Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 30 - For me.
Sam's POV.
Minky and I pulled into the driveway to Jari's house and once we did I put Jake back in my arms and said happily.
"Thank you again for coming through for me."
Nodding, he replied.
"No problem considering we're business partners now. Your problems are mine."
"That's why I want to talk when we get the chance."
"What is it about exactly?" He proceeded to ask me as I took a small breath then replied.
"The mob."
Minky had an idea as to what that meant the moment he heard it and started to nod his head slowly while thinking about it some more. However he just wondered curiously.
"That's how it is, huh?"
I just stared at him and a second later he urged me.
"Well we can surely discuss this tomorrow. Just call me. Oh and here."
"I will." I replied as he smiled and handed me back my Luger before also reaching over to scratch at Jake's head and ears. Instantly Jake began to giggle and laugh to himself. It was like he had no idea what just happened. I wish I could go through my life being that genuinely happy all the time. Yet here I was about to save a family by returning him back to the ones who care about him the most.
Stepping out of the car, I shut the door and began my walk to the front door. Minky pulled out and left the area a few seconds after the fact. Adjusting Jake in my arms so he was again resting over my shoulder, I hit the doorbell and waited as I heard someone rushing to answer it. The second it opened I was met with Janice who immediately screamed out.
"Oh my god!"
She came to me so fast I barely had time to smile.
"My baby!" She cried out as we exchanged the small rabbit.
In seconds Mario came up with Jari and Lola following suit. The whole family was crying together as I took a second to stand up straight again. During the process Mario got a hold over his baby boy and asked me in absolute shock and disbelief.
"You really got him?! I can't believe this! Thank you! Thank you so much Samantha!"
"It's okay." I replied as Janice jumped on me with Lola.
"Oh!" I shouted out in surprise as they did their damnedest to hug me as hard as they could. Jari on the other hand joined his dad by showering Jake with attention.
"I love you Samantha!" Janice cried into my side as I wrapped an arm around her back.
"Come inside, please!" Lola also begged as I was left wondering what I was gonna do now. Nearly dragging me in the home regardless, Janice added while still in tears.
"Yes please! Come stay with us! We have a room you could use! Please Sam?!"
I was caught off guard completely by her generosity. Yet how was I gonna argue? I couldn't. Jari also seemed fully about it and so was Mario who tagged in by offering me.
"You could move in! We know you're staying at a hotel till you go back to the army! Please!? Please spend what time you have left here with us! We owe you!"
"Yes!" Janice cried with a smile as I struggled to form the right words. With all of them staring right at me, I chuckled and replied.
"Sure. If it really isn't a problem I'd like that. I'd just have to collect my bags."
"Jari! Take her back to the hotel and go help her get her things!" His mother ordered as she was dead set on letting me become part of this family for real now. The rabbit in question smiled and replied.
"I'll go get my keys!"
I felt so good. My heart was warmed by this moment and in seconds Jari came running past us and to his car. A moment later Janice urged me.
"Go get your things hun! Lola and I will go get the room ready for you! "
"Yes!" Lola shouted out as she was clearly the most excited about this happening.
Fixing my hat, I nodded and turned around to make my way towards Jari who already had the car going. The rest of his family rushed back inside the home and once I was in his car he said to me happily and in some disbelief.
"I can't believe this is happening. You saved us."
I didn't know what to say in return. I just knew I did the right thing, but again I'd have to keep an eye out on how much information I leak out to this family. I'm sure Jari or his father will get on me sooner or later about the money. I mean how couldn't they? An eighteen year old girl with over three hundred thousand dollars in storage? How do I approach that when the time comes? I wondered as Jari asked me.
"What happened when you went to see those guys? Did they try anything?"
Shaking my head I replied.
"Not really."
"Really?" He asked in disbelief as I calmly informed him.
"That dude whose wrist I broke was there. He had a few words to say to me, but we handled it like adults. His boss was thankfully not an idiot. An asshole sure, but he saw the money and he took it without causing any more trouble. He said your father's debt was covered and that would be the last of their business with him."
With his hands on the wheel, Jari asked that question a lot sooner than I wanted him to.
"About that…...where did you get that kind of cash?"
I didn't know what to say yet. Jari noticed my silence and proceeded to ask me.
"Did your parents leave it for you when they died? A will?"
My mind was trying to decide whether or not to agree with that claim. In the end I felt like I'd just be digging a deeper hole for myself when it came to trust between us. So I just decided to keep my mouth shut and soon enough he said to me with some emotion to his tone.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be asking you about that. I'm sure it's hard to talk about them."
"Yeah." I mumbled as he went on to state.
"My dad asked me if I knew anything about it. I said no of course I didn't, but it just makes this all the more crazy for us to believe. You barely know us. You met my family a few days ago and for you to just put up that kind of cash and risk your life for my baby brother means a lot. Not just to me or my dad. It means a lot to everyone in our family and I'm sure we'll never be able to pay you back. You saved us. Potentially saved Jake's life and you definitely saved my dad's. You're a hero Sam."
"I grew up learning that I have to fight for what I care about. I have to do everything in my power to keep my life from turning out shitty. What I did for your family just felt natural. Everyone should feel obligated to do the same if they were in my shoes." I said calmly back to the rabbit as we neared my hotel.
"You're still a hero to us. Naturally or not, my brother and my dad could be dead right now. If you hadn't done what you did I can't imagine what would be happening right now to the rest of us." Jari admitted as I nodded and turned to look back out the window.
If only he saw what I did in that hotel. Would a hero kill so heartlessly? I asked myself as I truly understood what I did. That guy was a scumbag. Both him and Justin, but what made it so simple to do? Before all this shit happened in my life I never would have dreamed of killing people. I couldn't understand why, but maybe that was all for the best. I'd go insane if I had to question who I was with every step I took.
Doing my best to relax, I focused on meditating till we reached the hotel. Jari might have said a thing or two during that process, but I honestly lost track of reality when I made my head slip into that safe space Roslin had granted me with. Each time I returned from it I found myself and my emotions calmed. No fears and no more questions. I just wanted to progress. That itself began when we stopped and the rabbit asked me.
"Do you want help bringing things down?"
With my head coming back to me, I took a moment to think about it. In the end I nodded and replied.
"Sure. It's only a few bags, but still."
Smiling, Jari took his keys out of the engine and muttered back happily.
"It's okay. I don't mind. But hey? Can I see your rifle when we get there? I've been itching to see it for myself ever since last time."
Smiling as I stepped out of the car, I replied curiously.
"Really?"
The rabbit jumped out alongside me and as we took our first step inside the building he said back.
"Really."
Chuckling as we entered the elevator I quickly mumbled back.
"Fine then. You can see it, but don't go shooting anything."
Laughing back as we stood across from one another he replied.
"I won't."
The trip upstairs took only a few seconds, but during the time I looked him over. He was indeed half my size. Cute as a button but still. Once up to the floor we needed to be on; we proceeded to my room. Jari got the door closed as I calmly went to collect my things from the closet. My thoughts were then directed on keeping the rabbit's eyes away from my duffel. He'd see my vest and that might give me away if he has a keen eye. So first and foremost I got out my T91 and turned on the safety before looking back at him to urge.
"Please be careful. I don't want you shooting yourself."
His eyes went wide. The gun itself was nearly half his size and that wasn't saying a lot. In confusion as he shouldered it, he asked me.
"Where did you get this?"
"I have my ways." I smiled back to him as he asked in awe.
"Is this a suppressor?"
Nodding my head, I went on to tell him the details.
"I always wanted my own rifle. So once I could get one I spared no expense. It's all custom made for me. Even have my name on the grip if you look close enough."
Jari examined it as I went on to say.
"Suppressor, custom stock and shoulder pad, tapped magazines, custom gas system that fires a bit faster than a standard model without interrupting the recoil much. Ahhhh….some fancy new carbon fiber parts to extend the endurance of the weapon so I have to worry about less cleaning and fixing. And the sight is just a standard mid range optic that most people in G.U.N use. I like it because it gives me a little bit more zoom and obviously a much better sight picture to boot."
"Is the paint custom too?" Jari asked me as he noticed I had the carbon fiber dipped in a dark purple. It was nowhere close to being neon and in fact you could almost think it was black being that dark. So nodding my head I informed him.
"Yes. My favorite color. It's called raisin, but it's just a shade of purple I enjoy looking at."
The rabbit was lost by the feel of my gun. I gave him all the time he needed to enjoy himself by just refocusing on my packing. Halfway through the process I came across my last and only case of venom. My custom masterpiece shot that I made was still in there as I checked it for no reason at all other than to be sure it was still there.
Slipping the case into my back pocket, I turned to find Jari handing me my gun back. When I took it away from him I asked.
"So?"
"I love it." He replied as I put it back in my bag.
"Good. Cause so do I. You ready to help me here?"
Nodding, Jari asked which bag I needed help with. In the end, I handed him the one that contained mostly my clothes to carry; seeing as that was the lightest of the bunch. I got the rest, including the briefcase Don Verno had given me. I planned to use it at some point, but for now it would just have to wait as we began our trip back to the car. Once we were packed and loaded up, I got back in my seat and waited for Jari to get the engine started. As he did he asked me.
"Are you excited?"
Chuckling, I replied.
"A little. I'm mostly looking forward to sleeping after today. I'm running on empty to be honest."
"You earned a rest." Jari informed me as we turned onto the road. Just letting out another small sigh, I began to drift back to meditating for the rest of the trip. My mind was putting together my plan for tomorrow. I already had one in place.
Raptor's POV, Iraq capital.
Zeta decided to join us now that we managed to get Yoga back to Iraq in one piece after what happened in Iran. She also worried for me since I had to tell her I got shot making sure he stayed breathing. She knew I was a god, but she was still a genius. She knew I hadn't practiced my powers for years. I was always phasewalking so that wasn't hard to remember, but healing myself wasn't an act I did regularly anymore. So she had her reasons for worrying nonetheless.
Locked inside the capital's medical wing, we had Zeta, a select few dignitaries from the other countries who were involved, Ajex and myself. We were all giving Yoga the room he needed before asking any questions. He knew there were bound to be a lot and no one wanted to overwhelm him after what happened to Char. So with the ferret calmly laying down in bed with us at his sides, I asked him as he made eye contact after five minutes of silence.
"Where do you want to start?"
Yoga's eyes glanced from me and up to Ajex to think of that exact answer. After he came back to me he replied.
"I guess just before it all happened."
I nodded as he went on to say.
"I was sitting in the front row with Luna listening as Char gave his speech. During the process I thought I saw something on the skylight above, but I thought nothing of it since I knew we had people on the roof scoping out the streets for any trouble. I just looked back at Char when it all happened a minute later."
I was planning on keeping my mouth shut during this part. Ajex on the other hand had his men taking notes along with everyone else as Yoga continued.
"The skylight shattered when one of the attackers shot Char in the heart just when we all raised our glasses to his speech and the bright future we had coming in from this treaty. I still don't understand how they got on the roof to begin with." Yoga admitted as Ajex stepped in to say.
"The soldiers we had placed on the roof were all killed. All shot in the back."
"We should have heard gunfire though." Yoga stated as Ajex quickly informed him.
"It's safe to assume the weapons they were using were suppressed and they only took a handful of shots. You wouldn't have heard anything over the speech from inside if that was the case."
"God damn it." Yoga went on to mumble to himself as I encouraged him calmly.
"Go on. What happened next?"
Keeping himself as calm as he could he replied.
"Char took a bullet to his head. Security all started to shoot back, but in seconds we were outnumbered from the roof. Luna and I went onto the stage to try and help Char, but it was too late. Everyone in that room got torched, Raptor. Luna died right next to him and by some miracle I got off the stage with my life. Well….barely."
I knew his pain. He was talking mentally. He was indeed lucky to be alive now. After a moment or so he went on to say.
"I crawled off the stage and hid behind some camera equipment. The people who did this Raptor? They roped down from the roof and confirmed the kills. They shot him again in the head. As if he was gonna fucking get back up! And Luna!? They just kicked her! Like she was just another fucking animal!"
"Calm down." Ajex begged him as it was clear he was starting to get worked up. Yoga thankfully wasn't some kid. He was trained and he knew when he was stepping out of line. So very calmly he nodded his head and took a breath before telling us.
"All the gear they had looked custom. Dark gray and bitter yellow camouflage uniforms. No patches or names, but the one who shot Char was a guy called Dusk. I couldn't tell you exactly what he looked like, but he was clearly a dog. Not a wolf. He looked too sleek to have the build. His tail was also as short as Zeta's. Another tell that he wasn't a wolf in nature. Maybe a terrier or a lab? I'm not too sure. The details are hazy."
Everyone was proud to hear some intel after all this shit we went through to get here. I was happy too. Reaching up to put my hand over the back of his, I whispered to him as I sat up from my chair.
"It's okay. Anything else?"
The ferret just stared at me as he tried to think of anything else. After a moment he said.
"They left in a helicopter."
Nodding my head and looking back at Ajex, we listened as the fox informed us.
"They didn't wipe all of the cameras in Iran. Just the ones at the event and around the first block. With some effort we can see if anything nearby caught a glimpse of them leaving. We might have a lead with that. Thank you Yoga."
Yoga nodded back as I proceeded to urge him.
"Rest now. Let us handle this. Just focus on getting back on your feet."
"What good am I Raptor?" He asked me as I widened my eyes slightly to his question. Zeta on the other hand came around his other side to listen as Yoga questioned.
"I let him die. Char….?" Cutting him off, I stated in defiance.
"We talked about this. That wasn't on you. You did your job. You did all you could and…..and I'm proud of you for that. There isn't a single person in this world that feels otherwise towards the subject. So stop." I begged him as Zeta stepped in to add.
"You had no idea something like that would happen. You did everything right like Raptor just said. There isn't a reason to be upset with yourself, Yoga. Just listen to us and take the next few days to relax and rest up. You'll be back on your feet in no time."
"Doing what?" He asked as I now stood up straight to reply.
"We'll figure that out another time. You're not at fault, Yoga. Don't punish yourself for this. Please."
Yoga went silent and looked back to his feet which were on the other end of the bed he was in. I took this as my chance to pat his head and began to exit the room shortly after. Zeta stayed with him as Ajex followed me outside to wonder.
"So?"
Letting out a small sigh I replied.
"So I think we need to split this up. I can't fight both wars right now. My people are in disarray and I need to spend time fixing that. You also have more freedom than myself to work with. Can you make some moves?"
Nodding the white fox replied.
"I was actually thinking the same thing. Your country needs you. I can surely pull some hairs and figure out where that chopper went that he was talking about. And that guy Dusk? I'm sure the network could help me narrow down the potential targets with the description we got."
"That's if he's on the site." I mumbled as I wasn't so sure what to really do about the problem we faced. Putting a hand on my shoulder Ajex urged me.
"Let me handle this. I have good people and even better soldiers. We'll conduct an operation and we'll get results."
"Do you have users who could handle this? It doesn't feel like we're dealing with amateurs. These people are organized and dangerous. No country can claim them and at least to the network's knowledge the group isn't even on their site. I doubt we'll find one of their operators there by themselves if that's the case."
"Just let me worry about that Raptor. I'll find something and as soon as I do I'll let you know. And yes I do have users."
"Perfect though? I don't wanna trust this in the hands of just any normal soldier."
Nodding the fox replied.
"We're not going to. Word is I have a few users left in rotation that can work on this. They are trained to be the best. We spare no effort towards that. You know that as well."
I just sighed again as he smiled and informed me.
"Word has it that recently the army recruited a perfect user who excelled at every course we've offered them. I haven't personally met them yet, but I've heard rumors this individual has set multiple records, beating all the other perfect users prior. Gone above and beyond our expectations. The General I have in charge right now with them wrote in one of his reports that this soldier is beyond our comprehension. Dangerously smart and outright deadly in every field. Quite the compliment coming from him."
"Records are shit Ajex. Who knows how he'll fold under real pressure. Can you even consider that kind of person for a task like this? We need someone with experience in real fighting."
Shrugging his shoulders he replied to my question.
"I don't know yet, but I plan to see for myself once I get back stateside."
I wasn't at all faithful to our odds. Ajex saw that and again urged me.
"Just let me worry about the operation. It will be handled correctly. No risks. I promise."
I had no choice but to nod my head. After that I looked back at the fox to reply.
"Fine, but I still want to be kept in the loop if you figure anything out. Chances are I'm still a target for these people. You too. Just please keep your head up when you're on your own again Ajex. I don't want to see you laying down alongside my brother."
"I understand." Ajex said back as he offered me a small hug. I took it and a moment later he said to me.
"I wanna get started right away so I'm gonna be leaving in an hour. If you need me I'll be in your office till my flight arrives."
"Okay." I replied back as we went our separate ways.
Sam's POV, Two days later.
Verno sat next to me as one of his men drove us to the restaurant where we were all going to meet. I grew curious because I noticed Twig wasn't with us for this. So very carefully I looked over at Verno to ask him.
"Where is Twig? Isn't he supposed to be here for this?"
Verno looked annoyed at the question, but I quickly understood why when he looked me back in my eyes to state.
"He is, but he left yesterday to pursue one of his old friends. Despite all my begging, I couldn't convince him to stay. So he's gone."
"Is he coming back?" I wondered as he shook his head.
"I don't know. I hope he does. He's done right by me and my family and my daughter especially. So I pray he returns safely. I'd hate to lose him after all this."
I went silent. I recalled Twig and I had talked about this exact problem. I didn't think he'd go after all he said, but I guess he's the lucky one.
Before this ride I was checked for a weapon. I gave my Luger to Minky and expected to see it soon, but that would be after the dinner we were having. Driving deep into the center of the city; we came up to a busy intersection that was surrounded by nothing but huge skyscrapers. One of which was a fancy first class hotel and restaurant called the Scripto. I figured we weren't going to be in the public eye for this meeting and once we pulled up we found a handful of men dressed in all manners of dress suits waiting for us. I knew who was who by the colors, but the faces that matched them came after. When our car came to a stop, Verno helped me out and we were greeted by two men from Marxist's family.
Black and Damien. Two brothers from what I knew. Two psychos and two absolute monsters from the stories Roslin told me. Black and Damien were the same breed and colors. Damien was just an inch taller with gold eyes like mine. He was also addicted to god and that made his crimes all the more freaky since he claimed to kill in god's name.
Black however was just a demon. I heard he had a chance to go in another direction, but killing his crush Zarra turned that chance right up on its head. Marxist himself must be proud having such monsters at his side. Yet in front of me they looked like nothing more than scum.
With Black throwing down a cigarette that he was smoking, he looked at Verno and I to state.
"Everyone else is already inside. Head up to the tenth floor."
Verno just nodded and took me by the arm gently to guide me by them. A step behind Black, the hedgehog shouted.
"Watch out for Becket! He was going at it with Skier not that long ago! They might still be yelling at each other!"
Verno didn't say a word as we entered the building. Once we were in the elevator he ordered me.
"Out of respect Samantha, I need you to keep yourself in line. This is rarely a thing we get together for and it'll go easier and faster if we avoid any arguments."
"Is this a powder keg?" I proceeded to ask him as he simply laughed and replied.
"A very big powder keg. Just stay with me, we'll hopefully enjoy some food and get you out of here without a hitch."
"Okay." I mumbled as we made it to the tenth floor to find the two men Black mentioned in the hallway yelling at each other.
Don Becket Pharynx and Skier. Becket was another black hedgehog with deep yellow streaks along his body. Reminds me of Cody. Skier was a white cat though. Becket was easily a few inches taller than him and as we approached Skier suggested.
"How about you back off now that Verno is here? We aren't here to talk about our problems with one another."
Becket looked pissed. Verno stopped me right in front of him as he said to the cat in anger.
"Go fuck yourself. You're a petty little rat who should watch where he steps during this meeting. Verno? Nice to see you again."
They shook hands and during which Verno replied.
"Likewise Becket. This is Samantha."
Looking up at me, Becket offered me a hand next while stating.
"Nice to meet you. Sorry it had to be in front of Skier. Forgive me if I seem a little annoyed at the moment. A lot has happened these past six months."
"I understand." I replied back softly as we shook. Once we had let each other go he asked me.
"So you killed Cora and George huh? Hard to believe you put those drug pushers in the dirt. Along with all their men. Impressive work, but I guess we should not be surprised since your military."
I didn't want to say much towards the subject so I just stared him right in the eyes as Verno suddenly came in to urge us all.
"Can we all get inside? I'd like to get this underway as soon as possible."
"Of course." Becket replied as we took our chance to head into the main room where everyone else waited for us.
Through the door I found myself tagging all the other bodies in the room. On a couch sat three men and two of which were Don Soul's. His Underboss Hash who was another hedgehog with white quills and dressed in an even darker green suit then Black's. Next to him sat Soul himself who was a grizzly looking wolf with red eyes. He looked back at me as another one of his people came up to greet us at the door. Instantly I noticed his Russian accent as he said with a smile.
"Good, you finally made it. That means we can get started."
This guy was Vexer. Probably the most well trained out of everyone in this room, apart from me. Spetsnaz like my mother used to be, but employed by Soul. Red hedgehog and an inch in height under me. Verno nodded and asked where we were sitting for this and in seconds Vexer directed us to a large table where everyone would be at. I sat next to Verno towards the middle of the table and for the first few minutes we were left alone. I made myself comfortable as Verno took a look around the room to question.
"Surprisingly quiet here. When's dinner?"
Vexer was still with us so he replied to Brock.
"Ten minutes. Once Black and Damien get back here we'll start."
Verno just nodded as the table was slowly starting to fill up with people. Most of which I just met, but one new face who just so happened to be Don Hannibal Marxist. The final hedgehog to join our squared table. He kept quiet and took a seat alongside two empty chairs who I assumed would be meant for Black and Damien.
In about two or so more minutes the two missing men returned to us and once they did they shut the door behind them and took their seats. Don Marxist was the first to then speak.
"It's quite a rare occasion we get together like this. Make no mistake we aren't all friends here. This is simply a matter all the families need to go over. Verno? Introduce her."
Brock took a small sip of water he had poured himself while we were waiting for this to begin. After his drink he cleared his throat and put a hand on my shoulder while standing back up to show his place in this conversation. After all, every business in this city was now under his control with Cora gone. With a calm and set tone he said to the men around the room.
"Gentlemen, this is the one and only Samantha Diskov. The lass who took it upon herself to bring an end to one of our business partners. Don Vincent Cora and his drug ring here in LA."
My eyes went from each and every one of them. All with different looks. Black and his brother were eyeing me up while Hash and Vexer seemed more interested in listening to the story. Marxist and Soul however were the only two between them that seemed the most focused on just letting it all play out. As Minky informed me these two men were prepared to offer me work. It was just a matter of time till they brought it up.
"Now I've had plenty of time to get to know her, but her reasons are her own. I already informed the other heads as to why Cora and his family met their fate, but Sam is here to explain it herself. But please take this from me since I am a man who is good to his word. Samantha does not want any more trouble. Sam?" Verno's voice called to me and when I looked back at him he urged me with his eyes to take over. So that's what I did by saying strictly to the men around the room.
"Cora took my best friend away from me. The only person I had left in my life to care for. He took advantage of me and so I killed him and George. George being the man who did the deed of taking her life and nearly mine. I don't regret what I did, but I can say with confidence my business with the mob here in the US is over now that they're dead. It was revenge. It does not get any simpler than that. My reasons are selfish and I can't change that."
For a few seconds no one else said anything after I finished speaking, but a moment later Black questioned.
"Let me get this straight. You went out of your way to join G.U.N and learned how to professionally kill just because Cora and him took a fucking dog away from you? That justifies killing forty seven people?"
"Does anything you do justify itself?" I asked him as he widened his eyes to listen as I questioned.
"From what I know you nearly turned your back on your family. And why was that? Because you loved someone. So without having to prove myself to you; I'd suggest you look at your past actions before questioning mine. I don't need justifications. Only their heads."
Black was staring at me with the same look my father gave me when I went off him back in Iraq. He kept his mouth shut however as his boss asked me.
"You know about Zarra?"
Nodding, I replied.
"I didn't just train to kill while with the army. I did my research. I know what everyone in this room is and it's no secret to any of us what that is. We're all monsters. Just some of us are more dignified monsters."
Marxist slowly leaned back in his seat after I went on to state.
"I have no plans to disrupt your businesses further. Cora was all I wanted and I got that."
"You did." Verno replied as he quickly informed everyone else at the table.
"My business in LA has easily tripled since Sam put Cora and his business down. I know for a fact her actions weren't executed for me, so I have some confidence in what she claims and truth be told gentlemen; if she wanted any of us dead she would have done it by now. Or surely she wouldn't be here before us all now. Correct Samantha?"
I nodded as Soul came back into the conversation to wonder.
"Your work was impressive. It's no secret the people in this room are strong, but men like Marxist and myself are always looking to have someone with your talent at our sides. Just in case war ever happened between us. So let me just ask you this now. You claim you have no business with us now that Cora is gone, but does that mean you're truly walking away? For if not, I'm prepared to offer you fair compensation. In return I want you to work for me. Alongside Hash who is my Underboss and Vexer. You would have security and money. Two things a kid like you must be interested in."
I gave him no response back as Marxist now took his opportunity to state.
"It's the same deal over on my end Samantha. I'd like you to work for me, but it again isn't my choice. In fact I'm sure every family here would love to have you join them, but it's entirely up to you. If you insist on walking away then we're prepared to offer you our mark. It guarantees your safety from any of us. Even if you wanted to get hostile; let's just say to myself. My men are forbidden from touching you. We already know what you're able to do and clearly you could do what Verno just said without much trouble. None of us would want to chance a war with someone who is capable of ruining our livelihood."
"What exactly is this mark?" I asked them as my interest came up strongly on the subject.
With Becket sitting a few seats down from me, we all listened as he stated.
"It's a tattoo. Custom for any made man or woman that is involved with one or more families. For example, if this meeting wasn't happening I'd ask you to accept my mark; in return you leave my businesses and my people alone. Consider it a visual sign of trust and respect. Respect that is earned and we can all agree that you earned our combined mark. Take it on your body and you won't ever have to deal with any of us again so long as we have a mutual agreement that you won't be coming after any of our heads. Yet if you decide to come to us in the future for work; we will accept you with open arms. No matter what you've done since receiving the mark so long as you stay within reason. It's basically a clean slate in that case."
"Yet the mark itself is respected throughout the US." Soul informed me as he took over the conversation.
"The underworld in the US is connected in more ways than just one. Even the pettiest of criminals know what it means and that demands instant respect. The mark itself is what Becket described. A clean slate, but it is also a trophy. It proves you made a point to everyone in the business."
"You're scared of me." I bluntly said out loud as the room and all their faces went still. Verno sensed the animosity rising so he quickly replied.
"Yes. We are."
With a smile coming to my face, I chuckled a little before sitting back to run my left hand through my hair. Everyone was staring at me as I questioned.
"So why not just kill me if you're all that scared? Why take a chance and do something so complicated?"
"You want that?" Don Soul asked me as Marxist jumped in to wonder.
"You want to start a fight right here in the middle of the city? Do you think we want that? If we did we wouldn't have set this up right here. Now if you want a fight I'm sure Black here is more than willing to give you one."
My eyes looked at the hedgehog in question and he had the nastiest look in his eyes. I'm sure he wanted to go at me after what I said about Zarra. However I wasn't about to sway from my plan so I just chuckled again and replied.
"I'm sure he is, but sadly I'm not looking for another fight."
"Good." Marxist added on.
With the room going silent again, I looked right at Black to tell him.
"But if we were…...I want you to know I wasn't impressed when I fought Cora or any of his men. I doubt an orphan like you would prove any different."
"What the fuck did you say to me?" Black asked as he stood up from his seat. Immediately Marxist grabbed him by the arm to order.
"Stop it Black! This isn't going to break out into a fight! You need to listen to me. Ignore whatever she has to say about you and retake your seat."
"No! Fuck this shit Hannibal! You want me to sit here and listen to this bitch as she takes knocks at me! Fuck that!"
I remained where I was as the hedgehog came around the table. Don Verno moved himself back as I was left to face the man as he ordered me.
"Stand up!"
"Why?" I asked back with a smile as he again shouted.
"Stand up now you fucking bitch! Do you know who I am!? I'll kill you right here in front of everyone if that's what you want and ain't nobody gonna stop me!"
"You seem a little upset. What's the matter? Aren't you supposed to be a demon?" I asked him as I slowly stood up to face him directly. The man growled at me as I noticed he wasn't watching his stance. His anger had dropped his guard and with that the case I asked him.
"Aren't you and your brother supposed to be the best? The most dangerous people in the business? You don't know the first thing that makes a person dangerous. In fact you just so happen to be the only person who can see what their worth is. You're just at the top of the pile. A pile of shit."
"Black, you listen to me right now!" Marxist ordered him as Damien began to get up from his seat in the hope to support his brother.
Getting right in my face, Black asked me with burning hot eyes.
"You want to see what happens when I cut out your tongue? You fucking stuipd…..?!"
With his guard still down, I used my speed to grab his left arm and the back of his head with my right hand. Before he even had time to react, I slammed him as hard as I could into the edge of the wooden table. His face hit it with so much force it broke his nose and with my speed still above their own; I reached between his suit jacket to grab his gun. Before Damien even had time to react it was aimed right at his head. The other hedgehog widened his eyes as Hash and Vexer drew their guns to point back at me. Black on the other side of things; I kept pinned to the table with my left hand as I asked his brother.
"You want to say something to me too?"
Damien had his hand under his jacket but he knew I would kill him if he tried anything. His eyes however looked to Hash and Vexer to see if they would help, but Don Soul had already ordered them to lower their weapons. So once he saw he was alone he showed me his hands and took a step back. Don Verno was between this whole thing and watched with anticipation as I put Black's own weapon against his face. The barrel pushed into his cheek and I noticed some blood pooling where his nose rested. Yet he was still emotional so I informed him nicely.
"You might want to calm down there. I'd hate to shoot you in front of your brother. But maybe that's what you want? After all, you lost everything when you killed that woman. Didn't you?"
"Shut the fuck up! You don't know shit about her!" Black stated as I nodded my head while adjusting my grip over his head.
"You're right. I don't. But does that mean I'm wrong?"
"Marxist!" Black shouted out as I calmly looked up at the man to see he was just showing me his hands. With a gentle voice he asked me.
"Can you let him go? You made your point, yes?"
I chuckled to myself as he asked that. Yet he was right. I think I did. So with some force I threw Black towards his brother. The hedgehog got down to take him in his arms and with the threat gone; I lowered the weapon and retook my seat.
Black was in pain it seemed. He grabbed his nose to try and stop the blood, but it was his brother who did any good for it. He handed him a nearby napkin and urged him as he still seemed ready to fight me.
"Don't do anything stuipd. This isn't the time for rash choices to be made."
"Fuck!" Black screamed out as Don Soul chuckled out loud.
"Well you reinforced my offer with that display. Clearly if she wanted to Marxist you would be out an Underboss or two right now. I'd suggest they shut up and keep their emotions to themselves till this meeting is over. Sam?"
I looked over to the man as he pulled up a small chrome briefcase. Resting it on the table, he unlocked the hinges and pushed it over to me. I kept the gun in my other hand and looked inside the case to see stacks of bills inside.
"Two hundred thousand. Consider that an advance. Come work for me and you can have more. Ask Hash or Vexer, we bring in that much hourly over in Boston."
With a smile, I nodded my head and let out a small sigh as I looked back at Marxist to see his focus was on Black who had been moved back to his seat thanks to his brother. With the hedgehog glaring at me as he kept his nose together, I quickly sat back and pulled up the gun to begin unloading the weapon in front of everyone. The clip rested on the table in front of me and the briefcase and the ejected round that was in the chamber had rolled onto the floor between Verno and I. Once it was empty, I rolled Black back his weapon to reply to Soul's offer.
"I learned with Cora that you all have your own unique ways of making money and it's no small amount, but I can't be swayed from my duties. The army needs me and I'm shipping out in a few days after this. I can be bought, Don Soul. Make no mistake, but I'm sorry." Closing his briefcase, I slid it back to him.
"Keep the money."
Soul nodded at my honesty and since that was the case I looked back at Marxist to say the same thing.
"I'm not interested in this business. I'd rather stick to my guns and do what I believe in and that's the military and defending this country. Does that make sense to you as well?"
"It does." He replied as Black struggled to relax after that. Yet he put his gun away a moment later and with it Verno asked me.
"Are you absolutely certain Samantha?"
"Yes sir." I replied as he accepted my answer and looked over at Becket to ask him.
"Is she ready?"
Nodding Becket replied.
"I believe so. Ferret!"
In seconds a red fox with black spots came in from outside the room. In her hands was a rolled leather case. With a smile on her face she asked Becket.
"Yes sir?"
Pointing at me he said back to her.
"We're issuing her the mark. Get set up."
The fox came right between Don Verno and I. Putting down her case and giving me a smile, she asked me.
"Where do you want it done hun?"
Taking off my jacket I replied.
"Right arm."
She nodded and began to get her setup plugged in. During the process Don Verno asked around the room.
"Can we start eating? I'm famished."
Nodding his head, Don Soul replied.
"Yes. Sounds like a good idea. Vexer? Go tell them we're ready."
"Yes sir." He replied as I had my eyes looking at Ferret who informed me as she grabbed a seat next to me.
"It's half a sleeve. So I'm gonna start up top and work it down to your elbow. Okay? It shouldn't take me more than an hour or two. I work fast."
"Okay." I replied as I heard her start up her pen.
Now part of me was a little worried about how this would feel. I never got a tattoo before and I pictured half a sleeve being a little hard to work with on my first time. Yet I couldn't afford to show any signs of pain. Not after what I did to Black. So with my emotions held down I began to bite my tongue and distract myself from any pain to come.
Two hours later.
"Done!" Ferret announced as I had just gotten used to the feeling of her work.
Pulling out a small mirror she showed me the one side of my arm that I really couldn't see. From my shoulder down to the base of my elbow she made what looked like a tower of shorts going down my arm. Each family had their own crest and during this four cross dinner I had been told who had what. Starting with the Pharynx family.
Pharynx had a lion with two crossed blades that looked like daggers. Skier had a tiger with an assortment of roses. Verno had a bear with grass vines in the shape of barbed wire. Cora had a crow with falling feathers. Marxist had a black panther who wore a long black cape and Soul had an eagle with its talons spread."
Between each crest Ferret had made a simple black ring around my arm. It kept all the designs separate and in fact made this all look really well done. I was impressed by her work. For two hours this felt like it could have taken eight or maybe more.
"How does it look?" She asked me as I smiled and laughed to myself.
"It's pretty crazy. You're very talented." My response got her to blush and once that had happened Don Verno added.
"She is. My own artist could take notes. Good job."
"Thank you sir." Ferret replied as we were finishing our deserts.
With the meeting near its end, I listened to Ferret as she urged me.
"Don't get this wet. You need to avoid that at all costs. I'm gonna cover this baby with some petroleum jelly and wrap you up. After twenty four hours, I recommend you do the same thing, but don't put a new bandage on. Just keep it lubed up for a few days and avoid letting anything touch you. At least for a week if you can."
"Okay." I replied back as Skier put down his fork to ask.
"We done?"
Shaking his head Don Verno replied.
"Not yet. We have yet to drink to this occasion. Someone bring us a bottle!" He ordered out loud towards the staff who had been serving us. In about a minute Minky came through the door with two bottles of red wine in his possession and another waiter came in with the glasses.
Minky had been serving us all night. It was too perfect. Everything worked out in the end. I thought to myself as they began to pass around the glasses. Everyone including myself took one and just waited as Minky began to pour.
Dressed in the same uniform as all the staff, the cat blended in perfectly as he made his way around the table. Once to me; he switched to his other bottle and poured me a glass. Then he went back to serving the rest of the room. When he was finished, he walked over to a cart the servers were using to bring us food. Once he had put the bottles down, Verno ordered out.
"Leave us. This is a private toast."
Minky made his way out with the rest of the staff and once we were alone Verno himself sat up to announce.
"Let this be the last time we all have to see one another in the same room."
"Amen." Skier groaned as we all had our glasses up.
With one more look towards me, Verno smiled and said happily.
"We all wish you the best of luck with your future Samantha. The military should be proud to have you. I know I am. Best of luck with anything life has left to throw at you and may god be my witness when I say I hope our paths never cross violence again."
"It won't." I assured him as he let out a laugh and urged us all.
"A toast to the future. To everyone's future."
The room agreed with that and with our glasses clinking, I focused my attention on Verno and took a drink with the man as this night came to a close. Hell everyone took a drink to that fact.
Sitting back in my chair, I swallowed my sip and put my glass down as a moment later everyone in the room widened their eyes.
"What?" Verno mumbled to himself in confusion as Don Soul and Skier had dropped their glasses on the ground. As the glass shattered Black, Damien, Hash and Vexer all began to choke. Hash fell right out of his chair as it was clear he was at his end. Along with Don Marxist and Becket who had already hit the table dead.
Picking up my glass to take another sip, I looked over at Black and his brother. Damien however couldn't take the pain. He fell over right in front of Black who questioned while choking on his own blood.
"What the fuck is this?! Damien?"
I watched as his emotions were indeed conflicted. In seconds he knew his brother had died and he had begun to look around the room for anyone else to question, but by then the only people left alive were Verno and myself. Even Ferret had passed after her sip. So left with me, he questioned.
"What's happening!? My….my stomach!"
Putting down my glass and letting out a heavy sigh I replied.
"I told you I wasn't impressed."
Verno, who at this moment was crouched over, heard my response and looked up at me to question in anger.
"What did you do!?"
Throwing my jacket over my left shoulder, I walked over to the cart Minky had stopped at to reach under. My Luger was taped just under the covers. Once I had it out for them to see, Black growled out while puking up blood.
"You fucking bitch! This was a setup!"
"Sam!?" Verno's voice called to me. Looking back at the man, I listened as he asked me with blood starting to escape from his own mouth.
"You poisoned the wine? How?! Why?!"
My Luger now had a suppressor. Checking to make sure it was loaded, I put the gun behind my pants and replied to the dying echidna.
"Money. What else is there?"
Verno was beyond furious with my actions. Struggling to stay on his own two feet he questioned.
"We had a fucking deal! You….you were supposed to have walked away! I have a fucking baby girl back home! She's waiting for me!"
Shaking my head while on the approach to his end of the table, I sadly informed him.
"Yeah…..I don't think you're gonna make that appointment."
With his pain finally taking out his legs, Verno hit the ground and begged me.
"Please…...please don't let this happen! Please don't let me die! She needs me! I can't leave her like this!"
"You fucking….!" My eyes looked over to find Black falling over. He gagged up so much blood he couldn't finish his sentence before dying next to his brother. Verno however lived long enough to have tears leaving his eyes. A moment later he too coughed up some of his own guts before begging me again.
"Please…...please…...please don't let me die!"
"It's already too late." I told him back as I began to walk around the table to check and make sure everyone else was dead. No one moved. No one breathed. Not a single one was left alive for this ending. Only Verno; and once I was back to him he had lost his ability to scream. All he could do was stare me in my eyes as his final moments came to an end.
Hitting the floor alongside my feet, I let out a small sigh and walked over his body. Grabbing Don Soul's briefcase, I collected my things and made my way out of the room before anyone could figure out what happened. I took the stairs and halfway down I found Minky waiting for me with a cigarette in his mouth smoking and his dress shirt buttoned down. We looked at one another for at least a second before making the rest of the way down together. It was then a simple matter of leaving.
With his car parked across the street, Minky took the wheel as I stowed myself and the money in the passenger seat. Before long we were gone and on to our last stop for the night. Verno's compound.
mT Shadow.