Ch. 3: Safe and Sound

(Arturo POV) A car crashes with the federal police car. I think I have enough time to stall the police from catching me. I look down at the gas tank and it was almost out of fuel. No, no, no, no! The motorcycle sputters until it made a complete stop. I left the motorcycle and searched for another motorcycle. I had to remember quickly what market Makimura said she was in. Right, that one and there it was. El Mercado del Libre. In front of me was Makimura waiting for my ride. I hate to break the news to her that I don't have any transportation vehicle right now.

I see a bright red pickup truck heading towards me. Oh shit, it's the police but it wasn't. There were no logos, official seals, or anything but a mounted gun in the rear. Great, now it was a gang after me, but I suspected they are not. They don't have any tattoos on their face, arms, or legs. Now I think it's something or someone after me. Is it-?

"Arturo!"

I looked back and it was a motorcycle and she was riding it. I was perplexed. "How did you-"

"Get in the motorcycle, ¡vamanos!"

I got in and rode the back. I asked her, "Where did-"

"Shut up! Where do you live?"

"Uh-"

"¡Dése prisa!" (Hurry)

"¡Un momento! I have too many fucking safehouses!"

"Which one is close?"

"Francisco Rivas, 22 Obrera!"

She closed her eyes and said out loud, "Got it!" She made a U-turn and turned a sharp right at a busy intersection. Her driving skills are quite amazing and somewhat dangerous or reckless, even for a city dweller like me. I even saw a taxi driver petrified for his life! I held her waist tight and prayed that we do not crash. She asked me, "How many safehouses do you have?"

"I have five."

"Five?"

"Sí, cinco," I replied in a cool manner after we escaped the federal police cars. I even complimented her Spanish, "You're picking up Spanish quite well."

"It's nothing. I learned it from my victims."

"Oh."

"And a little girl."

"A girl?" I hope she didn't talk to one of those kids recruited by some gangs or even worse a corrupt policeman. I asked her who she was, "Where did you meet her? At the market where I saw you?"

"Yes, and her name was Pandora. Don't worry. I looked into her soul before I talked to her. I've learned a lot from this girl and around me."

"I see. And did anything happen?"

There was a pause, "No."

"OK then," he replied before I pointed to my house, "Here's my home." The exterior looks faded and dilapidated: the walls are crumbling, cracks are forming everywhere, and a kid finished spray-painting my door spelling, "puto." I jumped off the bike and chased the kid with a rock I picked up from the ground. I threw it at the kid but it missed. Whatever at least he didn't break in. She parked the motorcycle in front of my house, well one of my houses that is. The first floor is covered with pink paint and the top floor is covered with green paint; all cracks are forming and some bricks are showing their age. "Ok, I'll show you around."

"Fucking hell. Do you live here?" she said.

"Yeah, any problems?"

"No, it's just that-"

"Just what?"

"Never mind – it's nothing," she said with unease. I opened the door and inside looks completely different from the outside. There were modern amenities: a nice Samsung refrigerator in a modern kitchen, a flat screen television, nice mid-modern furnishings, and a king-sized bed. It even had air conditioning that did not break down after hours of use. Immediately, I knew she was surprised when she saw what was inside. "Arturo, I can not-"

"Believe this? Yes, I get the reaction every time," I said, "Well then, I'll show you where I kept the files that you needed and your own room."

I showed her my underground room that was accessible by moving the couch that covered a trapdoor. I opened it and took the ladder downstairs. She followed down with me and I turned on the light: there were computers, file cabinets, a gun closet, and counterfeit machinery. "This is my one-man army base. My own Pentagon."

"I could not trust anyone after I quit from the Federal Police so I stole them so I can make Mexico a bit less stressful. I've had hit and misses from the gangs and the police as well as the military, but I'm here. I started from the bottom again so we can be here. Nobody knows but me and you and some friends up north. Can you keep this a secret?"

"Sí," I said to him. I looked at the pictures of Arturo and the people around him and asked him, "How many friends do you have 'up north?'"

"Two."

"Here?"

"None."

"Oh," she paused for a second, "I see."

"Yeah, I know. I used to have many, but over time, I discovered who were my 'friends' really were. Some lost themselves, others I killed some of them during these days. I have no one left but you," I paused before clapping my hands to change the subject, "Bueno. Oh and by the way, do you have any friends or family? I can bring them here to my safehouses."

"Sure and besides Japan is becoming similarly dangerous like in the past."

"Really? I thought it'd be peaceful like the anime shows I watched during my free time."

"No, it's not." She looked at me in disbelief, "You've got to broaden yourself more and do not get cooped up here. I'll tell you this. Ever since Ghost Rider resurrected me and my friends and family, I have lived and dedicated myself to bring down the most evilest person on the face of the earth: Satan."

"Satan? You mean him from the bible? So God does exist. Huh."

"Yes, Arturo. Satan was the one that killed my boyfriend Akira and influenced many people to kill my friends and family. I cannot forgive him so I scrapped myself of the innocence I used to have so I can punish the wicked and the evil to bring true justice into this world, just like you."

"Aren't we a pair? I like you. You and I each have our goals and our endgame. Bring your friends and family here since you said that they are at risk in Japan. I'll personally take care of them. Call them right now."

"Arigato, Arturo-san."

"Dozo."

"You're good at Japanese, my friend." Makimura called Akira first, "Akira-kun, I found a place here in Mexico. Meet me here in Mexico City at-," she put him on hold and asked me which address to send him to, "Arturo, where's your other houses?

"Uhm, un momento," I looked at my phone and pulled out a sticky note with my other four addresses, "Which nice ho- Oh here: Idaho, 14 Nápoles. It's a 5 bed 3 bath house." I walked to Makimura and gave her my sticky note. I circled two for families to live in.

"Akira-kun, remember this address: Idaho, 14 Nápoles. And tell Furoda-san that address as well. Also tell your parents to stay at Río Hudson, 24 Cuauhtémoc. Río Hudson, 24 Cuauhtémoc. Write it down, will you?"

"Got it and Makimura-san. I love you that you're helping us. I'll thank your friend once we arrive here."

"Ok, gotta call my family. Bye Akira-kun."

She hung up and called her father first, "Father, I'm in Mexico City with my friend. Tell mom and Taro to stay at Comte 75, Anzures. I repeat Comte 75, Anzures. Got it?"

"Yes, my little girl. We'll be there soon. Taro and mom really miss you dearly. I'll thank your Mexican friend when we get here. I'll see you soon."

"Bye, dad." Her dad hung up the phone and went to his wife and son. "We're saved. Pack your bags quickly because we're going to Mexico!"

Her wife was perplexed, "Noel-san, you said Mexico was-"

"Akiko-san, yes I know, but according to her, her friend has safehouses that nobody knows about and cares about. Taro can be left alone without fear."

"I suppose," Akiko looks to Taro, "Taro-san, pack your stuff. We'll be leaving soon."

"Yes mom," Taro said.

She finishes her calls and begins to cry. I went up to her to comfort her, "Hey, don't you worry. And if something arises, there's a weapons cache and a lockdown alarm at every house. I control and set off alarms if needed to. Again, don't worry. I am very happy to meet your parents, friends, and Akira especially. I've heard legendary stories about him. Let's pick them up at the airport. This house has two vans parked in the street. We both drive separately but together. I will also buy them airplane tickets so we can pick them up at the same time. It's my job to provide service and help those in need."

"Again, thank you, Arturo."

"It's my pleasure. My job here is to save Mexico. You saved me and I'll save your world. I'm sure Satan wouldn't dare step foot in Mexico. He'll get himself betrayed too easily."

She laughs. "I guess so according to from you."

"OK then, there's a room upstairs. Take some rest we'll pick them up in three days. Buenas noches. I'm going to sleep and keep watch."

"Buenas noches, Arturo-san."