Asin.
~
My doctor was very kind .. like he always was especially since our little accident in the past, but all the same, I hated him and everything that involved hospitals in general.
Even Ovuz noticed my bad mood lately and decided to ask.
" .. it's nothing, Ovuz. " I waived his concerns away.
" I'm just irritable lately. To many annoying things has happened. They are still happening! Like the one we are heading off now. "
" Ahh .. Lady Maya's friends. " he smiled at the driver next to him. " If it's any solace, they enjoy their stay at the Balton very much .. and it's mini bar. "
As they snickered in the front, I let out a small chuckle myself.
It is going to be a gruelling day.
Maybe I should've bought Oliver with me, but lately.. I felt like the distance between us has grown, and if he won't come clean about whatever he keeps secret.. it will only continue to grow.
~
The girls who decided to come from America were 3 in total.
My men informed me that about a dozen of them claimed knowledge about Maya, but after some research, we narrowed down the selection to these lot since they appeared most in Maya's socials.
Karen Henderson
Yolanda Becole
Serena Gregs.
I have been thinking about how to go about my little problem to expedite this miserable process, but.. their constant chuckles and cackles got in my way.
" Khmm .. so the reason you're here and I came to ..
" You and Maya are actually related? " asked the red head called Karen.
" Yes .. Well, no, but still ..
" So tell us about your relationship status.. are there any changes, or are you still married? " Yolanda asked a little bashful.
" Yes, I'm still married.. happily, but that's not the reason..
" Are your family really that rich? Those magazines said an awful lot and ..
" Ladies! Please.. " I cut the small Serena off before this whole thing spiralled out of my control. " My sister is pregnant. I need you for a single reason. To supply the name of the father of her child to be. "
They looked disappointed but also a little nervous. It gave me a bad feeling. Yolanda found the courage to talk first.
" We .. umm .. we're not supposed to tell. But .. since you're her brother and all. "
She exchanged a few looks with the others and gained their consent. I hoped the next words would actually be useful.
" She fell in love .. with someone she shouldn't have ..
" Someone who managed to dupe plenty others along his way .. " Serena took over, nodding furiously.
God ..
Karen had a sad smile as she continued.
" His name is Professor..
Fuck No!
" .. Milton Joseph Jones. He teaches economics and is notorious around the campus for seducing younger ladies. "
I looked behind me and Ovuz was already on his phone. I got up and whispered into his ear.
" I want him here in 2 days tops. Whatever it takes but bring him. "
He nodded resolutely and walked out the room.
" Ladies.. I appreciate your help. Please enjoy yourself and everything this ..
" Wait! .. We haven't even talked properly yet ..
" Or seen Maya either. Is it true she won't be coming back to the states? " Yolanda got up walking uncomfortably close.
I sighed and decided to let big sister handle her friends.. besides they deserved some good after coming clean almost immediately.
And Maya, well she deserved some bad for .. a lot of things.
" Fine. Someone will bring her today..
" Can't you just take us to her? " asked Karen.
" I don't think it would end well. Also .. do you guys have medical insurance? "
They nodded a little confused before Serena asked.
" Why? "
" No reason. But you might wanna check if it covers international injuries as well. Either way.. I promise you, Maya will be here in an hour. I'll make sure of it. "
Before they could utter another word I was halfway into the hotel hall.
" Yes .. Kerem? I want you to go and bring my sister to the Balton. Her friends are waiting. Room 1308... and Kerem?.. Bring some muscle just in case, she don't like sudden requests. "
As Kerem confirmed it I ended the call and added one more thing to my already growing to do list..
Kill Prof Milton Joseph Jones.
Slowly ..
~
At the Sanctuary I talked to the guards and had them recount what happened when Oliver visited.
I asked them to keep this from everyone, including my shady best friend and entered the temporary home of the heartless duo.
The silence wasn't expected since my guards told me about their .. noisy lives lately, not to mention their endless demands.
But it didn't matter.. I wanted only one thing from them.
Well .. two now.
Cecile Pirell was working on something on her laptop and her mother was seemingly missing.
I took the chance since I only needed Cecile today.
" Afternoon.." I waived casually.
I didn't expected her to jump up the couch and even throwing her laptop away.
" M-Mr Martell! .. I .. I was just .. hello. " she forced a smile after fumbling around.
I saw her eyes darting upstairs and I knew where her snake of mother resides at.
" There's no need to panic.. I'm just here to see where is your plan heading. " I walked over taking a seat at an armchair.
" T-the plan sir? "
Sir?.. this girl must've been spooked to death whatever Oliver had to say.
But I had to be smart about this.
" Yes.. the luring your father back? Or at least somewhere I can catch and cage him? "
I purposely used these harsh terms to see her reaction.
But there was none.
She gathered her laptop and brought it to me.
On the screen she showed a recent conversation between her and her runaway father.
" I managed to get his location.. but he is constantly moving around. " she added when saw my expression. " .. I did tell him how miserable we were and he promised to send us some money.. which will theoretically tells us his closest geo location and then..
As she went on and on how to exactly get his precise location a thought occurred to me ..
If my future daughter would ever do that to me .. I must've mean I've been a horrible father to her. Or raised her like a devil would.
What that poor little man has done to his family to have them.. just sell him outright? Or is there such a thing as being .. evil? Truly evil?
You probably will be an even worst father ..
That voice cutting my own thoughts belonged to the fear I had since I got shot in Konore.
Marie and I still could be considered 'newlyweds ' in a broad sense of the word but these thoughts will haunt me until that blessed day she tells me the news.
" .. my mother and I already agreed to meet him but he keeps pushing the date. Also I tried to ask sneakily for his .. benefactor name but he just calls him a 'Good Friend'.. so it didn't help at all ..
" Yes .. yes I understand. " I cut her off since I unintentionally got angry listening. " The place he will send the money should be enough for my people. Once its done .. we can talk a price. "
They graciously avoided numbers until now but I did saw a strage light in her eyes when I mentioned it just now.
It will always come down to money with these people..
" Oh .. Well mother and I will probably have to chat a little about it but ..
" Fantastic! .. I'll be in touch. " I got up getting ready to leave but .. I had to try my own best to get something out of her. " By the way .. remember my friend Oliver? "
She shook like a leaf bobbing her head in agreement.
" By any chance did he made an appearance without me recently? "
She immediately answered.
" No sir .. I .. I mean Mr Martell. We only ever saw him with you.. that one time. Haha." she laughed nervously.
Right ..
You trained her well Oli.
" I see .. so you don't mind me having my men cheking for the security footage then? "
It was a bluff.. there were no cameras in the vicinity. After all this place was supposed to be a safe haven to my people. I wasn't going to keep tabs on them.
But it worked like a charm.
Her phony laugh stopped and fear creeped on her face.
" I .. lied. He did came here yesterday and asked about your wife and ..
" What!? " I stepped forward frightening her. " What exactly the conversation was about!? "
She took a few careful steps back, trying to escape me until her legs reached the couch and sat down unintentionally.
Her silence.. it pissed me off.
I leaned closer and whispered the rest.
" If I have to make you tell me.. it will be infinitely more painful for you and your dear mother as well. Speak .. at least until you're able too. "
And then.. reluctantly.. she opened her mouth.
——
Ayshe.
~
Marie kept staring at that ultrasound from the past showing a tiny .. but very much real baby.
My mind went into overdrive.
This changes everything.
If Asin find out about the past .. that would be bad.
If he finds out about it .. with this bomb added .. that it will be catastrophic.
Desiree in the meantime started patting her girlfriends back trying her best to sooth her since Anna kept shedding those tears.
It made me blurt out something.. that could be considered insensitive.
" Is he .. or she .. died? "
They both looked up at the same time with very different emotions running through their faces.
Desiree showed confusion and anger.
Probably from the inconsiderate timing of my question.
But Anna's face showed pure unadulterated hatred. The kind I never saw on a human face. Her beauty disappeared like a lie and what looked at us was a demon.
But her eyes didn't even focused on us two more like .. she saw through us, looking at someone who wasn't even in there in the room.
" .. She .. " she pressed it through her teeth after a while. " .. Died at birth. I couldn't even hold her. "
Despite my annoyance and genuine dislike of her and Desiree, I couldn't help but feel bad about her story now.
Loosing a child at 14 years old right after losing the baby's father in such a way.. it must've been extremely difficult. She didn't even had her best friend at her side.
For the first time .. I felt a little anger at Asin's parents and Oliver for doing that to her .. or anyone really.
I checked on Marie giving her a sideways look.
She was silent.. too silent. But at the same time I felt like this was an appropriate emotion considering the news we got hit with.
Months ago Desiree suddenly showed up and had that .. winners aura around here this entire time .. now it made a lot more sense.
Unintentionally I wondered what would Oliver say to all of this.. and what would Asin do with everyone once he finds about this.
Hell.. I bet even his parents the brain trust behind this tragedy would rather go die themselves than unintentionally killing their first grandchild.. granddaughter.
" So .. how about we do this. " Desiree broke the silence once Anna was a bit calmer, she now was holding the ultrasound above her heart silently caressing it. " Let us all come clean to him. "
The statement was so shocking I actually felt my mouth drop.
Even Marie woke up from her comatose state.
" Wh.. what is that supposed to mean? "
Desiree signature smile returned, the same one she wore most of the time we spent together.
" Exactly what I said. " she leaned back on her chair picking up her cup. " We tell Asin everything.. and let the chips fall where they will. "
Before I could comment how absurd that is .. Marie spoke up.
" Never! "
I had too grab her hands and pull her back down, the patrons in the dinner got disturbed by us for a day and now the security guard started to look towards us as well.
Anna eyes lit up seeing my sister in such a panicked state.
" Well, well, well .. are you that frightened about the outcome? "
Their arrogant, borderline insane smiles pissed me off .. so I decided to remind them.
" Let's.. let's tell him all of it. " I grabbed Marie's hand harder keeping her from interrupting me.
" .. let him disown his parents, let his grandfather kill his own son and daughter in law .. let them kill you two before they die themselves. Let's.. "
I enjoyed very much seeing their smile die as their brain registered my words and accepted the outcome as simple facts.
Because that would happen a 100% .. more or less exactly that.
Anna eyes regained their signature madness as she opened her mouth.
" I think your forgetting the real problem here sweetie.. let me ask you .. How's your family handle prisons in general? Because that's where they and by extension you two will be heading, once the truth about your mental case of a sister com..
She couldn't finish the rest of her most likely lovely speech.. she got covered by now cold coffee thrown by Marie as she got up slamming the cup on the table.
" You! .. you will die by my hands before that would ever happen!! YOU LITTLE ..
I saw the security guard heading toward our way and already seen some phones out and recording us as I grabbed Marie's arm dragging her out the back door.
We found ourselves in the kitchen area and ran past some super confused staff as we made it outside through the staff entry.
As the cool air hit my face and I took off running dragging a silent Marie behind me as we made through the car, once inside I asked the driver to take us anywhere but here and he quickly sped away.
This .. got out hand fast.
And my betrayal yesterday will probably cost us everything going forward.
We should've just listened to our parents and stayed put.
——
Oliver.
~
I needed serious strength to make the call.
I had too call a taxi since my hands kept shaking, so driving was out of the question.
Was this the right decision?
Or this potentially dangers everything we worked so hard to achieve?
Unfortunately the ride didn't last long enough for me to ponder any further.
The driver dropped me off at a luxury golf course.
Pashalin.
I had a security guard ushering me inside and towards a secluded section in the back.
I found myself in a all glass room overlooking the entire course.
Found Asin's parents leisurely looking out the window.
" Uncle Yanam. Auntie Seline. " I stepped closer gaining their full attention.
Asin's father looked up shaking my hand and inviting me to sit.
" Oliver .. you sounded strange over the phone..
" Never mind that Yanam!.. you said it had to so something with my son. What happened Oliver? Is he okay? "
I stood up calming his mother who was on edge every since her son got shot.
" Calm down Auntie.. Asin is away now but perfectly fine. " I guided her back to her seat. " But I'm afraid my news won't be pleasant either. "
Once Seline heard Asin was alright.. or at least not injured she let out a long breath before asking.
" Alright then .. out with it. Its not something with your mother ..
" No no .. " I sat down myself waived the waiter away. " .. it's about.. some ghosts from the past. Our past. "
I saw uncle Yanam lazy smile disappearing like a smoke screen once he understood my meaning Aunt Seline needed more.
It was time.
I took a long breath and decided to start at the very beginning.
" It started a few months back ..
~
Their silence wasn't uncomfortable but after a minute or so it got unnerving.
I felt beads of sweat running down my forehead as Uncle Yanam leaned closer.
" Do you know where are those two right now? "
I felt my heart skipping a beat as his words hid a lot more meaning than it would to a bystander.
" I .. Well as I said D-Desiree works for Asin now and it would ..
" Son? .. just tell us if you know. "
It was Aunt Seline who asked .. with the most disturbing smile.
The very same smile she wore when they asked me to follow them inside that hospital room 4 years ago where this Shakespeareian tragedy begin.
" Please don't misunderstand Oli. " Uncle Yanam got up walking behind me. " We don't need to do anything.. unseemly with her. Everyone has family or friends they care more about than themselves. "
His touch was gentle, his words calm but I felt goosebumps enveloping me hearing his syrupy speech laced with poison.
I immediately felt regret about calling them..
It was so long ago.. I forgot how ruthless they were, cruel even.
And now there was no turning back.
Brother .. I wish I could turn back time and tell you everything.
Asin .. you would know what to do.
——
Marie.
~
Asin was perfect..
Good-looking, smart, dangerous, passionate, loving, rich but not a snob .. I could keep adding characteristics all day and would still have more to say.
I often found myself daydreaming about our future good-looking family .. our own children, and what a great father he would make.
And now ..
" .. Marie! Have you heard anything I said!? "
I woke up from my stupor seeing Ayshe's panicked expression.
" I'm sorry.. I didn't. "
Ayshe took a deep breath and repeated what .. she supposedly have said already.
" We need to call someone.. who can make sure this never hits the Internet.. or at least won't stay on it long ..
That's right ..those people had their phones out and maybe someone already uploaded it.
Ayshe knew that as well but she rather think about this unsolvable problem than .. the other.
" .. that guy Beltrane who helped Asin in Konore would be the best but he was called by Ovuz and I don't even have his number and ..
" Ayshe.. it's lost. " I cut her off and continued seeing her confusion. " We .. have lost. Checkmate. They truly won. "
Seeing her deflate made the entire situation more miserable. Secretly I wanted her to refute it .. to say 'We must fight!' Or .. ' Stop talking nonsense!'
But..
She just deflated .. sat down and wore the same helpless expression I felt covering my own face.
We lost.
If they go to the police with everything they got .. which probably included Cecile Pirell and or her entire family's confession.
My parents, granny and grandad.. even Ayshe would get in trouble. Me?
I would probably spend the rest of my days in some kinda hellish mental institution. Pumped full of drugs that would eventually turn me into the broken potato they would label me as.
Like good ol 'Lunatic Jolie Wood .. that poor old lady we ruined by proxy. And her granddaughter..
Nora Wood even though she was .. gone. Her spirit will claim her last victory and not just over me but my entire family.
Maybe as it should be.
All that's left is to .. come clean as Desiree so eloquently put it. Ayshe saw me every step of the way making the call. She did try her best until the end.
" Marie maybe you could wait and ..
" It's time. I can't have him .. know it from somewhere else. "
I had no emotion in my voice. How could I?
I already felt dead.
Asin picked it up like he always had.
" .. "
I closed my eyes feeling a smile creeping on. Funny that I could pick his breathing out of a thousand now even over the phone.
How it comforted me.
" Marie? .. Hello? Babe! "
He broke his tradition and somehow it drawn tears in my eyes.
" I'm alright my love.. just wanted to hear your voice for a while ..
" Wait wait .. are you crying!? .. Marie where are you!? "
The anger in his voice .. it soothed my breaking heart.
" No no .. I'm okay seriously I just ..
" I call Medved than.. "
As nothing but dial tone came out the speaker, a phone started ringing behind us .. our drivers phone.
We heard his panicked voice coming through the window seperating us.
" Sir? .. Y-yes sir. N-no sir I .. Absolutely sir. On our way. Right now sir .. understood. "
A second later that window opened and revealed our guard and driver alarmed expressions.
" My lady .. Mr Martell redirected us towards his location. Forgive me but ..
Ayshe nodded towards the pair and answered for me.
" Yes .. we understand. Don't worry. "
They gave us one more apologetic look before closing the window and speeding up noticeably.
Ayshe turned to me .. finally wearing a genuine smile.
" .. I don't know sissy. His love might be strong enough .. even to fix this. "
Her words were like true warmth in the coldest of nights. I felt life returning in my body .. and the faintest hope rekindled in my heart.
Asin was perfect..
——
Asin.
~
As my wife's car pulled up to the old warehouse, I felt lighter seeing her smile as she stepped out the car.
After leaving those miserable women.. I didn't know how to feel until I saw her name appearing on my phone.
Than the fear came .. and everything became crystal clear.
I knew exactly what to do.
As she waived I noticed her eyes seemed a little puffy .. and Ayshe looked like she just got out of a washing machine but all in all they looked unharmed.
I felt all my anger and fear disappear like it never even existed and went to pick up my wife.
As we twirled around I took in her perfume smelling her hair and I felt it again.
I knew ..
Whatever comes in my way .. I will be fine as long as she's by my side.
" Thank God you're alright. " I sighed putting her down and seeing Ayshe's expression I asked carefully. " A-are you two alright? "
" Now I am. " she answered without hesitation and leaned back on my chest.
This sounds great but I had a feeling.. and Ayshe's miserable expression confirmed it.
Something did happen to them.
I let go for now.. I didn't had the heart to disturb her now with this or that. I was still soft in a way.
I guided them both inside the warehouse and let the people surrounding them.
We were taking inventory and packing up, making sure there was nothing left to identify us going forward.
As they started the usual chatting and laughing my heart calmed down considerably.
I felt a hand on my shoulder.
For a second I thought it was Oliver's like usual but it was the hand of the head of our streaming team.
" Selim? .. something wrong? "
He looked.. afraid. But he did managed to motion towards a quiet part of the corner.
I took one last look at my smiling wife and knew she was in a good place before I walked after him.
" Boss.. there's something you .. I .. I feel like you should..
" Selim .. spit it out already. " I sighed.
Why people always acted that way if they had too show something uncomfortable or embarrassing to me?
He nodded slightly and showed me his tablet.
It was a video that was shared on a popular website we ourselves used to upload our own videos and stream our races.
It was a dimly lit one for sure .. but then everything became very clear.
~
" .. you will send this one to me and make sure no-one ever sees it or share it. Find those who have copies and the captains make sure it's gone forever. Understood? "
Selim saw something on my face I didn't see but it sure frightened him.
All he managed is a quick nod before running away gathering his team.
I called Ovuz immediately.
" Ovuz take some man and visit a dinner cafe called Bottega Veneti, get the security tapes from today and shut the place down .. permanently. "
As he ended the call I looked back at my wife and her sister..
No wonder she cried..
No wonder she was upset over the phone..
No wonder Ayshe and Oliver been sneaky lately..
Desiree!!.. curse that day when I trusted you.
Curse you as well Oliver.
Baban.. you were right.
I needed more and now everything is finally clear.
I also know what to do with those who betrayed me.
Marie.. my love .. forgive me.
I couldn't protect you. My trusting nature.. my naivety caused a lot of hurt to the one I loved the most.
But from now on .. no one will hurt you.
Not even Anna fucking Lambert.
~
I spent the next hour doing nothing but cuddling my wife.
She tried to tell me what happened multiple times but I shut it down each time. I didn't know if it was about the current events or the stuff that happened in the past .. but I didn't care one bit.
" Are you angry at me? " she asked timidly.
I needed to do something with my expression. It scared everyone around me even the one I wanted to keep happy and safe above all else.
" At you? .. no love. More like I'm angry at my self. " I laughed bitterly hugging her shoulder tight. " But there's good news as well. "
" What is it? " asked Ayshe who occupied Oliver's chair.
I pushed my annoyance away looking at her .. who probably initiated that little get together between them in that dinner and answered calmly.
" I decided to get rid of some useless things in my life.. starting with Desiree and some .. old friends. "
I saw the surprise in her eyes and felt Marie twitching in my arms.
Fear .. is what she felt.
And it broke my heart and woke up a horrible monster inside me.
I needed this to end.
" W-why her? Did something happened? " asked Marie looking up.
I shrugged while kissing her forehead.
" No reason in particular.. but with the timing of our rise within the council its better to set her free before we make it official. " I lied.
I kept my eyes on Ayshe seeing a myriad of emotions.
Confusion, at first and .. relief while letting out a long breath.
" Wait .. " Marie sat up looking into my eyes. " You will fire her before tonight's.. meeting? " she asked awkwardly.
" Yes.. in a way. " I caressed her head. " You don't need to worry about it. Ayshe? "
" Y-yes? " she sat up.
" Text Oliver for me will you .. tell him we need to meet inside the Balton .. right now. Tell him to bring Desiree as well. No excuses. " I smiled.
She fumbled for her phone as Marie poked my side seemingly full of questions.
" Hush wife .. " I smiled kissing her. " After tonight there's nothing left in this world you need fear from. Nothing left at all. "
I hoped with all my heart that she understood my feelings.. that I can convey it without actually having to go into the grimey details.
Her relived smile is what I got .. and it was everything I ever wanted.
Her lips never tasted so sweet.