King of Hearts

Chapter 19 – Every Don, But Me.

Don Jeremiah Soul's POV, Soul compound, Boston.

My time was calm and peaceful. Just like I always intend when I'm alone. Not many Dons get me, but I understand why in most cases. All but Shadow's.

Shadow Robotnik doesn't see me as a threat for some reason. Hell he gave me his business. I'm on top now because of him and yet I can't understand his game. He treats me like Don Skier. Like I don't seem to matter to him cause in his mind I will pass away and go somewhere else, like a sickness. His mind troubles me as I attempt to read it. The only thing I get though is that he sees no fear in the other families. Especially me. Why?

As I sat in the dark, I played with my lighter and kept flicking it on and off. The flame brought a small warmth to my face as I stared into darkness.

I did my research on Shadow and he intrigues me. From his first joining into the famous Pharynx family, to his rise to power marring queen Don Yin. His story is nothing but a legend to upcoming families. A faith to follow up on in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong. I respect him. He's the world's greatest leader to this way of life and he always will be. Yet...who did he choose to take his place? I'm curious to find out. This man must be notable. He's keeping him guarded for now, but how long till he's revealed to us? I may investigate. I feel he's up to more then he intends. A trip cross country is not something a man like him just leaves with. There has to be more to him.

As I continued my personal concerns, Hash came through the door to stare right into my eyes with caution in his pupils.

"Sorry boss. Should I go?" He wondered as I put my lighter on my desk.

Gently sitting up in my seat I replied quietly to him.

"No. Take a seat Hash."

Slowly as I breathed deeply, Hash made his place before me in the seat in front of my desk. He kept silent as I thought to myself and still stared at him. It wasn't a bad stare. More along the lines of understanding him as a person. Cause Hash is another man I fail to note for who he is.

"Hash?" I said under my breath as he considerably replied.

"Yes Don Soul?"

Both our eyes locked as I asked.

"How do you feel about yourself?"

"Excuse me sir?" He replied in confusion as I restated.

"As a person? Do you feel any regrets in your life?"

Hash moved in his seat slowly in thought as I awaited the answer.

Gently looking back into my eyes he replied.

"I see my life as anyone sees their own."

I grew interested as he went on.

"Sure I've had my moments, but they were nothing compared to some who existed before."

"Like what?" I asked in deep concentration as he mustered up the courage to tell me.

After some seconds he replied.

"I was arrested back when I was ten for getting my mother killed."

My eyes slightly widened as the next words from me were.

"How?"

Hash knew I was a man of listening and in a calmer state replied.

"I used to run drugs for a local gang up in Jersey. One night I failed to deliver all of a product to a customer. It wasn't my fault, the gang leader held some of the product before giving me the shipment to deliver. He wanted me dead. Apparently I was getting certain people angry and he needed me gone. Ten years old and he didn't care."

"So what happened to your mother?" I wondered as he placed his hand under his mouth.

Getting up the energy to continue he replied.

"The gang raided my place and they shot my mom while she was sleeping."

Hash shut his eyes as I nodded very slowly.

"I ran with my dad to Boston after that. We never looked back."

"What did your old man do once he found out?" I asked as I looked back to see his eyes.

I never saw him cry. Even if it was just a tear it's more then he's done since he got here.

"He beat me. Every night. I can't remember a day without him hurting me for her."

"What happened to him?" I asked in concern as he looked back into my eyes.

"I hung that asshole from a rafter in the attic of our new apartment."

We both stared at one another as if we were now enemies, and as silent seconds began to pass I said.

"I'm sorry."

Calmly looking to the ground he replied.

"It's not your fault. Hell your more of a father to me then he ever was. At least you cared. Clothed me, feed me, had me a place to put my head for the night. I can't even began to repay you for all you've done."

Calmly leaning back in my chair, I continued to watch as Hash asked.

"What happened to your family?"

Letting my eyes lower I replied.

"I'd prefer not to talk about it right now Hash."

Hash I knew wanted to press the issue, but I saw the respect he had for me. As I remained silent he began to nod.

"Alright boss. I understand. I just figured is all."

Gently I stood up from my seat to order him.

"Up."

Hash grew worried and cautiously rose as I took him by the body for a hug.

I swear he was shocked but after some time he hugged back as I said.

"I understand, trust me. Your a son to me. Never forget that Hash. One day, when I'm ready, I'll tell you. Till then, please understand."

Gently Hash replied.

"I understand Don Soul."

Softly releasing him, I looked right into his eyes to say.

"I have an issue I want you to solve."

As I carefully retook my place behind my desk he asked.

"What's wrong?"

Pulling back out my lighter I replied.

"I need you to go see Don Robotnik for me. I wana know who the new Don is taking his place."

Hash began to slowly nod as I finished.

"That's all I want Hash. Go in peace. Robotnik is a good friend to me. Listen to him when he talks. Get this done today. Come back with good news."

Turning my back to him, I began to light a cigar as he replied.

"Yes Don soul sir. It'll be an honor."

After a puff of smoke left my mouth, I heard him head for the door.

"Hash!" I shouted quickly as he turned back to me.

Looking back into his eyes I stated.

"Be careful."

With a small nod he left, and as the door shut, I turned back in my chair to stare at the wall.

Don Robotnik may be planning something and I intend to find out what. I only hope it shall be done in peace. Knowing Hash though, he may not be as presenting to the answers I wish to seek.