Wolves In Helfire

R E D R U M

“I got it, brother, I got it. We’ve went over this 18 times now.”

We waited for Mr. Hampton to exit his car first to greet The Dragon’s leader. We were waiting on a particular gesture before we exited the vehicle. There were many Dragons present, out numbering the seven cars we were in. Only difference, they were on the outside of their cars.

Mr. Hampton folded his arms and that’s when everyone exited the cars as a single unit. Guns still by our side. The Dragons led us to a nearly empty warehouse. Inside this warehouse were five people, blindfolded and bound by chains.

They sat in wooden chairs facing away from us. After getting a closer look, none of which were my mother. The Dragon’s leader began to speak aloud.

“We breathe the fire which is the heat that scorches our enemies. There are no room for mistakes, and inexcusable actions taken outside of my official order given. The executions you are about to witness are of such disgraceful actions.”

He raised his sword to the neck of one of these hostages.

“Kai, a snake in the Dragon’s garden, chopped down before you as a stern warning.”

He drew his sword back, ready to off with his head before he was stopped by Mr. Hampton.

“Zu-Zang, we are not here to watch your political statements. This is still our turf until the transaction is complete, and I say yield punishment until payment.”

Zu-Zang lowered his sword in frustration. He buzzed someone on the walkie-talkie, and they brought out my mom and three other people. Neither of the other three people were Jim, Stacey’s father. I stepped forward as if I were aggressive and grabbed her by the arm.

I placed my gun on the back of her head to make it more believable. Mr. Hampton signaled for one of his people to go sign papers which claimed Mr. H no longer held this location under his protection. Moments later, he came back, alone. Zu-Zang waited on his person to come and confirm the transaction, but he never showed.

“What is taking him so long? DeMarco? DeMarco?”

Zu-Zang walked over to Kai, the hostage, and placed the point of his sword slightly in Kai’s neck. Mr. Hampton placed both hands behind his back and motioned us to get ready. Emma and I walked my mom to the car and threw her in the backseat.

The brawl began. Only the most skilled swordsman stood a chance against the gunshots that were fired. Zu-Zang’s gang were shedding blood as well. Many on both sides fell to their death.

“Brother, no. We have your mom, let’s go.”

“I have to get Mr. Hampton.”

“Brother…”

I ran back inside the warehouse searching for Mr. H during the chaos. I located him taking cover behind a pillar holding his shoulder. I ran to his side, returning fire when necessary.

“We gotta get you out of here, Mr. H. How bad is it?”

“Not as bad as the war that’ll follow.”

“We’ll deal with that when it come. Right now, we have to go.”

We made it back to the car where Emma was behind the wheel, waiting on our arrival. I threw Mr. Hampton in the back with my mom and hopped in the front seat.

“Drive, Emma, drive.”

We sped off.

“I don’t know what I’m doing, Justin.”

“Just keep the car in between the lines and we’ll live.”

She drove like a pro. A few miles down the road, Emma pulled over and swapped seats with me. I drove to the nearest convenient store and parked.

“Are you two alright? What the hell happened back there?”

“They started a war, that’s what happened.”

“I thought you said they wanted that area?”

“They wanted to take that area, killing me in the process. Doesn’t matter, we got who we came for.”

“Justin, son, you know this man?”

“Mr. Hampton, Eva. Eva, Mr. H.”

“I know she’s your mom, Justin, but I can see why any man would go through the trouble of rescuing her. Nice to meet you. Now, if you all would excuse me, I have to make a phone call.”

He stepped out of the car and placed his call.

“Justin, this was brave and foolish, coming to rescue me.”

“What was I supposed to do?”

“Anything but this, son.”

“So, what, you prefer I take you back?”

“That’s not what I meant, Justin…”

“Then what did you mean? After the stories Ray told me…”

“Not now, Justin. We will talk about this soon, just, not right now.”

Mr. Hampton got back in the car.

“We’re meeting my business partner, Jen Sung. He’ll help straighten things out with the Dragons.”

The whole time Mr. H. gave me directions to meet this guy, I couldn’t help but think I’d heard that name before. I just kept driving. The closer we got, I thought about a conversation Casper and I had. That’s when it hit me. I pulled over.

“What’s wrong, brother?”

“I know of a Jen Sung. Supposedly, his army is the one that Ray’s army are working with.”

“Impossible. Jen Sung and I have been partners for over 15 years. There’s no way he’d associate himself with a madman like Ray.”

“I clearly remember having a conversation with Casper, and he told me…”

“Casper? That crocked military nutcase? Thinking he can save the children by keeping them locked away like animals? s**t. He’s the reason there’s bad blood between us and them.”

“Wait a minute, Hampton, you have no right to speak of Casper that way. Not only is he a friend of mine, he’s also the reason my son is here today.”

“My lady, do you deny, that Casper’s carelessness in organizing the plan to take down two major groups on the same night are the reasons a war has been knocking on his door ever since?”

“What are you getting at?”

“On the night of this raid, Casper paid us the full amount we were getting from Ray. He promised us that after he took down Ray, he would send the location for the goods we were there to purchase. Him, and his team, blitz my crew when they went to make the pickup, resulting in unnecessary bloodshed.”

“He was just doing his job.”

“He isn’t a man of his word. He’s a bloodthirsty snake who’s in way over his head.”

“Ok, you two chill. So, what do I do now, Mr. H?”

“I can ensure you no harm will come to you while I am present. After we split, I can no longer protect you, assuming this is all true. Just drive, I’ll work out the details.”

Unlike everyone else, I trusted Mr. Hampton’s word. He’d been honest with me from the start, so I had no worry about him betraying me now. I drove. When we reached our destination, a swarm of guards surrounded the car. Once seeing Mr. Hampton, we were allowed to proceed into the parking garage.

Jen Sung’s goons open his door and he met us at our car. If he knew who we were, he wasn’t showing it. He had his personal doctor check the wounds of my mother and Mr. H while they conversated.

“What a s**t-show you’ve stumbled in, Hampton. No worry.”

“The Dragon’s tried to overthrow us tonight. I feel a storm is brewing.”

“Who is your unusual guest?”

“This is my family. They are not to be harmed, especially the boy.”

“Your family is my family, Hampton.”

“Good. Now that we understand that you mind telling me about the rumors that floats, that you’re allied with that sociopath, Ray?”

“Limited contract. After I complete the mission, our partnership is over.”

“You’re still aiming to kill his family for him, even though he’s dead?”

“Dead? I see no one kept you in the loop. Ray’s not dead, he’s recovering. As long as he’s breathing, our contract is valid.”

“Listen to me, Jen Sung, Ray is a snake. He’ll bite you first time your back is turned.”

“What’s it to you, Hampton, with whom I do business? This is a 250-million-dollar contract that I will fulfill.”

“Is there any way I could get you to back out of the contract? Name your price.”

“The only way is simple, Hampton, you know this. Place a 251-million-dollar contract on Ray, and I’ll kill him myself.”

“Deal…”

“We both know you don’t have that kind of money with you.”

“But we both know I can get it. I need a week.”

Mr. Hampton pulled a small blade from his pocket and made a small cut in his right hand. He then passed the blade to Jen Sung. Jen Sung hesitated before taking the blade and did the same. They shook hands.

“This doesn’t mean they’re safe. If I find them before, I’ll fulfill my contract.”

“Wouldn’t expect anything less from you, brother.”

We parted. I took Mr. Hampton to meet some of his people before we headed home. We switched cars three times before pulling up in the driveway in case someone had been following. Everything looked clear.

Emma and I helped my mom into the house and to the couch. She looked like she’d been through hell. I guess she had in a way. Karen and Stacey were nowhere to be found. All of a sudden, the front door and back door opened simultaneously.

Stacey entered from the back, Karen the front. Guns drawn. After realizing it was us, they ran to my mother’s side.

“Aunt Eva, you’re alive.”

“Barely. If it wasn’t for Justin and Emma, I don’t think we’d be having this conversation.”

“And my dad?”

My mom lowered her head. Stacey knew then that he was dead. Damn. Both of her parents gave their life for this crap. I comforted her with a long hug. Of course, it wouldn’t take the heartache away, but it was the only thing I knew to do.

Morning came before we knew it. We all had slept downstairs in the floor surrounding my mom who was still on the couch asleep. I opened my eyes to see Stacey standing in the door toking on a joint. I joined her.

“Good morning, bae. How are you holding up?”

“You know, my dad told me recently, that a day would come when I’ll awake, and he’d no longer be here in flesh. I’m just struggling with the fact that today is that day.”

I threw my arm around her waist.

“In that same conversation, he told me that he would always be with me in spirit, no matter what happens to him. I feel it to be true, I feel him with me now, it’s just not the same.”

“I know, bae, I know. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what, Justin? You went after them even when I thought they both were dead. You’re a hero. You got your mom back and… We just have to look out for us and the baby now. No more stunts, no more high risks that could potentially jeopardize the life of our unborn child.”

“I understand, and I agree. It’s just…”

“No, Justin, no more. I can’t take losing you too, over this nonsense.”

“I have to finish this. The next move we make will end it all for good. I promise you this. We, just need a little more time before we can be free to live without worry.”

Stacey let out a sigh, followed by a hug and kiss.

“Then, I believe in you. But, if you die on us, I’ll never forgive you.”

“Deal.”

I held her, wishing I could remove all sorrow and worry that flooded her mind. I didn’t know what the future held, but I did know I wasn’t about to let her, or our unborn child down for any reason. I’d do this last mission with Mr. Hampton and be done with this cowboy s**t for good.

Time passed. Everyone’s sitting around watching tv when I get a call from Mr. Hampton. I left the room to take the call.

“Good news I hope?”

“Jen Sung and I have something else in mind. Don’t panic.”

‘Click’

“Hello? Hello?”

He hung up.

“Was that him, Justin? What did he say?”

“He said, don’t panic…”

By this time, three cars pulled up in the driveway. Everyone got out with their guns drawn on the house. Jen Sung started to speak.

“Eva… Justin… We’re only here for the two of you. We know you are armed but come out now and no harm will come to you. As long as you don’t try anything foolish.”

My mom and I started conversating amongst ourselves.

“Justin, how well do you trust that Hampton guy?”

Without hesitation, I responded.

“With my life.”

I told the girls we’d be ok and to look out for each other. After kissing Stacey’s belly, I threw my mom’s arm around my neck, and we headed outside. We were approached by a goon who helped my mom in the car.

We drove to the airport and flew to our destination. On arrival, we were surrounded by a mean looking group numbering in the 100s, all armed with Assault Rifles. Before we exited the plane, Jen Sung bound our hands with rope.

We were placed inside a truck which took us to the middle of nowhere, only stopping after driving down a long dirt road and up to a farmhouse. All the ride was dead silent, yet doubt screamed out in my mother’s head. I could hear it through her eyes.

Mr. Hampton grabbed my mom from the truck and told me to sit tight. As they got around the side of the building there was 3 gunshots. I’m freaking out while remembering his words at the same time. Don’t Panic.

He came back to the truck and grabbed me by my neck, pushing me in the same direction he took my mom. I saw her laying on the ground, blood pouring from her back, and the back of her head. What the hell is going on?

Don’t Panic.

Don’t Panic.

Don’t Panic.

I took notice to Ray sitting in a wheelchair watching everything go down.

“Despite what you did to me, son, they are under strict order to not harm you. I just needed to see you one last time before this ended.”

I’m looking at my mom lay in a pool of blood and all I could do is think of everybody’s death. Fire in my veins boiled with an ice-cold heart freezing peaceful thoughts. I did nothing but replay Mr. Hampton’s words in my head. Don’t Panic.

“Jen Sung… Hampton… The money has been transferred into your joint account. Hopefully we can do business again in the near future.”

They checked their phones. After the transfer was confirmed, Jen Sung said something in a different language. The goons that were behind Ray turned their guns on him, waiting for the order.

“Jen Sung, you are still under a contract. Or, have you found disloyalty more pleasing?”

“Sorry, Ray, but you know I’m a mercenary. I was paid more to end your miserable life.”

Ray chuckled.

“And I’m not dead…”

My mother got up from the ground as I stand in shock and disbelief.

“Mom… How? I thought you were…”

“Red splash gel packs. It looks real, doesn't it?”

“Too real. But, how did you know that’s what they were planning?”

“I didn’t. You said you trusted Hampton with your life, and I trust you with mine.”

“All of you will perish. My time may be now, but soon…”

“But soon nothing, Ray. It’s game over for you.”

My mom took a gun from Jen Sung and checked the clip. Real bullets. She c****d it and walked over to Ray.

“Ray, what I’m about to do to you should’ve been done a long time ago. I’m gonna put a bullet in between your eyes. All the suffer and pain you’ve caused me, and Justin, there’s no forgiving that. I’ll see you in hell.”

‘BANG’ ‘BANG’ ‘BANG’

That was it. No more Ray, for real this time. I now see the major differences between the red gel packs and the impact from real bullets. Finally, Stacey and I could live in peace and away from this madness. I couldn’t wait to get back to her.

On arrival, my mom and I was greeted at the door. Karen and Stacey were so excited to see us that they damn near fell into our arms. Emma heard us and came running down the stairs. She ran straight up to me with the biggest hug and kiss to the cheek.

“BROTHER!!!”

“What’s up lil sis, you miss me?”

“Very much…”

“Yeah, I missed y’all too.”

I headed upstairs for a shower. Stacey joined me soon after. Kissing. Caressing. Lovemaking. What a splash. As we’re drying off, Stacey got to talking about our future together.

“I found a small house for $55,000. This will knock us to $95,000 to spend wisely.”

She showed me a picture on her phone.

“So, what do you think, bae?”

“It looks nice. Are you sure this is what you want to do, I mean, we do own this one?”

“I’m sure. I don’t feel comfortable raising the little one here.”

“Ray’s dead. His goons are finished now that the head of the operation is gone. Once their funds run dry, they’ll have no choice but to retire or jump ship to a group who wants nothing to do with Rays affairs. We’re safe here.”

“What about Hampton? He’s just as crazy as Ray, and if you think he helped you for free then you’re mistaken. Killing one person in the trunk of his car isn’t enough for the favor you asked.”

“If that’s true, why didn’t he mention this himself?”

“He’s waiting. Waiting for that day he could use you to handle business on his behalf without getting his name and crew involved.”

“You’re paranoid, Stacey.”

“And you’re delusional. I know how operations like this works, Justin, trust me. That’s why we should pack up tonight, or tomorrow, and never look back.”

Her mind was made up. I couldn’t blame her, especially after all that had happened. She was right, we did need to disappear to a location that was foreign to all gangsters. We planned to ship out in the morning, pondering on whether or not to tell everyone we were leaving.

Once dressed, we joined everyone at the kitchen table. Seems like everyone were on the same page as Stacey and me.

“Justin, while you 2 were doing whatever upstairs, we’ve been elaborating on the idea of a new location. Now, I know you like this place, but…”

“No, mom, this is perfect. Stacey and I just finished discussing this very topic.”

“And what did you 2 come up with?”

Stacey held up her phone, showing everyone the house.

“We decided to move away and buy this house. For us, and the little one.”

She smiled.

“What about me, brother, where will I go?”

“Emma, you know your brother and I don’t mind if you come and stay for a while.”

“Hello, what about me? I need somewhere to lay my head until I get back on my feet.”

“You too, Karen. This place does have three bedrooms, four, if you’re counting the room I’m eventually turning into my woman cave.”

“Then it’s settled. As long as you 4 are safe, and happy, that’s all that matters.”

“Where will you go Aunt Eva?”

“I’ll be close, don’t worry. Ok, lets get a move on.”