Honest

thirty

A benevolent smile. It's nothing like an insincere benevolent smile to put some ill at ease.

“Jefa...I promise—I have never betrayed you.”

Of course. It always comes to this again. Someone in front me on their knees claiming they didn't betray me.

I smile. “Of course not. You didn't betray me. You betrayed your family. The Eses we're...familia, yes? Family.”

I stand. “When we accept you in our family, we take your blood. You make an oath. What is that oath, Henry?”

He swallows. “Familia para vida.”

I nod. “Family for life. Betrayal is not an option. Betrayal is death. And you knew that, didn't you? Henry, look at me."

His eyes meet mine. I c**k my head, squatting beside him. “You know that, don't you?”

“Yes, Jefa.”

“Good. That's good. Because if you didn't I'd be very disappointed. ”

I nod at one of my guard. “Just one. To the head. Be quick about it.”

A shot rings out. It's done.

“Pay his family reparations. Recover anything stolen and report it to me immediately.”

The guard nods curtly.

I sigh, looking around at what I've built. It's beautiful.

“Jefa," Salone starts.

“Salone, please, it's always been Desiree to you.”

She smiles but doesn't correct herself.

“May I...step out for a moment?”

I get up, pouring us each a cup of tea. “Sit,” I smile.

She does, uneasily.

“How long have you known you Salone?”

“All my life.”

I nod, sipping my tea. “And long have you known me?”

“All your life.”

“So we both know you're hiding something, don't we?"

She looks away.

I set down my cup, taking her hand. “Your my best friend. You always have been. And I trust you. So I won't ask. I won't investigate.”

She smiles softly.

“You'll be safe, won't you, no matter what.”

“Of course.”

I scan her face. “Okay, be on your way then.”

She got up, leaving the room. Whatever she's doing, she knows I won't like it. Not just as her friend...as the Boss of the Eses.

I hope I won't have to bury my friend. I find I do it so often now. It's tiring.

I sigh. I get up, locking my office behind me, as I head downstairs and out of the Manor.

My car is waiting my driver, Gary. I like Gary. Gary is loyal. Gary cares about his family. Gary would never do anything to harm his family's wellbeing.

“Hello, Gary.”

He smiles at me sweetly, the crowsfeet holding his eyes. “Hello Miss.”

Gary doesn't know he works for a criminal empire.

“How have you been?”

“Oh I'm doing just fine, Miss. It's my wife and I's 20th anniversary in a few weeks.”

I smile. “Oh? Where are you taking her?”

“On a cruise,” He shoots me a smile through the rearview. “Thanks to that raise you gave me I can afford to take my wife on cruise.”

“Take a month, Gary. Your wife will be upset if she thinks you're leaving her for a younger woman.”

“Please, she loves you just as much.” He laughs joyfully.

He laughs like a grandfather, full bellied, from the gut, full of joy.

It's one of things that make me smile.

It sounds odd, but seeing older people happy makes me happy.

“Well, then, I'll have to meet her soon.”

I sit back, and gave a pleasant ride to my favorite restaurant. I get out, thanking him. I get out, staring at the small restaurant.

I close my coat around my body, breathing out.

I walk into the restaurant, sitting down. I love this place. It's homey, and warm. And the serve Enchiladas.

“Ah, there she is!" I stand, kissing Mrs. Clarissa's cheeks.

“How are you, Mrs. Clarissa?"

“Good,” She smiles widely. Her familiar bright blue eyeshadow covers her lids, as she looks me over.

“You look thin. I'll make you some Enchiladas.”

I sit.

“Mrs. Clarissa, have you seen Salone around recently?”

“Yes,” She called from the kitchen.

“She was with a nice boy...what was his name...? Levi, was it?”

“Levi...”

Levi... I've heard that name. Where have I heard that name?

Levi...

Levi?

Levi!