Chapter Four
1140 Words
Chapter Four
I don’t want you putting yourself in danger. It could get risky. He joined in, his voice gentle now.
From now on, I want you to be calm. Mark will handle the dirty work. Alright? "I’ll call on you when we need your special skills."
“But why, Dad?” She stood up, confused.
“You know this is what I do. Why take it away? What am I supposed to do at home?"
“Zara, do something different.” He looked at her carefully. “Work with Rose." Help her run the family’s business. She’s got everything under control without getting her hands dirty, she’s the mastermind.
Maybe it’s time you learned the softer side of this life.
“Why the sudden change of mind?” Zara stood up.
He sighed, voice heavy. “As much as I love you being an enforcer, I want more for you." You’re so much more than you know. I never meant to drag you into this. I want to fix that, before it’s too late.
“No, Dad. This is all I love."
Of course, she lied. She needed to be active for her plans to work. But her words didn’t move him. His decision was final.
“Go, get ready. An old friend of mine is coming at noon. It’s been years. You need to present yourself well. They’ll want to see the whole family."
“Are you really going to cut this conversation off like that? Just decide for me?”
He didn’t flinch. “Yes, I’ve made my decision. Now go to your room.”
She turned and walked away, her mind not at peace from what she just heard.
At that moment, she couldn’t bear the thought of Marvy making the decision to take her off duty. She felt it was kind of connected to the dreams she'd been having. The ones where she stood defenseless and powerless.
She wasn’t going to let that happen. Not in real life.
Her heart pounded as she paced back and forth in the courtyard. There had to be a way out. She needed a plan, some strategy to convince Marvy to keep her on as an enforcer.
If not, she wouldn’t just feel helpless like in her dreams, she’d be helpless. She couldn’t live like that. Not now, she was so close. This was the only thing she had ever truly felt good about.
Would she really stay restricted forever, trapped under Marvy’s care and judgment? Letting him be a constant barrier to her battles.
“If anyone else tried to stop me like this, I’d strike without hesitation," she thought. But this wasn’t just anyone. This was her guardian. The man who’d raised her, loved her like his own.
Yet, if he thought about taking away the only thing that made her feel powerful, maybe he wasn’t protecting her anymore.
She wouldn't let that happen. But, if she turned against them now, made irrational moves, they would come after her. Marvy would make sure of that.
What should I do? She thought.
“Zara.”
A voice behind her pulled her out of her thoughts.
She turned. Mark was already walking toward her, eyes wide with concern.
“What’s up, Zara? I heard you haven’t eaten since last night.”
She stayed quiet for a moment, then replied. “Rose snapped at me again.”
“Again? What’d she say this time?”
“Same old crap. She’s a lady. She was never meant to be an enforcer. She rolled her eyes. “This morning, Marvy sided with her, saying I should quit and assist Rose run the family’s business.”
Mark frowned. “What will you do now?”
I don’t want that. You know I’m not going to agree with them on this. "Not this one,” Her voice cracked with frustration. “If they force me to sit at home running errands, I’ll leave. I’m not a child.”
“No, Zara. You can’t leave. You know how it works. If you go rogue, the mafia will come after you. Marvy will make sure of it.”
“So what, I just roll over and take it?” Her eyes widened.
“No. Pretend to be fine. Wait until he’s calm, then talk to him.”
She gasped. “You know Marvy always stands by his decisions.”
“Zara, but you’re different. You’re valuable to him. He won’t ignore you, especially when the group needs you. You’re one of our best. He knows”
Zara looked down, jaw tight.
“So don’t act out. Play the game, alright?”
“Alright,” she replied.
Mark nodded. “The maids will bring you food. Eat. Then get ready for the guest.”
Mark had always been her closest ally. The only enforcer who really understood her, who’d cared since they were young, growing up while doing the dirty work together. They were Marvy’s top enforcers.
It was time for the meeting with Marvy's old friend. Rose had prepared everything flawlessly for his arrival. Some of Marvy’s men were already lined up outside the mansion, ready to receive him.
Zara watched them from a distance, wondering who this guest was that had everyone scrambling to impress him. The house buzzed like it was hosting a celebration.
A few minutes before the set time, the car rolled in. Zara, along with Devon and Daniel, was called forward to receive the guest. Everyone who lived under Marvy’s roof stood outside to welcome him, like they were expecting royalty.
She was stunned by the level of respect. She couldn’t help but feel curious. Just who was this man Marvy held in such high regard.
A tall, muscular man in a nice suit stepped out of the car. With him was a young man; handsome, brown hair and eyes, equally built.
The moment the older man stepped forward, voices rose in greeting. Welcome, sir, echoed from every direction. Marvy stepped up first and gave him a warm hug, the two exchanging pleasantries with wide smiles. Rose followed, offering the same welcome.
The man turned to the younger one beside him and said, “Hey Chris, meet Marvy. The man I’ve been telling you about. One of the oldest men in the game.
Marvy’s eyes lit up. “Is this our Chris? Damn, he’s grown. A true copy of you.”
Then he gestured for Zara and his sons to step forward.
“Meet my man,” he said. “The biggest leader of the East Blood Mafia." Anthony Callus.
Zara froze. Her mind reeled back to the day her father received the news about the invasion.
She remembered the guard rushing in, his face pale. “The East blood… they are attacking.”
Since then, nothing has been the same.
- Writer
