Episode 6

Xavier Bulgare

Sitting across from me in my office, Duck tries to explain the massacre that happened on the hill yesterday. He's always been a scatterbrained kid, the dreamy type who couldn't keep his feet on the ground, and I told Gutem it would cost him his head.

"What didn't you say about that family?"

I ask, and he practically wets himself in the chair. I have no patience for whining, so I ignore his pleas.

"I screwed up, boss."

He speaks, trembling like a coward.

"The clowns that you sent to the drug tribunal spilled the beans, the girl's father is a gangster, you know? The heavy-hitting kind."

Just what I needed. I wasn't born yesterday. I knew the instant I busted into that mansion that something was askew. No one stations men with that kind of armament to protect an average family—the guards looked more like they were protecting the mint.

"Tell me, Duck."

I recline in my armchair.

"What the hell do I do with those brats now? Considering the mess that bastard made in my hill yesterday, it's obvious he's not looking to make a deal—he's out for war, and I'm the damn lunatic who doesn’t shy away from a good fight."

"I screwed up, boss."

He stammers like a frightened little girl.

"You've already said that, you screwed up big time, and you know I don't forgive mistakes."

"Please, Venom, I've got a family, man."

I laugh heartily.

"So did the slingers who were slaughtered like rats yesterday."

I draw my gun from my waistband and fire three shots into his head, brains scatter across the floor just as GB enters.

"Dang it, Xavier."

He runs his hands through his hair.

"You finished Duck, brother."

He looks at the body with a nauseated expression.

"I said I'd kill him if he messed up."

"What do I tell Aunt Berenice now?"

"Tell her the hill's boss sent duck to feed the families of the soldiers; those bodies in the court are on this idiot's account."

He looks at the body in silence.

"You came here to plead for this screw-up? If so, you can leave; you're too late."

"No, that's not why I came."

He says, turning his attention back to me.

"The girls in the warehouse need a shower, clean clothes."

"You've become their nanny now, Gutem?"

He shakes his head.

"They're not like the girls from the hill, chief. The Patis won't last a week living like that."

"Look at my face and tell me if I look concerned."

He shakes his head again.

"That's it then."

He leaves me alone, and some of the slingers come in, dragging Duck's body out.

"Come back and clean up this mess."

I point to the blood and brain matter; they comply, taking care of everything in total silence. I distract myself with paperwork, and before I know it, they're done and leave. I decide to grab a drink when someone knocks on the door.

"Come in."

I say without turning around. When I face the silence, standing in front of my desk is the blonde with the bluest eyes I've ever seen.

"Lost?"

I ask, and she shakes her head no. The white pajamas she's wearing are short; her legs are almost fully exposed, and her small breasts barely fit in the thin-strapped top of the baby doll outfit. Even filthy, the bitch is damn fine.

"I need a shower."

"Want me to give you one?"

She looks at me, frightened. I can’t help but laugh; my mockery seems to anger her because her frightened face suddenly turns to a furious and intimidating glare—intimidating as a feisty but tiny dog, but I won’t deny it’s somewhat cute.

"Can you try not to act like a pervert and show a minimum of compassion? My cousin needs a place to rest; she’s sick, and like me, needs to wash up, wear something clean. Can’t you possibly be so cruel as to deny us the least bit of dignity?"

She yells, and my smile disappears—who does this girl think she is to speak to me like this?

"You're going to sleep in the warehouse, eat whatever slop I give you, and you'll drink water when I say you should."

She looks at me with hatred.

"Want a shower?"

I grab her by the arm and drag her through the warehouse, while she screams.

"I’ll give you the shower you asked for."

I push her to the back of the property; she falls seated on the grass. The slingers watch and laugh, enjoying the scene, except for GB. I turn on the hose, dousing her with cold water.

"Stop."

She screams.

"Please stop."

The water hits her face, and she subtly chokes, coughing loudly.

"Enough, Venom, man."

Gutem speaks, and I look at him, making him step back.

"Please."

She cries, covering her body with her small hands. Only now do I realize that the water has made everything she is wearing transparent and clinging to her petite form. She whimpers, hugging her knees, and for some damn reason, this drains all the satisfaction I was feeling.

"Keep going boss, keep going."

Buscape teases. I can't take my eyes off her face soaked with tears. Gutem gives me a judgmental look.

"Get up."

I say, but she refuses.

"Come on."

"Please, my clothes are see-through, I'm practically naked."

She looks at me with an innocence that makes me feel like the most despicable of men.

"Clear out, dammit."

I yell, and everyone looks at me, not understanding; neither do I know what I'm doing. Dang it, I walk over to her, and her body trembles, her teeth chattering as she clings to her own arms.

"Please don’t hurt me."

She cries. I look back and all the slingers scatter like cockroaches. I take off my shirt and put it on her, and she looks at me with a mix of confusion and fear; I don't know what to say. This is me, the hill’s boss; everyone is used to me being a blackguard. I'm not about to explain myself for acting this way.

"Take her and her cousin to the empty shack in seven. Want to be a good Samaritan? Fine, you’re responsible for both until I sort this mess out."

I address GB, and he smiles, a tender-hearted fool. What the hell is happening to me? This girl must be driving me insane.

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