The Family Code

Chapter 2: A world she doesn’t understand

Simone had long been drawn to the notion of power; what it takes to rise above an environment seemingly set against you and find your place within society. Yet until recently it had always remained abstract - something she admired from a distance rather than something she ever expected would become part of her reality.

She arrived at Darius' penthouse shortly before nine, her heels clicking along marble floors as she entered through its main door. Darius welcomed her as usual with his knowing smile--his comfort being evident even through their initial greeting--while she still found it difficult to adjust in all aspects of their relationship (business, family and otherwise). Darius seemed adept at all three domains while she struggled to gain ground within these relationships.

Hello," she called out with an eager voice that concealed any signs of nerves she might be feeling.

Darius rose from his desk where some files lay scattered about. "Why are you here so early tonight?" Darius asked his colleague inquiring.

Simone shrugged. "Just looking to jumpstart this project a bit earlier. Since you mentioned needing assistance, here I am."

Simone had only an indirect understanding of what was transpiring within their family business; Darius kept her at arm's length, only involving her with peripheral parts that weren't risky or complex - something Simone was determined to change tonight.

Darius stood and gestured for her to sit. "We have an exciting opportunity with one of our partners that's going through, expanding their reach a little more - so we need your expertise on marketing to assist."

Simone nodded slowly, trying to remain composed. While she had experience managing marketing campaigns for corporations and smaller businesses alike, Simone wasn't so naive as to think the corporate environment she knew could compare directly.

"Let's have a closer look," she suggested as she reached for the stack of papers on the table. As she perused them, however, no names or codes made sense--everything seemed indecipherable like it were an entirely foreign tongue.

Darius gazed with intense focus upon her, making her heart race. "It may appear more complex at first; however, you will quickly grasp its complexity. I will help explain the larger context while expecting you to remain alert at all times."

"Don't worry," she replied with her eyebrow furrowed, "I know how to manage. Just tell me what's missing so that we can work through this together."

"Learn how to navigate the business side?" she inquired with some humor. "This world requires trust, loyalty and sometimes hard decisions from everyone involved." He smiled wryly before continuing.

Simone had no inkling as to his meaning when he stated this fact; she could only begin to comprehend the complexity of a criminal empire with its web of alliances and threats that extended far beyond her sightline. Her inexperience prevented her from realizing the danger surrounding them while keeping up appearances; too caught up was Simone in showing herself capable.

"So... What should be our next move?" Simone inquired to mask any confusion she was feeling.

Before Darius could reply, Jalen entered and instantly changed the conversation. Simone smiled warmly at him in thanks for adding some variety.

"So are we telling her everything?" Jalen asked with amusement before looking towards Darius with amusement.

Darius shot him a look that held an undercurrent of warning: a glance that seemed obscure yet contained an edge of threat. "I was simply explaining how everything works."

Jalen smiled ruefully. "Simone, take my word for it: this world can take time for its visitors to understand. Until that point has arrived for you - which should come soon enough - its best not to dive headfirst into its chaos." "No offense taken here but Simone needs time before making her mind up about anything. Trust me; staying hidden will keep everything more manageable for now - after all you're too smart for getting caught in its messiness!"

Simone frowned at Jalen's words; his harsh tone had taken an unexpectedly painful toll. "Jalen, don't take offense; I am here to assist and provide assistance.

Jalen raised an eyebrow. "You might think you understand, but this game has its own rules - not only is helping required here; survival must come first!"

She considered his words quietly for some time before answering him directly. Perhaps they were accurate; perhaps she hadn't fully comprehended everything just yet-- but that wouldn't stop her. She wasn't going to back down now that they had spoken their minds.

"I don't need coddling. This world has nothing on me that needs coddling." She had no plans of retreat.

Darius studied her for several moments before softening. "I know you can handle it, but that doesn't mean we should rush in headfirst. Let's take things slowly; I don't want any harm coming your way."

Simone found herself struggling to understand his words as her heart raced as she attempted to decipher their meaning. Wasn't there something more mysterious in his gaze; something deeper, darker? Simone wasn't certain whether to trust or disbelieve this stranger. Simone met his gaze once more with wide open eyes before taking note. Her pulse quickened as her mind raced forward as she struggled with translating what his gaze signified - something more dangerous perhaps?

But before she could voice her opinions, Tasha entered with an assertive look on her face and immediately interrupted.

"Enough talking. Let's get down to business!" she exclaimed with an authoritative voice that commandeered the conversation.

Simone stood and nodded approvingly at Simon's announcement of an idea to distract herself, before nodding and saying, "Ok, let's begin. Let's do this."

Simone found herself exhausted after hours of discussion and review; while she learned more than in any prior week, as more advanced concepts like distribution networks, territorial expansion plans, risk management were unfamiliar terms she couldn't quite wrap her mind around.

As she made her way toward the elevator to leave, her thoughts continued racing through. Darius had been patient but it was evident from his eyes that he expected more out of her; waiting patiently for her to catch up. To prove herself.

Simone was determined to accomplish her task despite any risks or discomfort it might entail, refusing to back down from any challenge that came her way.

She just hoped she was ready for what lay ahead of her.