Chasing the Shrew

Engagement

Amelia turned back to look at Chris, “Let me ask my family if they are okay with it. If I truly marry you, they need to be on board.”

Chris nodded and Amelia crouched down to face her children. Jenny and Peter came up and hugged her, nestling in her bosom.

“Babies? Would you be okay if Mommy marries Chris?”

Jenny asked shyly, “Does that mean Uncle Chris will be our daddy?”

Amelia nodded. Jenny squealed and ran to hug Chris, “Daddy!!”

Chris looked ecstatic. He gave her a gentle squeeze and patted her head lovingly. His gaze rested on Peter; Peter was the real barrier to entry.

Amelia turned to look at Peter who had a serious look on his face, “Honey, what about you?”

Peter thought for a while then spoke with a soft voice, “If it makes you happy, Mommy. I am happy if you are happy.”

Amelia sniffed and hugged her son. He was much too mature for his little size, “Thank you, baby. If you’re happy, then mommy is truly happy.”

Amelia then looked up at DS, “What about you?”

Both DS and Chris were shocked by the question.

DS spoke first, “Why do I get an opinion on this matter?”

Chris nodded silently. Who is DS to Amelia, anyway!?

Amelia smiled sadly, “Was I the only one who truly considered you as family? You’re my brother who stuck by us for the past six years. You also just saved my babies from being kidnapped just now so of course your opinion matters.”

DS thought for a long time and looked at Chris seriously. The Farley family were one of the richest families in the world, they are known for their shrewd business dealings and generosity. It was clear that Amelia would live a good life if she followed him. The only question was if Chris was truly sincere. DS was willing to bow out of the competition if Chris would be good to Amelia and the children.

“I agree only if Chris swears on all he holds dear to treat you and your children well.”

Chris looked at DS, his primal instincts were telling him DS viewed him as a rival but if so, he was giving up way too easily.

“I swear it.”

DS nodded, “I’ll be watching.”

Chris cleared his throat and held up the ring box towards Amelia, “May I?”

Amelia cried as she stuck out her left hand, “Yes.”

Chris quickly pulled the ring out of the box and placed it on her ring finger.

“It fits perfectly! This must be a sign you and I are meant to be!”

Chris was about to pick up Amelia and twirl her around before DS stepped in, “Hey! Take off your shoes before you trek dirt around the house!!”

The children looked down at Chris’ shoes and then up at him with accusatory glares.

“Now Mama has to wipe the floors again, ugh!”

Jenny walked away from Chris hopping around as if looking for clean areas to walk on.

Amelia shook her head, “Don’t mind it. I’ll wipe the floors later but please do take off your shoes and come in. I am making a simple lunch but you are welcome to join us.”

Thus, Chris’s engagement proposal ended abruptly and without fanfare. After eating lunch and checking Amelia’s feet he went out for a quick errand promising to be back in a short while.

***

In the police office, the five thugs sat huddled in an overly small cell. A policeman came by and rattled the bars with his baton, “Still not talking?! Why did go after two small kids? If you confess everything, we can discuss clemency on the charges filed against you.”

The men grunted and looked away. They had a better chance of survival if they kept their mouths shut. They didn’t know who in the police force was compromised. The moment they gave up their contractor they would be eliminated. This was the first time they worked with Venom, an infamous underground syndicate, that specialized in information gathering, assassination, and smuggling. When they got the little side job, they thought it was a chance to make it big. Being part of Venom is an honor any thug would die for. Somehow they failed… the damn Asian man ruined their easy job. Now, all they can do is face several years behind bars for attempted kidnapping. Since guns and knives were found in their possession the verdict would be harsh.

The light flickered and turned off startling them. One thug grew irate, “What kind of shitty establishment is this? Can’t get a larger cell and even the light bulbs are bust!”

A man dressed in simple everyday wear and a full face mask walked into view, “Hello, how’s your stay?”

The men froze, “Who?”

“Who do you think?”

One man blurted out, “Are you the contractor?”

The masked man laughed, “Would you still be alive if I was? I just killed a man outside with a silencer. If you answer truthfully the only time you do in here is for possession of weapons in a public space.”

The men looked at each other unsure of what to do. If it were true that Venom was going to kill them for a botched job then it might be safer in the slammer.

A large man nudged the leader, “f**k Venom, just take the deal.”

The man smashed his mate’s head into the metal bars, “Silence, you fool!!”

But it was too late the masked man laughed and left them to their fate. He walked out of the police station and took off his stifling mask. Blond hair cascaded down across his forehead and he swept it to one side. He knew Venom all too well. If they were behind the kidnapping, those five goons would not know the real client; interrogating them was a waste of time.

He got in his car, slammed the door shut, and dialed a number on the phone. It connected shortly and a jovial voice came through.

“What’s up, bro?”

“Theodore, you better get your ass home tonight. Your syndicate called a hit on my fiancee. So ready your face to get punched in.”

There was a pause on the other side, “Are you sure it’s my branch? Could it be the Asian or European side? Who did she piss off?”

Chris pounded his fist into the driving wheel, “I don’t care which branch, it was Venom!! Figure out who called a hit on Amelia Stein and come home tonight. Otherwise, I will rip Venom apart starting with you.”

Chris hung up and started driving, his eyes were cold. He was merciless to his enemies. Anyone who touched what was his will burn in hell. And that includes family members.