Her Deal with the Devil

Chapter 5: Carrefour

    Climbing into Fiona, I screamed. I cried. I hit the steering wheel. I cussed Jason Elliot. I cussed my grandmother. Why did they do this to me?! Jason, I guess I could understand. He was ultimately out for himself. He was accustomed to a certain lifestyle, and he would do anything to keep it. My grandmother? It just didn’t make sense. She hated me. Hated me for something beyond my control. How could I have known? I was a child for Christ’s sake! Ok...ok. I need to get a hold of myself. Half the stuff Jason Elliot said probably wasn’t even true. The issue is finding out which half. I guess the structural integrity issues in the house I could run by Tristan...

    Thinking his name brought back flashbacks of last night, and how amazing his hands felt rubbing over my bare skin, alternating between firm and gentle, massaging the burns--which had cooled down a lot by then and were barely noticeable--and the rest of my body. Getting rid of knots I didn’t know I had, discovering hotspots I didn’t know existed. Mmm, thinking of him had me wanting to give myself a massage. Shaking my head to clear my lustful haze I grabbed my phone and called Tristan. It only rang twice before he picked up.

    “Pretty lady! How you doing this afternoon. I bet you got a good night’s sleep last night, huh?”

    I laughed into the phone, blushing so hard my toes were starting to feel numb.

    “Yes actually. Small thanks to you.”

    “Oh! Just small huh? Well, I am offended pretty lady.”

    Oh, this man was a flirt if ever there was one.

    “Listen, Sir. I actually called you about the house.”

    Immediately I could tell the change in his demeanor. He immediately seemed more professional.

    “What do you need Ms. Hamilton?”

    I sighed.

    “Well, I was just speaking with Elliot realty and he informed me that Marian had been telling everyone that there were structural and integral issues with the house, and due to that, no one would be interested in buying it.”

    Nothing but silence. Just as I was about to call out to him, he spoke.

    “Iris. I knew nothing about this. While structural and home integrity are not specifically under my contracted job description with Marian, this could have badly damaged my reputation. You’ve got to believe me.”

    I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding in. I don’t think I would have been able to take it if another man I trusted lied to me today.

    “I do Tristan. But the thing is, do we trust Marian?”

    “Well, she paid regularly but I didn’t exactly trust her. She had a lot of shady mannerisms. But, if you want, I can meet you at the house and do an inspection. I am licensed to do that as well.”

    What couldn’t this man do?!

    “That would be perfect Tristan. Thank you so much. And dinner’s on me tonight.”

    He chuckled as he said, “I’ll make sure to clean my plate tonight then.”

    “Alright! Goodbye see you soon take care!”

    I quickly hung up the phone, blushing yet again because of this man. I needed to get it together. If I wasn’t careful, instead of the house he’d be inspecting me!

                                                                        ***

Jason

    I sat there, not quite comprehending what happened. I know that I was a little upset with her, but I shouldn’t have let the cat out of the bag so early. I was just so angry that she had been fooling with Tristan. Did she not know who I was? How could she choose him over me?! I literally was her best bet at getting rid of her house. And yeah, I could have offered her money for it but, I may have downplayed how ‘less’ wealthy we are. Elliot Realty is living month to month. If even one payment to us is late, or doesn’t clear, we are done. Period. The housing market crash completely demolished us. And it was mostly my father’s fault. He was so ambitious. So sure of himself. He just knew that his underhanded dealings would never be an issue. And then it happened. And we lost. It. All. 

    The more I thought the more I silently raged. This property is perfect for what I need. I already had the plans drawn up and the right company to move in and build. New company from Atlanta. All I needed was the space. They were actually gonna send a guy down here to survey the site soon, but he apparently had been delayed on personal matters. No big deal, I will just have to make sure he doesn’t meet Iris before he signs this realtor contract. They seem like the type to deal with matters directly. And if Iris sells without Elliot Realty being at the table? We are through.

    I finished the food I had ordered, paid, and left the restaurant all while in a daze. How was I going to make this work to my advantage? I wasn’t sure I trusted Marian in either the status of her house or whether or not she was fond of growing corpses, but it was still worth finding out. It could change the nature of my deal with the company and even the new deal I plan to offer Iris.

                                                                                       ***

Daniel

    I rolled out of the bed and kicked all of the discarded takeout boxes and empty beer cans out of my way. When Iris lived here I was more of a neat freak. I guess I was just desperate that she not know what I was. I tried so hard to conceal it, and in the end, I was the one who revealed it. Like an i***t. And now she is gone. The love of my life is gone. And I am gonna kill her. Well, I am supposed to kill her. Sometimes it’s not so good to be bad. Shaking my head to clear the fog, I quickly got dressed. 

    Alexi said the boss wanted a meeting with me, to discuss some business he wanted me to address. I didn’t know exactly what it was, but Alexi told me to dress as if I wanted to live. So I found the most respectable clothes I could and struggled into them. Looking into the mirror I was disappointed at the person staring back. I am Japanese, and about 6’0. My shoulder-length black hair was pushed to the back of my head, the result of repeatedly combing my fingers through there in frustration over Iris. I had tattoos on my left pec and shoulder, reaching down to my forearms, and a big complementary piece on my back. Usually my wiry body would show nothing but my latest results at the gym, and occasionally a wound that I would tell Iris was from the ranch I helped run out of town. The only reason she believed me is that while Atlanta is a big city, the outer lying towns had lots of land. Perfect if you needed to get a person to talk without pesky noise ordinances. Also perfect if you needed to hide a body. Speaking of body, mine was gaunt, a mere shadow of what I once was. When I was with Iris I was whole. When she left, I was just a hole. And I’m going to find her, and she’ll agree to fill it once again, or I will bury her in it.

    Finishing my outfit with a pair of black gloves, my right one having the middle finger cut out and sewn together, I was ready. I headed on down to the lobby where Alexi was waiting on me, since my car was still back at the dive bar across town. If I was still alive after this meeting I’ll make Alexi take me over there. May have a drink or two while I am in that part of town. Maybe have a nice little chat with that bartender, Frank.

    By the time Alexi pulled up, I had just finalized the list of materials Frank and I were gonna need for our chat. I hopped in his car, excitedly and smiled at him as we took off.

    Alexi looked at me and then back to the road, and then did a double take.

    “Danny are you smiling? You haven’t smiled like that in a minute. Oh no....Tell me its good news?”

    I nodded excitedly.

    “It’s great news Lexi! I know exactly how I am going to torture Frank for being a snitch!”

    Alexi looked at me again and then rolled his eyes. 

    “You are not allowed to bother Frank. At all. He’s a good man with a wife and kids at home. Pays his dues on time, and never bothers anyone. In fact, while you are here in Atlanta, it is your personal mission to make sure that he is safe at all times, especially from you.”

    I slumped in my seat, grumbling at Alexi’s words. If anything, he just gave me more reasons to torture him. Where does he get off being happy? The rest of the ride was quiet, me thinking bad thoughts about Frank, and Alexi doing whatever it is Alexi does. By the time we made it to the hideout, my mood had gone from bad to worse. Every new recruit who had the displeasure of meeting my eyes got a gut check. And there’s nothing they could do about it, especially with Alexi glaring next to me.

    “Could you ease up on the assault? These kids are new, and they don’t know about you being a bipolar stick in the mud just yet.”

    Punching another kid and then sticking my hands in my pocket, I walked ahead of Alexi.

    “That’s offensive to people who actually have that disorder. Ya ass.”

    Alexi threw up his hands in frustration. Barreling past me, carefully making sure he bumped me as hard as possible without tripping, he headed to the boss’ office. Flinging the door wide, he announced my arrival.

    “Here he is boss! The horse’s ass you said you needed.”

    Behind the desk the boss chuckled.

    “Now, now Alexi. As you know, Daniel has been under a lot of stress. He has been trying to find his ex-wife, as well as deal with his new reality. It’s a lot to take in. Daniel, please. Come in. Sit.”

    Taking a seat in one of the chairs across from the boss’ desk, I studied him. The boss was a very imposing man. At almost 7’ tall, and with the body of a defensive linebacker, Gregor Antonov stood head and shoulders above his men. The blue eyes that were twinkling at the moment, could turn cold as ice, and I’ve seen blood mar that platinum blonde hair of his more than a few times. Gulping nervously, I made eye contact with this monster.

    “You wanted to see me boss?”

    Antonov nodded, taking a long drag of his cigar. “As I am sure you know, there are those here in Atlanta who do not respond to money, at least not like the people who formerly held their positions. Killing them would be a trap that could destroy us down the road. To that end, we have to outsmart these...” 

    Here I could tell he was struggling for the right word in English. I knew because before Iris I was the same way. But I wasn’t about to be helpful. Sometimes Gregor liked to test people. If you were to suggest a word, you might lose a tooth. Boss might take your assistance as you calling yourself smarter than him.

    “Trouble-makers. That word will suffice. Yes, and in order to outsmart them but also benefit us, we have to legitimize. At least some corner of the business.”

    I didn’t like where this was going.

    “Because of this, I am in the process of acquiring some land to build a company on. That company will be a shipping business. That way, when our shipments come in, we are able to secure them without having to pay anyone else. We will own all parts of the operation at that point. The shipping, the receiving, and the distribution. However, before we make any permanent moves, I need the land looked at as well as the people. I want you to go down and inspect the land, as well as the surrounding community. Figure out whether or not this will be a good investment. You are a good people reader, so use that ability. I do not need to stress the ‘legitimate’ part of this assignment. That means no murder unless absolutely necessary on this trip. Take as long as you need, but not too long. We need to move on this as soon as possible so that we are prepared.”

    I looked at the boss blankly, confused. He wanted me, to leave Atlanta for some random coastal city to look at...dirt?

    “Boss. I know I haven’t done everything that I was supposed to, but if you want to kill me you can kill me here. No need to send me away.”

    Gregor laughed, heartily and from his belly. He laughed long and hard, so hard that tears actually sprang to his eyes. After he had gotten control of himself and wiped the tears from his eyes, he fixed me with a pointed stare.

    “Daniel, my dear boy. If I wanted you dead, you would have never left your apartment.”

    I nodded, while glancing at Alexi who had this get your s**t together look on his face.

    “Alright boss. When do you need me to leave? And what do you want me to do about my other...assignment?”

    Gregor thought for a minute, and looked to Alexi, who was doing his best impersonation of a wall, staring blankly ahead.

    “Hmm. I may have others look into that assignment while you are away. I will not allow anyone else to complete that assignment mind you, because I know it holds personal significance for you.”

    I looked at Gregor, the gratefulness apparent in my eyes. Iris deserved a chance to be ok with what I do. It may involve her working indirectly for Gregor, but that would keep her safe at least. If all else failed, at least I could kill her humanely... slip something in her drink, or something like that. Any of the other hitters on Antonov’s crew would be merciless. And I couldn’t let that happen to my Iris. I wouldn’t let it happen to her. The boss looked back at me, and gently nodded his head.

    “Now that you are onboard with the operation, it’s time to let you know where you are going. And once again, I cannot stress the delicacy of the situation enough.”

    I was nodding along, eager to be on the way there so I can be on the way back.

“Have you ever heard of a small town by the name of Carrefour?”