CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO MAFIAS

Lies within

KERIEN

I sit alone in the guest room, that one place in this huge house that gives me a little peace, the cold air from the air conditioner keeps brushing against my skin but it does nothing to calm the fire burning inside me.

My eyes won’t leave the wall, even my hands won’t stop shaking as I replay what happened in that lounge. A man, another human, dragged in like a bag of flour, battered, beaten, bloodied and then murdered in the most gruesome manner.

No guilt or even hesitation from Jason, just gunshots, silence and the sound of a body hitting the ground like something that is a routine.

No, that sight will haunt me for a long time.

What kind of world have I been forced into?

I think of Dad and my heart races.

Jason thinks Dad told him the truth—maybe Dad must have thought it was the truth.

And if Jason finds out… Oh goodness! When he finds out, what I witnessed today will be nothing compared to what will happen. Dad might not live to tell his side of the story, that's the price he will pay.

But how could he do this to me?

I remember being 27, still dating Charles, my first and only boyfriend. The night he tried to sleep with me, I pushed him away and cried, then I ran home to tell Dad everything. And what did he do?—Came home the next day with a cake from the bakery that had “My Pure Gem.” Written on it with bright blue icing, saying he was proud of me for keeping my virginity till that age. He couldn’t stop telling me how special I am and kept advising that I wait till marriage.

Now, that same man, that same proud father has handed me over to someone like Jason Roderiguez, without asking if I still kept what he once celebrated.

Debt paid and case closed.

How was I able to forget that Jason was the same person who walked into the bakery months ago with cold eyes and quiet voice and said something about liking the way I stirred the batter with so much attention?

Now, I know better, why Dad asked me to make him the best cake that day. Telling me about how I stirred the batter with focus wasn’t a compliment from Jason, it was a claim he had already decided and Dad had accepted.

A knock on the door draws me out from my thoughts. I blink and turn my head slowly, swallowing the lump that is building up in my throat.

“Come in” I say, my voice low.

The door opens and a guard walks in with his hands behind him in that rigid and formal way that they all carry themselves.

“Someone requests to see you, ma’am.” He says.

“Who?” I ask, getting up slowly from the bed.

“Your father. He is at the main balcony.”

My chest tightens. Rage rises inside me like a storm.

What does he want now?

What is he looking for after ruining everything? After selling me off like a piece of furniture?

“I’ll join him shortly.” I nod at the guard who bows and leaves the room quietly.

I walk to the bed, pick the shawl on it and hang it over my shoulder. My heart pounds harder with every step as I leave the room and make my way to the main balcony where he is.

I stop at the entrance, watching him seated comfortably with one of his hands around a glass of wine. He doesn’t even notice my presence because his eyes are fixed on the view from his end.

That is what this is about, that is why he sold me off to the richest and most ruthless man to Bellyham. He wanted to sit in places like this, drink expensive wines, have palatable meals and act like nothing ever happened.

“You sent for me” I say, my voice sharp but polite enough. Inasmuch as I want to yell, I try to hold my tone. He is still my father, even if he doesn’t act like it.

He turns quickly, his eyes lighting up like he is happy to see me.

“Oh my Kerien.” He stands to hug me but I resist, maintaining a hard face.

“Why do you want to see me?” I ask, folding my arms.

“Where is it stated that it is a crime for one to visit his daughter?” He says with a soft tone but I still see the manipulation behind it.

I grin coldly. “How do you visit someone you have betrayed in the most horrible way?”

He bows his head like he is sad and his shoulders drop.

“We need to talk, Kerien. We really need to talk. We haven’t had a proper conversation since—“

“Since you sold me out, right?” I cut in, my voice shaking now. “To satisfy your desires? Of all things, Dad… you chose to be selfish! You chose to be heartless !”

Tears fall freely as I withhold myself from going further. My voice had risen to its highest point and I know the guard near the entrance hears everything. My eyes meet his for a second and he flinches like he hasn’t been eavesdropping.

I lower my voice again, still trembling.

“You said you owe him, right? And the only thing you could think of was to use me to pay your debt?” I laugh bitterly. “That says everything about the kind of father you are!”

“That’s enough, Kerien!” He thunders, his voice cutting through the air. The guard shifts again. Dad scratches his head then looks at me with a gaze I could tell is a broken one.

“I have no bad plans for you, my child… l’m just…I…” Dad stammers, his voice cracking as he begins to shed tears.

Those same tears again!

The type he always pulls out whenever he can’t meet up with cake orders from those rich clients who pay in advance and come back later, yelling and threatening him.

I stare at him blankly.

“Stop it, Dad. You know I’m used to those tears.”

He lifts his head and dabs at his face with his palm like his tears changed anything.

“You told Jason that I was a virgin.” I continue, my voice still low, but firm.

“Ye…yes…” he responds, his eyes darting. “That’s why he agreed to marry you when I…” His voice fades off, like the word he is about to release will choke him. “Offered…”

My heart sinks into my stomach.

“You have landed us into more trouble.” I say. “And I really hope Jason doesn’t find out…”

“And what trouble is Jason not meant to find out?” Another voice speaks, interrupting me.

I stiffen

That calm and deep voice sounded familiar.

Like that of the dangerous person my father has handed me to.

Dad and I both turn toward the direction of the voice.

Jason!

Standing by the door with his hands in his pockets, peering his eyes into mine like he has been standing there for minutes.

My jaw drops and dad’s own does the same.

No, no,no…

Christ!