Pain and Choice

Not Ready to Start a Day

It's not so much how things are as it is how we see them that might make us feel anything. After all, even in the most tiring of circumstances, there is beauty and peace to be found. It doesn't matter if it's bright mornings or dark nights, foggy or rainy days, because every sensation originates from within. We have influence over how the day feels, but it seems clear how little we understand about being in charge of everything that happens in life.

But here is another day for Zeno to pause for a while as he stares back at what he perceives to be the most striking image, at least in his perception. It's been a while since he's been acting strangely, and as though he doesn't have any say in this. It's uncharacteristic of him. It's as if the serious man became jovial over night. He is well-known for his infidelity; after all, the ladies adore him for his appearance and well-preserved demeanor. It's like he is on duty to purposely seduce as many ladies as possible; dressed well, speaking so little and with a slight touch of smile on his lips, as his brown eyes are slightly squinted, not on purpose but something that comes with it being a daily practice.

He's used to having complete control over anybody he wants, but he's been acting as if he's drifting away from his recognized and circumscribed activities, if not his character. He is conscious of his transition, yet he is enamored with every part of it to the point of obsession.

For his friends and the many individuals who are familiar with his prior identity, this is difficult to swallow.Anyone can change, but this change in Zeno is a bit drastic.

"At this point," he says, his hands in the air, his eyes closed. George communicates his thoughts in the most straightforward manner he believes is suited for his comprehension. "I have to admit that I'm wondering if your predicament has anything to do with,” he takes a moment looking for the right word. “Magic… you know, voodoo and stuff."

Zeno scoffs, "You can't be spiritual."

"Z, I'm telling you, there's nothing remotely resembling 'good looking' about that boring incarnation," he muses as he purses his lips in a harsh line. "Perhaps her culinary abilities," he says. Zeno looks at George, on his left, surprised.

"You've tried her food?" Zeno asks, his face beaming.

"Don't get too riled up," George warns. "To fathom you, I had to take a closer look. She's excessively strict and spastically uncomfortable, even to her gorgeous sister’s touches." He shrugs as he proceeds on his conversation to what he perceived closer, “it’s almost as if, she has some sort of skin sensitivity.”

Zeno appreciates the flashback of his first meeting with her as his best friend mentions her discomfort to touching. It wasn't like him; she didn't appear to be in excellent shape, but he couldn't ignore the promise he saw up close. He sensed her power in her vulnerability, even if she wasn't comfortable or communicative. He'd never been shouted at for bumping into someone, much less a lady, but she was the first, and maybe only, woman he'd ever received a reprimand from. He still remembers the moment as if it were the first, enjoying the relishing and exhilarating sensation that sent chills up and down his spine. He smiles to himself, relishing the recollection of how he got to know her in the first place.

He shuts his eyes and bites his lower lip in a reminiscence of how he pictured her. It's as though he can see right through her. Her dull-looking style, which conceals all of her beauty, appears to be done on purpose. He feels he can hear her talking to him, despite the fact that he never came any closer to her after the first event. He is always there for her, yet he is far away and she is unaware of his presence. Viola is never alone because of that day, even if she believes she is.

"I've seen the Bs you've been with, and she's not even one of the one-night stands," George smiles as he sweeps his silk black hair back with his right hand finger, arching his brow towards Viola and her sister, who are serving fast food across the street.

It's easy to see them operating from the hotel. The sister's bus is usually parked across the street, in front of their boss's famed hotel, the "Bliss Hotel," with an exquisite view of the beach. They are always present at the earliest convenience, in their own self-designed school bus food shop. Swimmers, tourists, surfers, and anybody else visiting the beach and passing by their shop gets to savour their admired delicious fast food.

And, much like today, Zeno, George, and other pals observe them working or the lively throng on the opposite side of the road whenever they perform the perimeter check at the hotel entrance.

This was not a regular occurrence; with the former boss in control, they only came when necessary. But Hamilton is an exception. He is the one who assisted them in getting back on their feet. Everything comes naturally to them in this job. The relationship is not wholly business-related, but he is a friend of theirs. Everything seems to be going in a different direction since he took over. They are more active and are usually on the go. After all, they are the ones he can rely on with every judgment. Zeno also loves his frequent trips to this hotel because he can utilise the chance to see Viola on duty.

George believes Zeno does not enjoy his own new behavior, towards Viola, but rather sees it as an escape from his conscious beatings and the sleepless nights brought on by what they do for a living.

George was a simple teenager who would get into fights to defend himself from bullies when they first met, but on the day they met, he needed to visit a doctor due to a hit to the head, and Zeno was aiding his ailing grandfather. Some circumstances made them appear to be friends, and they had a decent chat about their problems at the hospital. The most common concern was a desire to make money and change their life as soon as feasible.

Despite the fact that Zeno was two years older than George, they had a lot in common. It didn't take them long to become besties, because they continued aiding each other in whatever way they could. Then, one day, George's birthday rolls, and they decide to celebrate it at the beach.

Zeno's grandfather, Gerry, who was improving, was having a good time with Zeno and George. They were having a normal day for them, and they were having a good time in their own way. As it got late, they started heading back to their home when they were approached by a man who was fleeing from someone. He was holding a suitcase in his hand, which he appeared to have taken.

The man was more concerned about getting away, and as he rushed by them, he pushed Zeno's grandfather to the ground to make room. Unfortunately, the fall led him to strike his head so hard on the ground that it was battered open and blood gushed out.

At the time, Zeno felt powerless, looking at the scene as Gorge cried for aid while clutching Gerry’s head. For a while, everything fell into such a complete silence that Zeno was struggling to catch his breath. "He's gone, he's gone... help!" George screamed. Zeno's ears were welcoming muffled voices, as George's speech came through muffled.

As soon as Zeno felt like coming back to life, he jumped on his heels and ran after the man who was running, acting on the first feeling he felt. He wasn't thinking, but the only thing that made sense at the time was to track down the man and make him pay. As soon as he catches him, he knocks him to the ground with all of his might, piles on top of him, and begins hitting him nonstop until he dies. His first murder, his first loss of control, and the night he lost all faith in everything.

George will never forget that night and how it changed Zeno forever. He understands what losing the only person you have can do to you. He knows it was unfair, but it is more unfair what it did to his friend’s soul.

At first, George mistook what they were doing for their employer as a payment for what he had done for them that night. Apparently, they had technically returned the suitcase to him. He covered up the occurrence and spared them from ever facing consequences for the murder of that guy.

He then started to believe it was all about the money they were making, but as they matured with the fleeing time, he understood that Zeno was merely utilising the opportunity to get revenge on God for the death of his grandfather, as if rebelling against all good. And their boss admired Zeno's ruthlessness; he became the favorite in the business.

George doesn't like who they’ve become, but he can't change it, and he appreciates the fulfilling money that comes from what they do. He can now provide his family with the life he has always desired.

For a moment, they are both standing still as they get lost in their thoughts, individually; George, in the memory lane, and Zeno, in his imagination, standing by Viola.

"Tell me something," Zeno utters as he inhales heavily. "Am I bad?" He bites his lower lip slightly as George looks at him, hesitantly trying to hide his regret for him. "I mean, am I good enough?" he clears his throat, looking down for a moment before looking up to where Viola is working.

"We... well," George says, swallowing hard and nodding vigorously. He then grins, "Is this how you mess with my mind?" He yells, his palm in the air, "I'm serious, dude. Take a look at her; she's even a touch filthy."

“A hard-working girl who doesn’t give a f**k for the way she looks,” Zeno defends her.

"All right, let's race this," Gorge says this as he stands squarely facing the food truck across the street, anxious to divulge every detail about her. "She is the epitome of a disaster."

Zeno raises his brows and replies, "And gorgeous just the way she is."

“Look at that amazing sister of hers, and look how hard she’s sweating.”

"Her sister is simply flirting with customers, and she is doing the actual labor. Besides," he bites his lower lip hard as he squints his eyes at the thought crossing his mind. "That’s very enticing."

George shook his head. "I think I’m disturbed by your choice. I, um, I bet her dress was, I repeat, was white," he giggles, making Zeno chuckle as he shakes his head in disbelief.

“That’s just a peanut brown dress, and she is working it perfectly,” he smiles as he looks in her direction, paying attention to each one of her movements as he makes sense of his point of view; her slim arms covered in sweat, her neck with a string of hair attached to her skin as it glisters because of her sweat, and her hip shape coming into view as she moves around, her dress encountering her body, peeking out now and then as she moves. He can see her beauty and her effort and he admires it as he also finds it appealing.

"Nothing can compare with the sexiness of a hard working lady,” Zeno utters with a lower voice, touched by a little bit of growling as he speaks.

"Oh, no," George says, shaking his head. "It's easy to mistake the outfit for a tent. That girl,” he points to the bus with both his hands, “is a disaster."

"Yes, she does have a horrible appearance." A gruff voice from behind them snaps them back to reality, and they both turn to face their boss. "But, I say, let's get down to work and stop pointing out poor females," he says as he leads the group on a walk. They smile and nod as they follow his lead.

***

Normally, sessions like these are calm and straightforward, but that does not appear to be the case today. Something isn't quite right, and Hamilton appears to recognize it, but he doesn't know what it is yet. His eyes are attempting to hit as many corners as possible.

"Something isn't right," Zeno approaches him from behind, still heading to the abandoned building where a group is supposedly be waiting for them. They are all dressed up in tuxedos, and two are seated in front of a wooden box.

"I perceive things are misplaced." Hamilton answers. "George, you have a knack for paying attention. Move around and Z, You’re with me." He orders and George stays back with two other guys as Zeno, an older man, the family lawyer named William, who is sweating hard and seems unsettled, and another young man, Ben, accompany Hamilton into the building, where in the center is a first group waiting for their arrival.

“We can still cancel,” Zeno whispers.

“No need,” Hamilton smiles. “I’m sorted for anything.” He presses a proud smile as he ushers into the building, leading the way in.

"My friend!" When Hamilton strides into the building, a young Asian man seated next to an elderly man hops up and walks over to him with a beaming smile. "How are things going for you?" They give each other a warm hug and a firm handshake.

“Akio,” he addresses him as they exchange glances.

"You look fine, my friend," Akio says with a nod, acknowledging his transformation audibly. "Indicating the rumors are true," he whispers and adds. "You've ascended to the throne." He cracks a wry grin.

"My father and brother, I confess, misjudged me. Unlike you, I'd say I'm done whispering." Akio understands what he's saying, so he lets out a big fake chuckle.

"If I take the action you did, it would be g******e," they both laugh slightly at the remark at how large Akio's family is to be wiped out from the phase of computation. "Please, join us," Akio proceeds on the walk as he leads the way towards his old father, who is sitting still staring at Hamilton in disbelief.

“Konbanwa,” Hamilton bows and tends to take a sit before him.

"Your refined clothing or polished mannerisms cannot fool me. I know a fox when I see one," With a calm voice, the old guy exclaims. Hamilton's thoughts were sparked by his gently stated viewpoint. Hamilton stops for a second as he mulls his choices, but eventually takes his seat with a smirk on his lips.

"I know he's a successful businessman. I can give him that." As he reclaims his position beside him, Akio smiles and returns his gaze to his pal. "Anyway, I feel we're here for business, and you've already mentioned it: we can't get involved in other people's personal affairs, father." Haru, Akio's father, intended to say something about family values, but his own words, backfiring to him through his son's lips, halted him.

"I understand your affinity with my father, but one thing is certain: business is business, and I am very good at what I do." While sitting comfortably in his seat, he inhales while he thinks. "Because I am not my father, I take a different approach to business. I suppose I made a statement while taking the set. That said, it clearly communicates that I am not a clown when it comes to handling business."

"And I doubt it, not." Akio said. Unlike his father, he is a friendly and free-spirited person. He doesn’t really enjoy the family business, but he has no choice but to follow in the footsteps of his father.

He met Hamilton while studying business and management at Harvard University. They were both formidable rivals, yet they treated one other with dignity. They both aspired to be at the top of their courses at the time, but their objectives were different. On the one hand, Hamilton planned to utilize his knowledge to connect with his father, who didn't recognize him as his offspring because of how he met his mother, and on the other, Akio, in the hopes of starting his own covert business.

"Then, if you are as good as your claims, I shall take it to be true that you understand why I need to see samples of what you are offering us." Haru exclaims as he crosses his right leg over his left, getting comfortable. He is attempting to emphasize that he does not trust the arrangement with him in the same way as he did with his father.

"Indeed. Just as I have my own demand, I expect yours as well, but I'd rather you see my merchandise first," Hamilton grins as he leans on the right side of his chair's railing and signals Ben, who is standing behind him and on Zeno's left side to come forward.

Ben advances, opens his brown coat, and pulls a Glock from his pocket, which he places on the wooden box that serves as a table between them.

A startling gunshot from outside the building halts their progress. George's faraway voice begins to stream in. It's not evident, but as he speeds into the building, it's becoming clearer.

As he dives in, George cries, "We're in a circle," but falls flat on his chest with his arms in the air as he yields to the law officers approaching from behind.

"Stay calm, nothing will happen, I can assure you," Hamilton smiles as he looks at Haru who seems a little shocked, but his son Akio is sharing a smile with him, for he is sure of Hamilton’s confidence.

The FBI crowds the whole dusty abandoned building's hall where they are pleasantly seated, ordering and mirandizing their arrest. Everyone is astonished and uneasy, but Ben, Hamilton, and Akio appear to be unfazed by the scenario. This is not how Hamilton should respond, considering that this is a pivotal meeting for him since taking over the corporation.

Haru, on the other hand, casts a gentle glance towards Hamilton, who appears to be more calm than normal. If he panics, it demonstrates how little he knows about his friend, about whom he claimed to be well-versed. That would cost him points with his father.

***

With a sneer on his lips, Hamilton rises and says, "I believe it's time for me to exit." He's all set to go from the station. He remained calm and patient throughout the police' probe.

"We apologize for all that occurred. It's a major misunderstanding." Director Daniel enters the interrogation room, his lips pressed together. "We don't appear to have anything on hand to keep you here. First and foremost, the operation was misled."

"Oh, don't worry. I wish I could help, but I'm a very busy man." As they both lead the walk out, Hamilton chuckles as he pats him on the left shoulder. It's evident that they have some type of understanding, if not friendship, between them. "What about my men?" Hamilton turns to face his lawyer, who is following him out of the room.

"Gorge will have to stay in for a while because he shoots fire in response to shock, but he will have to stay in until everything is cleared. Outside, William, Zeno, and Ben are waiting for you.” He elaborates.

"Thank you, Harry," Hamilton says as he stays behind to speak with Director Daniel. His gaze is fixed on Harry as he walks away and slowly prays to the busy room where agents in the distance are staring at him in disappointment. "You said you were misled."

"You have a mol. Someone is tipping my guys about your every move."

"I have lists. Almost no one is pleased that I am taking over." He smiles at the agents who are staring at him and returns his full attention to Daniel. He simply states. "Name doesn't seem possible to get," he makes a statement to which the director presses his lips together as confirmation. They seem engaged in a formal chat, but they cloak their true subject in an act.

"I should make a scene in front of my people. But don't forget to clean your house, avoid future incidents like this. Oh." He takes a step back and nods at him. "Your guests will most likely be waiting for you at N and M. I had my people send them."

"House of H," Hamilton corrects him as he exits the building.

The journey back to Akiyo and his father isn't as pleasant as he had planned. He simply couldn't bask in the glory of his recent triumph. The concept of having a mole about him appears to have a considerably bigger influence than the sensation of victory. What good is success if you can't trust the people around you?

His attention is riveted by the view out the window from the passenger seat. He is looking at the sun, which appears to be fleeing the night moon; much like his own life, which is always on the run, always fighting to prove himself to others.

He had planned on this night with Akio and Ben, his merchandise handler. It was in Akio’s best interest to trust the person with the weapon.

Even though everyone knew the sale was scheduled to take place at the customary time, place, and site, as his father always did, no one knew about the backup plan. After all, not even Akio expected Ben to arrive with a legally acquired firearm. There was no evidence that they had committed any crimes. Hamilton’s goal was to split and conquer.

William, his lawyer, arrived with a sealed A4 envelope for plan B. At the last minute, Hamilton handed him the envelope. The explanation was brief, and the envelop served as a backup plan. He directed him to pretend they were there for what was in the envelop as soon as the FBI officers arrived. During introjection, William learnt about it.

They were apparently there to commemorate his father's name in the new company plan on which they were going to collaborate. Hamilton purchased the abandoned building, which is set to open for renovations soon.

At the memory of how everything went down, he is trying to recall everyone’s face and reaction, hoping to narrow the list of suspects. He couldn’t recall anything except Akio’s half-stressed and half-confident facial reaction.

At the deepest thought of it, he arrives at the company that he wakes out of his thoughts as the door is opened for him. He simply nods and presses his lips as he steps out of the car. For a moment, he looks up at the big building and exhales as he closes his eyes. His right hand was working on the cufflink on his left wrist. “Anything you want from me?” Zeno walks to him from the car that is parked ahead of the one Hamilton just left.

"I expect tomorrow to be efficient," He simply speaks as he thinks. "I want you to gather everyone in your mind who could sell us out."

“Even if it means those in the building?”

“Especially them. It’s time to make statement.” He walks away softly as Zeno heads back to the vehicle he had just left.

Hamilton rushes into the building, eager to greet his visitors for the second time. Akio must have informed his father of the circumstances at this point.

When he enters the conference chamber, he notices Haru's disappointment but Akio's delight. He can tell that things are heading in the right direction.

"Only a businessperson understands the challenge of making a statement," Hamilton remarks as he enters. He is lot more at ease now that he is ready to begin business.

"And only someone in business understands the hardship," Akio remarks as he settles into a comfortable chair. "I must admit that I am astonished by the legal weapon on the table."

"In this profession," Haru says, making Akio's jawline stiffen significantly. "Untraceable goods are more valuable."

"And on that subject," he gestures to Ben, who is standing calmly by the corner near the door, with his index finger. "I don't waste time," he smirks, his eyes wide awake.

Ben opens the door, and two ladies stroll in, their hair in a tidy ponytail and dressed in a traditional business suit, wheeling a three-level trolley covered with white sheets on each level.

The ladies unroll the sheet covers one by one. The cover depicts several sorts of weaponry. Haru is clearly astonished, but he sits back, forcing his lips together to maintain his cool.

"I told you, father," Akio says, inspecting a pistole. "My friend would simply act a little theatrical, but he would make sure to bring class to the business," he says, smiling and nodding.

"The question is," Hamilton gets comfortable in his chair. "Are we on or off?"

This is undeniable, even if Haru is seeking for an excuse to push things away. He admires the fact that he convinces him that his hands are safe, even within the FBI agents. He's seen more than enough to do business with him, but he's a proud man, so he merely nods, as if urging him not to get too comfortable with him.

“So, we, me and your son, have one more offer,” he adds as he smiles.

"The dusty avenue you and Hamilton's father used to run this business on is going to be turned into an art gallery." Akio explains.

"Under that gallery certification, we can plan our merchandise, come and go with no trouble," Hamilton continues.

"I get that a weapon may be a work of art, but I don't see how this would assist with transportation." Haru inquires, perplexed.

"That art museum is going to be the embodiment of hypocrisy," Akio states emphatically.

"It will portray the art of warfare as well as the cause. The art pieces that will be on display will be constructed from weapons; genuine weapons" Hamilton reveals with a smile.

"We can simply deploy the products we need," Akio says, smiling as he finishes his assertion.

"Preach one thing, do another," Haru says emphatically. He nods briefly as he mulls over something. "How long does it take to launch?" he inquires, drawing a smirk from Akio and Hamilton.

"Dad, leave it to us. We're already working on that."

They discussed and explained their intentions for an hour in the meeting hall. Hamilton is left alone with his wrath when they go, having learned that someone close to him has sold him out. He waits in the office silently for another hour, thinking to himself about who may be daring him.

"Tomorrow will be tough," he tells himself. He exits the office and heads to the empty and silent corridor where Ben is sitting peacefully. He jumps up and grabs the door for him. "Please notify Mara to send me someone. I'm going to drive myself home." Ben silently agrees as he walks away from him, but immediately gets on his phone.