, placing it on her mouth. Ash immediately lit up a lighter to bring it to her. The shift in position brought her some sort of refreshment, from her long silver necklaces sliding to a new position on top of her chest and stomach.
- Have you ever asked yourself why Dino know uses the seafood restaurant for his buy and sell shows? – she asked, letting a thick cloud of smoke escape her lips.
- I've always known that place, so I guess that he settled himself there to escape the public attention. – he said, sharpening his eyes over Hera's hand as she gestured negatively. – No?
- Before you were even born Dino used to bring the merchandise over to the docks. It made it easier for the goods to be shipped overseas. But I guess you can say a little trouble got in his way.
- Huh, I see…
- Do you?
- I'll admit, it was foolish of me to jump to conclusions like so. – he stated, smiling to himself while shaking his head in disbelief. – My apologies.
- Don't be so quick to judge a book by its cover, word of advice from an old lady who's apparently too weak to participate in some fun with such a vigorous youngling.
The two smiled over the latent irony in Hera's latest remark.
- Well, will you join me?
- I will. Just because I dislike seeing men so dependent on me.
- I can be pretty legit in pretending to be a woman, though.
For an instance, Hera laughed out loud, breaking her intense demeanor, which she swiftly got back.
- I truly don't understand why Cain and the others claim that you're this cold-hearted and murderous being.
- That's because you're the only one I treat well, Hera.
The two toasted to that last affirmation, smiling to each other while a familial feeling lingered.