《Shogun of Crime》


 Arrival in New Mercia

    She walked out of the airport doors, wearing a lovely red dress. Her hair was long and tied back in a pony tail, and her lovely gold eyes skimmed the roads and streets. People, bustling like busy ants, to and from the doors and parking lot, they seemed to give her little inclination or care. She pulled along her two suitcases, searching for the man to receive her. Her raven black hair swished behind her and her heeled shoes clicked on the steps with each step she took. Her patience was beginning to run thing, until at last she saw a man standing at the bottom of the stairs, by a long black car. He had up a sign that read ¡°Oichi Taiga.¡± Her name, emblazoned upon its white surface beckoned to her like a light in a stormy sea. She approached the man and he lowered the sign.


    ¡°You Oichi?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡± She replied, politely. As she gave a bow, she took note of the mans attire vs what the driver of the vehicle was wearing. She was not impressed. While this gentleman was wearing a white button down suit with an overcoat, the driver of the vehicle was wearing a shirt far too long for his body, baggy pants, and a hairdo that made Oichi feel sick. Both men were black, but both were incredibly different in manner and in attitude. It didn¡¯t take much for Oichi to guess who she would take more to. The respectable man gave a gesture to get in the car, as Oichi climbed in calmly.


    ¡°Welcome to New Mercia.¡± He sighed. He sat down in the seat next to her and leaned forward. ¡°Start driving.¡± The man up front grunted and started pulling away from the airport. The inside of the car stank of weed and something she rather didn¡¯t want to think about.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be meeting Boss Hamen in a while. He¡¯s in the meeting of an important business meeting.¡± The respectful man explained. ¡°My name is Marcus¡­I¡¯m to be your guide and retainer.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Marcus.¡± Oichi replied.


    ¡°So, from what I gather¡­you¡¯re from Kyoto, Japan. Your father was a¡­.I¡¯m sorry my Japanese isn¡¯t that great.¡±


    ¡°Waka gashira.¡± Oichi replied. ¡°Think of it as a second in command.¡±


    ¡°What does it mean?¡±


    ¡°¡­Just¡­second in command.¡± Oichi replied. She didn¡¯t feel the urge to explain it. Just bringing up her father seemed to drain the patience out of her. Considering she was only here because of him¡­for HIS sake.


    The Aizukotetsu-kai¡­the fourth largest Yakuza family in Japan, wasn¡¯t technically a family itself but actually a federation of over a hundred smaller families and organizations within the yakuza who required this unity to maintain power. Her family, the Saruto-gumi was only a small family within its ranks, but her father had been a respected lieutenant in the Aizukotetsu, making it all the way up to the position of waka gashira¡­.the underling and middle man between the leader, the Oyabun, and his underlings. He had power, prestige, and status. In the words of an American film maker; he was a made man.


    But that changed two months ago. Her father had screwed up. He failed to deliver an important message about a change in delivery for a stash of drugs. The police caught wind and thousands of yen were lost in the deal. Her father was dishonored and faced an execution at the hands of the Oyabun¡­until she stepped in.


    The task she undertook was a simple one¡­.and it would spare her father and restore his name¡­but as the car drove deeper into New Mercia, she felt dread creep into her very soul at the prospect.


    Marcus seemed to sense this and tried to smile encouragingly.


    ¡°He is excited to meet you, you know.¡± He pointed out. ¡°He¡¯s been talking about it quite a bit. The plan will be very advantageous to our organization as well as yours.¡±


    ¡°What kind of a man is your boss? What is Hamen Johnson like?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°A good man. He¡¯s hit some rough patches here and there, but he¡¯s a decent leader.¡±


    ¡°Man, you one ly¡¯n mutha fucka.¡± The driver scoffed. Marcus shot him a dirty look.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask your opinion, C.J.¡±


    ¡°No¡­please explain.¡± Oichi interjected. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°It like this,¡± C.J continued, ¡°the boss ain¡¯t one for ¡®work¡¯ if ya know what I mean. It ain¡¯t like he a dick or noth¡¯n¡­.but ya can¡¯t count on him ta do what he say he gon do.¡±


    ¡°C.J, enough!¡±


    ¡°An mo ¡®an that,¡± C.J carried on, ¡°I glad I ain¡¯t you, bitch¡­.he ain¡¯t what I call ideal fuck¡¯n material.¡±


    ¡°SHUT UP!¡± Marcus roared, causing the car to lurch, as C.J swore again.


    "Chill man!" He answered harshly.


    He looked at C.J with a look that could shatter glass, but the damage was done. Oichi had heard the truth now. Her future husband, Hamen Johnson, was a reprehensible fool, from the sound of it. To be fair though, C.J didn¡¯t seem like much of a respectable character himself, but Oichi had learned that it was often the street rats who knew the most to tell.


    ¡°All of that may sound bad, but I guarantee that things will go a lot smoother when you¡¯re by his side, miss.¡± Marcus tried to reason. Oichi¡¯s first impression of Marcus was that he was a respectful fellow, very much a good underling for a boss, but she could tell he was weaving lies. From the way he spoke, he too had little respect for his boss. This Hamen seemed even worse in her opinion, and yet that wasn¡¯t what set her off. Something about his phrasing had stuck out.


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®go a lot smoother?¡¯¡± Oichi asked. Marcus grumbled and looked to C.J, as if blaming him for this whole conversation even happening.


    ¡°Well¡­.ma¡¯am¡­.truth is¡­¡±


    ¡°The truth would be nice, Marcus.¡±


    ¡°¡­..Right¡­.well I¡¯ll put it bluntly; we¡¯re up shit creek without a paddle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m rather familiar with this creek,¡± Oichi hissed, ¡°please explain how deep we¡¯re in.¡±


    ¡°Our organization prizes itself on drug trafficking and smuggling. But Hamen is¡­well he¡¯s throwing away resources on past times and fucking¡­gambling. He¡¯s racked up debt with bigger and more dangerous crime syndicates in the city, and now we¡¯re being harassed by one, called the Black Death syndicate.¡±


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.¡°What¡¯s being done about it?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­that¡¯s the trouble we¡¯re in.¡± Marcus sighed.


    ¡°Damn sons a bitches got the 5-0 in their back pocket.¡± C.J pointed out. ¡°We can¡¯t do shit ¡®less they back off.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°5-0? Sorry, I¡¯m not familiar with the slang.¡±


    ¡°And yet your English is near flawless.¡± Mason praised. ¡°It means police. The police work for the Black Death. In fact, the police have relations and connections with many gangs and crime families in the city.¡± Oichi turned and looked Marcus dead in the eyes, disbelief on her face.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°The Police Union bosses are more corrupt than some of the gangs out here. As long as the gangs in their payroll give a cut of their profits, the police look the other way, and at times will provide support for their operations. Money makes the crime go ¡®round as they say.¡± Marcus growled. Oichi looked out the car window and sighed, her breath fogging the glass. Outside she watched people like blurring objects shoot by, and buildings massive and imposing glaring down at her.


    ¡°And you think I¡¯ll make a difference from marrying Hamen?¡± She asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s my hope that you will.¡± Marcus admitted. ¡°Perhaps having a reasonable voice at his side will convince him to step up and deal with the problems at hand.¡±


    ¡°¡­Maybe.¡± Oichi muttered, doubting everything she''d believed when coming here.


    The car came to a halt at a gas station. C.J climbed out to fill the tank, leaving Marcus and Oichi alone in the car together, with the awkward silence. Marcus crossed his arms over his chest and blew slowly from his lips, as if he were trying to kill the silence somehow.


    ¡°I have a question,¡± Oichi finally spoke, ¡°back in Kyoto, I had heard stories of your American mafia¡¯s¡­your godfathers¡­.Al Capone and other figures. I can believe you to be from such stories, but C.J¡­.I cannot imagine him as one who would belong in such a world. He strikes me as some common street punk Are there¡­many like him in the organization?¡± Marcus frowned and shook his head.


    ¡°I hate to admit it, miss but¡­those stories you heard? Mafia lords and dignified criminals? That died out with the 60¡¯s. C.J is indeed a street punk¡­but street punks are what make up the majority of the gangs and criminal groups in this city.¡± Marcus answered.


    Oichi didn¡¯t need Marcus to tell her that. Any hope she had was now dashed. Each step she took into this new world¡­this new future, felt more and more hopeless. The man she was to marry was a lazy fool who was running his group into the grave. The police force was just as corrupted and cold hearted as the criminals that controlled the streets. And the criminal organizations weren¡¯t the dignified and refined mafia gangsters she¡¯d heard about, but instead street smart punks with backwards hats and baggy basketball shirts.


    ¡°What of the Yakuza?¡± Marcus asked. ¡°Are they that greatly different?¡±


    ¡°¡­In almost every way.¡± She growled back. Marcus saw C.J removing the nozzle of the gas pump and putting it away. Marcus leaned over and looked at Oichi¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Miss Taiga, I worked with this organization back when Boss Hamen¡¯s uncle was the head. It hurts to see what¡¯s happened to it¡­but I can¡¯t leave it. This business is everything to me now. I''m in too deep. When I heard a daughter of a high ranking yakuza family member was going to marry our boss, I felt real hope for the first time in years! With your leadership and guiding wisdom, perhaps Hamen could be persuaded to see reason!¡±


    ¡°Reason is lost to fools.¡± Oichi sighed. ¡°But let me meet my fianc¨¦¡­and then we¡¯ll see what can be done.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your willingness to try.¡± Marcus smiled.


    ¡°I do this for my father and for my family¡­.not for you and definitely not for Hamen.¡± Oichi said Hamen¡¯s name as if she were spitting it across the street, and Mason sensed her disgust and looked away. C.J climbed back in the car and sat down. The car drove off again and Oichi felt it dragging her away to her destiny.


    In the Yakuza, loyalty, respect, and civility are not only admired¡­.it is expected. They referred to themselves and their families as ¡®ninkyo dantai,¡¯ which means ¡®chivalrous organizations.¡¯ True, they were criminals¡­and they profited off of darker and more illegal practices, but her family¡­all of the best families, respected dignity and courteousness. Three years ago when the earthquakes shook Tohoku and the tsunamis ravaged the land, it was their organizations that supplied relief and support to the needy. When a common street punk killed a police officer in cold blood, her family hunted the rat down with the same efficiency and dedication as the police themselves¡­sometimes with even more tenacity. The Aizukotetsu-kai, the Inagawa-kai, the Sumiyoshi-kai, or even the Yamaguchi-gumi¡­.what ever yakuza family you observe, they were all criminal groups, yes, but they were also honorable; dignified, and in a bizarre way to the commoner, respectable. That was why Oichi had been so interested to see the famous mafia crime families of America¡­only to learn such codes of dignity and respect did not exist for the gangs of America. She shook her head and rubbed her brow.


    ¡°Oh father, what have I gotten myself in to?¡± She asked herself quietly.


    ¡°I do apologize for the¡­situation you find yourself in, but I am hoping that, in time, you will make this city and our organization your home.¡± Marcus offered as they pulled up to a small garage, meant for car repairs, though it looked out of commission for ages. Was this their headquarters?


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Oichi grumbled as she looked out at her soon to be new home. ¡°Maybe¡­perhaps I can learn to make this place a home¡­but for that, I¡¯ll have to make some changes¡­.big changes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to those changes.¡± Marcus smiled encouragingly. Oichi smiled back as she climbed out of the car. She didn¡¯t say it¡­but she had a feeling Marcus might not appreciate all she had planned in terms of her ¡®changes.¡¯ Her plans were already beginning to formulate. She would salvage this hell¡­even if it killed her, and a few others, in the process.

 Meeting Hamen

    The garage itself was nothing special on the outside. It was tall and covered in graffiti in certain places. The side doors were caged and locked up. Marcus had to approach with a key and undo the padlock so we could get in. Oichi looked around, rather unimpressed and just shrugged her shoulders in a disapproving fashion. C.J smirked at this and nudged her.


    ¡°Yo gonna love how it iz on the inside, girl.¡±


    ¡°My name is Oichi¡­not ¡®girl.¡¯¡± Oichi grumbled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pay him any attention, ma¡¯am.¡± Marcus laughed. ¡°He was raised by wolves.¡±


    ¡°Least I ain¡¯t be¡¯n someth¡¯n I ain¡¯t!¡± C.J snapped back, causing Marcus to frown and shoot him a venomous stare. Oichi raised an eyebrow curiously.


    ¡°What does that mean, Marcus?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°¡­A story for another time, ma¡¯am.¡± He replied. ¡°Welcome to our little base of operations.¡± With that, he opened the door to let Oichi in.


    While the outside had been quite unsatisfactory, the inside however was another story entirely. While there were broken or repairable cars parked in the spaces, these were just for cover. Oichi noticed that the doors of the cars looked slightly more new or refurbished than the rest of the cars. Seeing where she was looking, C.J grinned.


    ¡°Ya notice our doors?¡± He chuckled. ¡°We putt¡¯n these doors on our shipment cars e¡¯rey time we go to deliver.¡±


    ¡°Why these doors?¡± Oichi asked. C.J walked to the nearest one and opened it up. He then pulled out a pocket knife and cut a small hole into the fabric on the inside of the door, revealing at least 5 bags of white powder that Oichi knew to be cocaine. This was the Hamen secret¡­hiding the drugs inside the doors of cars?


    ¡°Where do you make the drugs?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°We don¡¯t.¡± Marcus explained. ¡°We¡¯re the distributors for cartels across the borders. We used to make our own supply, but that ended 8 years ago.¡±


    ¡°What happened eight years ago?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°¡­The new boss took over.¡± Marcus sighed. ¡°He sold most of our good equipment to pay off gambling debts.¡± Oichi sneered and crossed her arms.


    ¡°So now we splitt¡¯n profit with the cartels.¡± C.J added. ¡°They get a cut, an we get a cut.¡±


    ¡°And so do the other syndicates we pay up, like the BD.¡± Marcus snapped. ¡°See, the Black Death group is a gun smuggling group as well as drug dealers. They¡¯ve got their hands in both markets. They only allow us to exist in their territory if we pay them a tribute fee every few months.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t pay it?¡±


    ¡°Things start to get worse for us.¡± Marcus grumbled. ¡°First, all of our dealers and street urchins who distribute start disappearing¡­working for the Black Death syndicate instead of us. Then our cartel suppliers get squeamish and stop responding to our calls. Finally, if we still don¡¯t pay up¡­they call the police on us.¡±


    ¡°I see. What¡¯s my husband to be done about it?¡±


    ¡°That nigga ain¡¯t done jack shit!¡± C.J laughed. ¡°I don¡¯t rememba the last time that bitch come outta his house!¡±


    ¡°Shut it¡­¡± Marcus snarled.


    ¡°He¡¯s in his house?¡± Oichi asked. ¡°I was under the impression you were taking me to him.¡±


    ¡°We are. He was supposed to be here to greet you. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s in the back.¡± Marcus explained. With a polite nod, he lead Oichi and C.J into the back of the garage, away from the cars. Beyond those doors was a large office area with a few punks hanging around inside, smoking cigarettes and weed at the same time and looking either bored or downright depressed. A few took note of Oichi and one made a cat call, causing Oichi¡¯s nose to wrinkle in disgust. But something was a miss¡­where was the boss? Where there was a large desk in the corner where a boss or leader would rest, there was no one. Marcus seemed just as troubled.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Hamen?¡± He asked one of the punks.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t seen ¡®em.¡± The answer came gruffly. ¡°Still at the estate, I guess.¡±


    ¡°He was supposed to meet us here! Why is he still there!?¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t ya go over¡¯n ask?¡± Another thug spat. ¡°Get outta here, man¡­yer ruining our break.¡± One Hispanic man whispered something in Spanish and his buddy laughed. The room didn¡¯t take Marcus seriously¡­.nor Oichi. She had a feeling this break of theirs was actually how they always were. This almost didn¡¯t seem worth her time. Marcus growled and marched out of the office and back to the garage.


    ¡°My apologies, Miss Taiga¡­it would seem that Hamen forgot about our meeting.¡±


    ¡°Forgot, or didn¡¯t care?¡± Oichi grumbled as she was lead back towards the car. She noticed C.J had stayed behind to get high¡­and Marcus didn¡¯t seem to mind. He took the drivers seat and cranked on the ignition.


    ¡°Hard to know¡­but we have to head to his estate.¡±


    ¡°If Hamen is owing money to other rival gangs, why does he have an estate?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°His Dad gave it to him¡­to keep him out of trouble.¡±


    ¡°His dad?¡± Oichi questioned.


    ¡°Hamen¡¯s grandfather was a made man in a Sicilian mafia family. Hamen¡¯s father and his uncle are both strongly loyal to the mafia¡­but Hamen himself is a disappointment to his family¡­squandering money away and wasting his life on material things rather than dedicate himself to something. To keep him from disgracing the mafia further, they gave him this little drug organization, and a nice fancy ass estate to run¡­and it keeps him busy and content.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, it sounds to me like your boss is a fool.¡± Oichi muttered. Marcus sighed and gave a curt nod, not turning to look at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s true¡­Hamen¡¯s a bastard. Everything C.J says is the truth¡­but that doesn¡¯t change the fact he shouldn¡¯t say those things. If we don¡¯t show respect to authority, then we¡¯re no better than common crooks. Like you, I respect the mafia and it¡¯s strong ties of loyalty and devotion. I¡¯m afraid that it¡¯s a bygone age now¡­now I suppose we truly are just a band of crooks and criminals.¡±


    ¡°Marcus, you don¡¯t strike me as a typical gang member.¡± Oichi pointed out finally. ¡°You speak politely and you show a sense of respect and duty I don¡¯t sense from the others I¡¯ve seen. Why?¡± Marcus fell silent, focusing on the driving. ¡°I¡¯ll find out eventually, so might as well talk.¡±


    ¡°¡­I grew up to a family poor as dirt.¡± Marcus answered. ¡°But my parents busted their asses to get me to college. I went to Yale.¡±


    ¡°YALE!?¡± Oichi cried.


    ¡°I know, shocking right?¡± He chuckled. ¡°I was going to get my business degree¡­start a booming business, become a CEO, and pay my parents back for everything they gave me.¡± He sighed and his smile vanished. ¡°But, 2 years into my time at Yale, my father died, and my mother suffered from dementia. I went home to take care of her, giving up my college career to do so. She died almost a year later in a car accident.¡± Oichi and Marcus both were so silent now that the car engine sounded as if it was the radio speaker in their car. Oichi bit her lip and looked down, unsure how to respond or what to say towards that. She didn¡¯t need to though, Marcus continued.


    ¡°I tried picking my life back up; tried working hard to get back in college¡­but it seemed like everything had fallen apart for me. I took out loans to pay for my home and food, and soon I was so caught up in debt that¡­well, I went to the only people who could help me.¡±


    ¡°The mob.¡± Oichi concluded.


    ¡°I met Hamen¡¯s uncle, who offered to pay off my debts in exchange for employment under him. As long as I didn¡¯t have to kill anyone or take part in the drug smuggling, I agreed. Ever since, I¡¯ve been running the numbers for Hamen¡¯s uncle, and now Hamen himself. But, like before¡­it feels like a waste of time. I¡¯m a no one to this gang, just some college boy drop out who was pretending to be someone I could never be. Some black kid from nothing, believing he could be a CEO of his own business? Even now it¡¯s hilarious.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± Oichi snapped back forcefully. ¡°Don¡¯t mock yourself for trying to rise above where you began. Humanity has made it¡¯s entire existance built on that notion of succeeding beyond our limitations.¡±


    ¡°Pretty words¡­but idealism often falls in the face of reality.¡± Marcus shrugged.


    ¡°Not if the ideal is MADE a reality.¡± Oichi replied. ¡°I can¡¯t promise your CEO position or a college degree¡­but if you stick with me and keep showing that same dedication and respect you have been? I will do everything in my power to make sure you reach your goals.¡± Marcus shot Oichi a glance and gave an amused smile.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.¡°I¡¯ve got a good feeling about you, Miss Taiga. I really do.¡± He laughed. ¡°I hope Hamen doesn¡¯t chase you off like he has some of his other wives.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s worry about that bridge when we come to it.¡± Oichi giggled.


    ¡°Speaking of which¡­we¡¯re here.¡±


    The luxury home was massive. Sitting like an ancient castle, the building was 3 stories tall and very rustic looking, but also possessing a modern allure that allowed one to appreciate the asthetic of the design. It had a stone finish around the base that complimented the fine wood structure, with large glass windows and panes that flashed the setting sun repeatedly, giving the house a beautiful aura of mysticism. The large gate that blocked their way opened after a moment and, as Marcus drove closer, Oichi could see even better the gorgeous structure of the house. This was really the home of a fool like Hamen? It didn¡¯t seem possible¡­or fair! A scattered number of trees and bushes littered the yard that surrounded the estate, and the soft grass was like a lake that threatened to swallow the area itself. When Marcus parked, Oichi stepped out and allowed him to lead her to the building. There was an armed guard in front of the door, glaring daggers at them.


    ¡°She the new fianc¨¦?¡± The guard asked.


    ¡°This is Oichi Taiga¡­is Hamen in?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°Pool.¡± The guard grunted, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.


    ¡°A pool?¡± Oichi cried. She¡¯d often wanted to visit a home with a pool.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get inside.¡± Marcus grumbled, still looking rather dissatisfied. He lead her inside and as Oichi looked around, her breath caught in her throat. The inside was enormous, with rugs, wall ornaments, and mirrors to reflect the owners grandness. A series of fancy couches and fluffy cushions filled the den, and branched off from that, dawned with pillars to mark the passage, was a large kitchen and dining room. A grand staircase lead up to the upper floors where she could see a balcony overlooking the den on the second and third levels. Beyond were massive windows, peering out into the ever darkening sky and revealing an enormous patio with a massive pool, stetching out with its embracing corners as if to wrap around the back of the house entirely. There were three men sitting by the glass doors out to the pool, two of which were black and one was white. They were poorly dressed, and were slouched over like C.J¡­hoodlums.


    And outside, resting in the circular jacuzzi on the far side of the larger pool, as bubbles popped and water frothed around his body, was a rather round man. He had long, wet hair that fell down near to his shoulders. He had a large stomach and a slight scar just under his ear. He also had on nothing but underwear as he reclined in the hot water. He was breathing relaxed as his chest heaved up and down.


    ¡°BOSS!¡± Marcus shouted as he walked out towards the pool, with Oichi right behind him. Hamen glanced up, one eye opened in disinterest.


    ¡°Marcus? I thought you went to the airport.¡± He grunted.


    ¡°I did¡­and you were going to meet us back at the garage.¡± Marcus argued.


    ¡°Is that what we agreed on?¡± Hamen shrugged. ¡°Guess I forgot.¡± Marcus snarled, but said nothing. He quickly tempered himself and stepped aside to reveal Oichi.


    ¡°This¡¯s Oichi Taiga.¡± Marcus announced. Hamen opened both eyes and looked Oichi over, a small smile growing on his round face.


    ¡°Oh you¡¯re prettier than I thought you¡¯d be.¡± He noted. ¡°Came all the way from Japan, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± Oichi replied respectfully.


    ¡°Heh, there¡¯s no need to be formal. We¡¯ll be married pretty soon right? How about on Thursday?¡±


    ¡°But sir, that¡¯s three days away!¡± Marcus gasped.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to know you can count the days. I was worried about your intelligence for a minute there.¡± Hamen growled. ¡°Now shut it.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine¡­Thursday is most fine.¡± Oichi replied, smiling. Marcus noticed that Oichi was throwing on more of a stereotypical accent than she had previously. It sounded so foreign¡­and stupid. ¡°Can hardly wait for ceremony.¡±


    ¡°And I can hardly wait to have you in bed.¡± Hamen licked his lips like a predator, looking over Oichi¡¯s body as if sizing her up. ¡°You any good in the sack?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I is virgin¡­so I wouldn¡¯t know.¡± Oichi answered honestly, covering the amount of frustration she was feeling.


    ¡°Oooh, nothing like your first time, right?¡± Hamen asked. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be happy to teach you the way to do it.¡±


    ¡°Boss, with all due respect,¡± Marcus spoke up, blushing and trying to take the subject back on track, ¡°this is highly inappropriate. Don¡¯t forget, Oichi is marrying you to help fix our organization.¡±


    ¡°Fix?¡± Hamen asked. ¡°Oh right, you were saying something about that, right? Well, I¡¯ll just be honest¡­I don¡¯t need your help.¡± He stretched and rested his hands behind his hair, leaning his head back. ¡°Frankly, I¡¯m happy with how things are. We¡¯re alive, we¡¯re happy, and we¡¯re still in business. I don¡¯t need advice or assistance in leading my organization.¡±


    ¡°But boss¡­¡±


    ¡°Marcus, when I want your opinion, I¡¯ll ask for it.¡± Hamen barked. ¡°My dad and uncle might¡¯ve enjoyed having you over their shoulders, but I¡¯m not as dumb.¡±


    ¡°Your Dad and uncle are both great men! Why would you say that about them!?¡± Marcus demanded.


    ¡°Uncle Anthony was a complete dumbass and died for it. Dad cut me off because he just couldn¡¯t understand my interests and lifestyle. We¡¯re not living in the 50¡¯s anymore. You old fashion types SERIOUSLY need to get with the times.¡±


    With each passing word, Oichi¡¯s opinion of Hamen grew worse and worse, but her smile never faltered. She would manage this smile for as long as she needed to.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you agree, Ouchie?¡± Hamen asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s Oichi, sir.¡±


    ¡°Whatever¡­you seriously need a different name though. How about Olivia or something?¡±


    ¡°Husband call Oichi whatever he rikes.¡± Oichi smiled, giving a polite bow.


    ¡°Oh, I like the bow, keep doing that. So oriental.¡± Hamen laughed. ¡°Alright well, go show her around, Marcus¡­ceremony¡¯s on Thursday at two o¡¯ clock. Make sure she gets something nice to wear.¡± Marcus said nothing but took Oichi by the arm and lead her away, Oichi didn¡¯t speak until they were inside again and out of earshot. The warmer interior seemed to relax Marcus somewhat.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for his behavior! Maybe this wasn¡¯t such a good idea¡­¡± Marcus sighed. ¡°I can arrange for-¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright.¡± Oichi answered, brushing her hair aside and grinning, getting rid of the stupid accent entirely now that they were alone. ¡°Sorry for that display.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s making you a little trophy wife! Changing your name, making you bow¡­are you really just going to smile and accept that for the rest of your life!?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Of course not. I don¡¯t accept it.¡± Oichi answered. ¡°But I will endure it for the time being. It¡¯s a necessary pain I shall bear to see that this organization is saved. If saving this organization means I play the part of a dumb foreign whore for that pig, then I shall play my part well.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want your help¡­and he won¡¯t accept it. I was afraid of this but¡­it seems he really does only see you as some new sex toy for him.¡± Marcus apologized with his tone alone. Oichi touched his shoulder and smiled encouragingly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my friend.¡± Oichi chuckled. ¡°This is all a good thing. Meeting Hamen and getting a peek into your operations? Knowing just how bad things are? This is all very good.¡±


    ¡°But¡­how?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°Because now I see the root of your organization¡¯s problems¡­and after I¡¯m married to that pig¡­I¡¯ll begin fixing these issues.¡±


    ¡°How will you convince Hamen to work with you? It¡¯s hopeless¡­maybe it would be best for you to return home.¡±


    ¡°No¡­I will not leave here in disgrace.¡± Oichi hissed back. ¡°I will handle Hamen.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± Marcus asked. Oichi gave a mischievous smile.


    "Leave that to me."


    Oichi walked past Marcus and towards the kitchen. ¡°Now where¡¯s the bread? I could go for a sandwich.¡± Marcus watched this mysterious woman and felt a shiver run down his spine. What was she planning? What kind of woman had he just brought to his boss? He both admired her¡­and feared her. There was a cunning to her¡­a ruthlessness. Oichi Taiga was a woman not to be underestimated; and he feared¡­or rather, he HOPED that Hamen would make the mistake of underestimating this tigeress among wolves. A new age for this group was coming¡­and this woman would be at the front of it.

 Long Live the Queen

    ¡°Oh my word, you look like a gemstone! Absolutely gorgeous!¡± Oichi stood in a dressing room, wearing her bridal gown for the first time. A little old woman ran around her, touching and fiddling with the dress, trying to straighten out any wrinkles her spectacles could fall upon. She looked about in her 70¡¯s, and she couldn¡¯t be any taller than 5 feet. Her hair was bulled back in a bun, and her eyes, hidden behind her massive glasses, looked larger than life thanks to the thickness of the lenses. Her name was Erica Bleeb, a seamstress and dress designer whose son was apparently a lieutenant in the crime family. She had been hired to make Oichi¡¯s gown¡­and she¡¯d done a very fine job.


    The dress was simple, but beautiful. Pure white, with a tight, chest and waist hugging top, and a tenting skirt that¡¯s bottom diameter was almost 3 yards long. Her heeled slippers were hidden by the dress, but the clicking of the heels hitting the hardwood floors could be heard, announcing loudly every adjusting of her weight or step she took. Her hair had been pulled back behind her ears with small pins to ensure that her bangs were pulled back, but otherwise were left free¡­she¡¯d wanted it this way. She liked her hair being free, despite not being that long. A veil was placed upon her head that fell in front of her face, prepared for her husband to remove to see her face; a cute custom that Oichi found very sweet¡­though she found no joy in picturing Hamen lifting her veil. Her hands had silky gloves that fidgeted nervously thanks to her anxious fingers. Her face was made up as well. Dark lipstick and eyeshadow, complemented by a small degree of blush. Any sense of masculinity and power was washed away for a stunningly lovely woman. How her mother would be so proud if she were alive to see her now¡­and how she¡¯s cry over seeing her darling daughter marry such a swine like Hamen. On the table next to her rested a bouquet of flowers for her to carry down the isle.


    ¡°You¡¯re very lucky, Miss Taiga.¡± The Mrs. Bleeb noted, continuing to fuss over her dress as if she could make it look more extravagant. ¡°Boss Hamen is a very influential man, and his uncle was a made man in a mafia family!¡±


    ¡°Yes, so I¡¯ve heard.¡± Oichi answered. ¡°I¡¯m sure success is in his blood.¡±


    ¡°Now, I know what you¡¯ve heard about him¡­I know he doesn¡¯t come off as a descent fellow, but there¡¯s no question that marrying him will¡­er¡­have many benefits!¡± The hesitance in her voice made Oichi smirk. Even this little old woman knew that Oichi was walking into a very difficult marriage.


    ¡°¡­You don¡¯t like him much, do you?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°Oh no, no, no! He¡¯s a great boss! I¡¯m very happy to be working for him and his organization!¡± Mrs. Bleeb cried, a slight sweat now on her brow. ¡°I get so much work now, thanks to him! I get to make and tailor all different assortments of-¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Bleeb,¡± Oichi interrupted with a giggle, ¡°please, I¡¯m not going to tell Hamen anything. Be honest with me. Your work is beautiful. I love this dress¡­it¡¯s far better than what he deserves for his wedding. You can be honest with me. You don¡¯t like Hamen, right?¡± Mrs. Bleeb looked around nervously. She stepped away and peeked out the door, as if wondering if anyone was there, listening in. She even pat down the walls nearby, as if checking that an invisible man wasn¡¯t there, watching. When she was sure there was no one listening in on their talk, she again spoke, but much more quietly.


    ¡°I¡¯m a mother, Miss Taiga¡­it¡¯s not my place to say but, as a mother¡­I wish my son had chosen a different course to his life.¡± She admitted. ¡°I know you were raised in a crime family, I don¡¯t mean any disrespect but¡­¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the life you wanted.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not what he deserves. My son, Jordan he¡­he¡¯s¡­he¡¯s such a smart boy. He used to talk about being a teacher¡­and now he¡­¡±


    ¡°How did he get into the life?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°He started trying drugs because of his stupid friends¡­¡± Mrs. Bleeb hissed darkly, returning to her work of adjusting Oichi¡¯s gloves, though her thoughts were not on the dress. ¡°He was brought in as a distributer¡­and now he can¡¯t get out.¡±


    ¡°Does he want out?¡±


    ¡°More than anything! He¡¯s had to drop out of school! He¡¯s always out late, and I worry about him every¡­..oh my god, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± She squealed, quickly refocusing herself on her work on Oichi¡¯s dress, brushing it over and running her hands along the silk, putting pens in places here and there, and removing others. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have said all that! You¡¯re about to get married! It¡¯s your big day, and I¡¯m just rambling like a¡­like a¡­I don¡¯t even know. Oh I¡¯m so sorry, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t apologize. I¡¯m glad you told me.¡± Oichi smiled. ¡°Feel any better?¡±


    ¡°It is nice, I guess, to vent.¡± Mrs. Bleeb admitted, stepping back. ¡°But enough of my issues. Just LOOK at you, Miss Taiga! Just beautiful. You have such an exotic beauty.¡± Oichi smiled and turned to face Mrs. Bleeb, giving her a small bow.


    ¡°I take after my mother.¡± Oichi replied, thinking back about her mom, and hiding a shadow of a frown that dared to creep upon her face at the memory. ¡°Mrs. Bleeb do you have a means to leave the town for a few days?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­why?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Tonight, after the ceremony, take your son and leave town for a few days.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­oh Miss Taiga I couldn¡¯t do that! I¡­I don¡¯t want to upset Hamen.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Hamen for you. Just do as I ask, please¡­and don¡¯t return for at least two weeks.¡± Mrs. Bleeb started to argue, but stopped as she saw the sincere gaze in Oichi¡¯s eyes. The warning in her expression. Mrs. Bleeb simply nodded and finished up.


    ¡°There, all done miss. You¡¯re going to look gorgeous.¡± Mrs. Bleeb finally confirmed.


    ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s going to be a lovely ceremony, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking,¡± Mrs. Bleeb spoke up, ¡°how on earth are you going to keep that wild Hamen in line?¡± Oichi smiled back and chuckled to herself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, Mrs. Bleeb. He¡¯s my problem now.¡±


    The ceremony was beautiful. The room was full of men and women of all ages, wearing fine suits and dresses to attend this momentous marriage. Oichi barely took notice as she walked slowly down the aisle towards her waiting husband who, quite frankly, looked more like he¡¯d rather be anywhere but at the alter. The priest began to recite the mantra that she¡¯d expected, and as Oichi looked into her husband¡¯s eyes, Hamen finally saw her¡­.really saw her. There was an expression that crossed his face. The kind of look that a deer gets when it notices the slightest movement in the underbrush¡­that slight passing of stripped fur in the tree line. He saw just a glimpse of a tiger in the brush, but could not quite make it out enough to recognize the true nature of this predator. Oichi smiled sweetly, glad that, at last Hamen was beginning to grasp her for who she was. As he lifted her veil back, the look vanished and he went back to his bored expression. Oichi sighed, but allowed her smile to remain. The deer was relaxed once more.


    ¡°Do you, Oichi Taiga, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to cherish, to love, to honor, and support, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Oichi answered softly.


    ¡°And do you, Ha-¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Hamen interrupted before the priest had finished. The priest looked at him annoyed, but knew better than to speak back. With a disgruntled nod, he closed his Bible.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.¡°Then by the power invested in me, by the All Mighty God, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.¡±


    ¡°Bout time.¡± Hamen whispered, leaning forward to kiss. Oichi took his lips and the two kissed. Oichi felt the speed and haste at which he kissed her¡­and she knew that this would not be a happy union. Indeed, she felt terrible for any woman unfortunate enough to have ever had relations with this man. But this was necessary. She must endure¡­she must stomach him for now.


    ¡°Hope ya enjoyed that ceremony¡­cost quite a bit of money.¡± Hamen called out as he lay on his king sized bed, staring up at the ceiling. He was already stripped down to his boxers and was clearly waiting on Oichi to emerge from the bathroom. ¡°How long¡¯s it gotta take you to get yer ass in gear?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, just making sure I¡¯m presentable.¡±


    ¡°For fuck¡¯n? Seriously?¡± Hamen scoffed. ¡°Guess¡¯n it takes some gett¡¯n used to, but it isn¡¯t THAT complicated.¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯m still a bit new at this¡­¡± Oichi replied, finally walking out of the bathroom. She was completely naked, allowing her glistening, wet body from her shower reveal itself to the now very aroused Hamen. He grinned looking over her and leaned back, allowing himself to be exposed.


    ¡°Not bat at all. Since it¡¯s your first time, how about we get you¡­in the mood? Pour us some wine sweetheart.¡± Oichi gave a polite bow of respect. ¡°Oooh, nice. I could get used to that bow. Maybe I should have all my bitches bow like that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a simple show of respect.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it sure is.¡± Hamen snickered as Oichi poured the wine from the bottle. She ran her fingers along the rim of one of the glasses to clean off a droplet of wine and then handed one to Hamen. Hamen grinned and raised it up to her.


    ¡°To a prosperous future.¡± Oichi smiled, toasting.


    ¡°No need for a formality. We¡¯re husband and wife now¡­might as well have a bit of fun.¡± Hamen downed his wine in only a few seconds. He smacked his lips together and chuckled. ¡°Good stuff.¡±


    ¡°So, what ARE your plans for the future, darling?¡± Oichi asked as she set her wine aside and climbed into bed, climbing on top of Hamen as he grew more and more jittery with anticipation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think much on the future, babe. I¡¯m more of a ¡®in the now¡¯ kind of guy.¡±


    ¡°How do you mean?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°All these goddamn questions? I¡¯m gett¡¯n blue balls here babe! Tell you what, gimme a rim job, and I¡¯ll talk while you do.¡±


    ¡°A what job?¡±


    ¡°Pull off my drawers and get to work.¡± Hamen growled, rubbing his forehead. Oichi gave him a sharp glare of disapproval, but did as instructed and prepared to pull down his underwear. Hamen was smiling as she did, but he was also starting to sweat.


    ¡°As I was say¡¯n¡­yeah I¡¯m more concerned with what I¡¯m doing now¡­what I¡¯ll eat now, do now, screw now¡­life¡¯s a¡­a lot more simple¡­that way.¡± His breathing was getting heavier and now Hamen¡¯s smile was beginning to vanish. Was he just nervous? No¡­no he¡¯d slept with dozens of women, some of which were far prettier than Oichi¡­it was something else¡­something he couldn¡¯t place. His heart was racing now and he sat up, panic starting to take him. A heartattack? A stroke? No! He was only 48¡­he wasn¡¯t old enough for that, right? That¡¯s an old farts ailment! Oichi just looked up with a polite smile.


    ¡°Something wrong, darling? I was just about to get started.¡±


    ¡°You¡­.what¡­.no I don¡¯t feel so good I¡­.let¡¯s just save the sex, alright?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s alright.¡± Oichi smiled politely, but there was a venom behind her grin¡­a seductive devil in her eyes. ¡°We can just talk about ourselves. After all you know so little about me.¡±


    ¡°N-no I think¡­I¡­¡± Hamen lay back in bed, coughing. It was long his tongue wouldn¡¯t function right. He was shaking¡­his whole body was convulsing rapidly, but Oichi never stopped smiling.


    ¡°For example, I¡¯ve always loved animals. Ever since I was little, animals were so cool. I¡¯d beg my dad to take me to the zoo, but my favorite place to go in the zoo was the reptile house and aquarium. I loved the snakes and the fish¡­learned a lot from them.¡±


    ¡°I¡­get¡­help¡­.ack!¡± Hamen cried.


    ¡°Like, I learned that one of my fathers favorite foods was puffer fish! But you have to be careful when you prepare it. It has to be properly skinned and the liver must be removed¡­because they¡¯re filled with a special poison called tetrodotoxin. Very deadly and very fast acting¡­¡± Suddenly it began to dawn on Hamen what was going on. He lashed out furiously for her, but she was just out of his reach.


    ¡°However, tetrodotoxin isn¡¯t ALWAYS fatal¡­it can be treated¡­.but not taipan poison.¡± She smiled again and that smile now held nothing but sadistic authority. ¡°The taipan¡­one of the most venomous snakes in the world. But you¡¯ve probably never heard of it right? Why would you? Everyone always focuses on the big one¡­the king cobra. But the taipan¡¯s poison is so fast acting and so fatal, and so difficult to detect¡­it¡¯s a far more lethal killer. That¡¯s why I learned a way to mix the two toxins so that it would have the fast acting effectiveness of the tetrodotoxin, with the lethality of the taipan.¡±


    ¡°Y-you¡­.you b-bitch!¡± Hamen choked as he began to foam at the mouth.


    ¡°Everyone is so busy marveling at the hood of a cobra, they mistakenly think it has the deadliest bite. When, in reality, it¡¯s the deceptively innocent looking taipan whose bite will surely kill. Just like you, ¡®darling.¡¯¡± Oichi hissed, much like a snake as she drew closer. ¡°Were you so busy basking in your brilliance you didn¡¯t think a weak little Japanese bride like me could possibly pose a threat? Did you over look the innocent taipan? Did you neglect to skin the puffer fish?¡±


    ¡°H-HELP! HELP!¡± He tried to cry.


    ¡°Your hubris and your flaunted arrogance expose your idiocy¡­and they¡¯re the reason for your downfall. But don¡¯t worry, my dear husband¡­I will take over the family. I¡¯ll fix this little organization of ours¡­and I will pull it up from the brink.¡± Hamen slowly stopped moving, his head falling back and his eyes glazing over. ¡°This is the start of a new beginning¡­.a new era. I can sense the change in the winds now, Hamen. Thank you for this opportunity.¡± She then rose out of bed, put on a bathrobe and grabbed her cellphone, carefully lifting it up to her ear.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She spoke. ¡°Marcus? This is Oichi¡­.yes, I have a favor to ask of you. Call all the lieutenants and big names in the organization to the manor tomorrow morning. It¡¯s time to announce a change in leadership and in structure.¡± She smiled and then spoke again. ¡°Yes¡­.no Hamen won¡¯t object¡­he¡¯s in no real position to now.¡±


    ¡°Is¡­.Hamen isn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°I did what was necessary for the organization Marcus. You and I both know what Hamen was doing to us¡­.to our dreams and our aspirations. But if you have any misgivings about what I¡¯ve done, then go ahead and hang up the phone to call the police. You have my respect, Marcus. Do what you think is right.¡± There was a long and labored pause at the other end. Though she couldn¡¯t see him, she could tell what his facial expression must be doing. With each second and each slight breath she heard, she could feel his discomfort¡­his fear. But then slowly it changed to acceptance¡­and then to excitement.


    ¡°¡­¡­.Long live the Queen. Or would it be Shogun?¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­either is fine.¡± Oichi giggled.

 Hostile Takeover

    The room was dimly lit and deathly quiet. None wished to break the deafening silence, for fear that it would awaken the wrath of some unspoken force that surrounded them; watching them with cold awareness. The only light that could be seen was from the minimal glint of light coming from the sun, just beginning its peek beyond the horizon. The large glass windows that made up the far eastern side of the house allowed in the warm glow of the early morning. The long mahogany table that acted as the center point for the meeting was weighed down with the reality of the gathering. There were 9 men at the table. All sitting on either side of the table. Some were dressed professionally with a suit and tie and nice shoes. But others were dressed like they¡¯d rolled out of bed and thrown something on at the last minute. But all had arrived¡­all NEEDED to be there. They all looked curiously at the head of the table where a woman was sitting; the wife of their boss. Oichi Taiga. The Japanese beauty sat there, wearing a white button down shirt under a blazer. A professional skirt was wrapped around her legs, and she had on heels on each foot. Her hair was brushed behind her ears and she was sitting back, a cigarette in her fingers, while a white mug of tea steamed in front of her. Her golden eyes skimmed the room. There was a gentle burning fire behind her glare that made most of the men look down or try to break the eye contact she was creating. It was as if she dared someone to speak...knowing she''d have the power to shut them down with a word. After what felt like a painful eternity, she spoke.


    ¡°I suppose, you should all be aware now, if you aren¡¯t already¡­that your former employer is gone from this world.¡± The room didn¡¯t say a word. They already knew¡­and further they knew why. ¡°Some of you will be shocked by this¡­others are probably already aware. But know that despite his untimely death, this company shall flourish.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡± One of the men asked. ¡°How?¡± Oichi gave a wry smile, as if expecting this interjection.


    ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯re here to discuss.¡± Oichi responded. ¡°Firstly, I¡¯m aware that Hamen was a very relaxed leader¡­this might¡¯ve worked well for him, but not for me. I can guarantee that, under my leadership, this sense of complacency and laziness will not be allowed. I will pull our little family up from the brink of self destruction.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡± The grunt was arid and cold, contempt dripping from his voice like a broken faucet, the one who gave it turned at last so he could be better heard. ¡°You really expect us to buy that shit?¡± Oichi''s eyes fell on the man.


    ¡°Show some respect, Sanders!¡± Marcus barked at him from the other side of the table. The man had a balding head and had a single tear drop tattoo under his right eye. He kept his arms crossed over his torn up and ratty shirt and shrugged his shoulders, as if none of what Oichi or Marcus said bothered him at all. He had on a tattered shirt and pants nearly falling below his buttocks.


    ¡°No, let him speak.¡± Oichi interjected. ¡°I would never impede my lieutenants and advisors when they have a grievance¡­and that is why you speak, correct?¡± Sanders growled and stood up to speak, clearing his dry throat.


    ¡°Right so I just wanna go ahead and call out this bullshit. I think we all know how Hamen died, right?¡± The room didn¡¯t respond. Even Marcus remained silent. ¡°This bitch is a black widow. She axed Hamen and now she wants to take charge? We really gonna let that happen? I sure as shit ain¡¯t.¡± The whole room hummed with agreement and concern. He turned back to Oichi confidently, feeling the support of the room, thinking he had her¡­but the woman merely smiled politely, causing his sneer to faulter.


    ¡°Finished?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Hardly.¡± Sanders spat boldly, trying to regain momentum. ¡°Don¡¯t act high and mighty cause your daddy is hot shit in Japan. Yo ain¡¯t in yo country no more, bitch. You ain¡¯t got nothing here. Ya really mean it when ya say you¡¯ll ¡®save this group?¡¯ That wasn¡¯t a joke?¡±


    ¡°I never joke.¡± She answered firmly, though her smile had never faded from her face. "Though I think I am developing a sense of humor...I''ve put up with you this long, after all." There were a few intakes of breath, but Sanders didn''t rise to the bait.


    ¡°Well, maybe I¡¯m a bit bias, but I can¡¯t trust some Jap whore as the next head of the gang. Especially not a little bitch whos hands¡¯re still red with our former bosses blood! How can we expect her to look out for our interests, when she¡¯s only in it for hers!?¡± His argument was loud and unrefined, but it got its message across, as all the gentlemen in the room seemed to shift some in their seats at the revelation.


    ¡°And who would you suggest to lead?¡± Marcus demanded.


    ¡°I¡¯d do it!¡± Sanders challenged. ¡°I¡¯ve been here¡­what? 5 years, right? Ya¡¯ll know me. I was a personal friend o¡¯ Hamen¡¯s. We were bros back in the day. I can run this organization twice as good as this bi-¡±


    Before he could finish the word, the sound of a creaking chair sent everyone into a moment of silence, the woman standing now, and her smile now cast over them like an accusing parent.


    ¡°Let me make a few things clear, first and foremost.¡± She announced. Not one person breathed. ¡°My English, admittedly, isn¡¯t as skilled as I would like, so maybe this is a difference in our use of the language but¡­.I believe a ¡®bitch¡¯ is a female dog. Seeing as I am not a dog, you will refrain from ever calling me that again.¡± The hiss from her lips was so forceful and venomous that even Sanders, despite his bravado, sat back down. ¡°Secondly, I really don¡¯t give a damn about your self-interests. Your bank accounts; your family matters; your ambitions? I couldn¡¯t care less if I wanted to.¡± The whole room stared at her, confounded. Even Marcus was taken aback. ¡°All I care about is the success of this family of ours. Do as I say, when I say it, and there¡¯s no reason that we can¡¯t rise to the glory we deserve.¡± She sat back down and took a sip from her cup of tea, giving a long sigh of satisfaction. A few wanted to speak. To argue, but it was like she was still commanding silence without trying to.


    ¡°But there¡¯s more.¡± She added. ¡°Marcus brought me up to date with the state of this city¡­a neverending gang war, with the police more corrupt than some of the crime groups. People suffer while this pointless war continues. A successful crime family can¡¯t function this way, which is why we¡¯re going to end it. I intend to save this city through any means necessary, and this group¡­this dysfunctional little family of ours, will be the instrument of its salvation.¡±


    ¡°So what, you want to make us a charity now?¡± One other voice spoke up, this time from a man dressed very well and professionally. ¡°Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor? I wasn¡¯t aware Maid Marion was now Robin Hood and we her Merry Men.¡± The room chuckled at the man¡¯s joke, or at least the few educated enough to understand it. Oichi just smiled back, and again the room fell silent.


    ¡°No, we¡¯re not Robin Hood, and we¡¯re not stealing from rich people.¡± She answered with a laugh. The sun was now getting a bit higher, the horizon lighting up with yellow brilliance, and Oichi¡¯s face being basked in it, as if she were a goddess being kissed by the sun. ¡°What we are, gentlemen, is a family of doctors. The syndicates and gangs of this city are a cancer¡­and we will cut them out¡­one by one. Until this city is healed.¡± None knew what to say. None could even argue her words¡­but they hung, suspended above them like the sword of Damocles.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.¡°Who the hell are you?¡± The man hissed, fearfully, now showing an uncertainty and fear that had not been there before. ¡°Who the fuck do you think you are? What gives you the right to toss aside all our livelihoods for the last few years and lead us into a crusade against the other gangs and mobs of this damned city?¡± Oichi stared him down, and for the first time, her smile left, leaving her mouth with a cold and terrifying determined sneer.


    ¡°I am Oichi Taiga¡­and I am in charge of this organization.¡± She answered fiercely. ¡°Some of you enjoyed the lazy rule that Hamen held on this group. But a blissful existance is meaningless in the face of deserved triumph. STAND WITH ME!¡± She rose to her feet. ¡°Those of you willing to drag this group back from the brink, stand by my side and show your devotion! Those of you who don''t? You won''t be missed."


    There was a long pause as no move was made. Everyone just stared at this woman in disbelief, unsure how to respond. There was a hushed distrust among a few of them, particularly Sanders. Many of them seemed uncertain. But after almost a whole minute of silence, Marcus boldly stood up and smiled in her direction. Oichi nodded to him and then looked to the others.


    ¡°Who else?¡±


    Slowly, one by one, more gentlemen began to stand up, all looking to Oichi with a mixture of both fear and admiration. After three minutes, seven of the nine men at the table were standing in favor of Oichi. Oichi nodded to all of them and then turned her gaze on the two hold outs. One was Sanders himself and the other was a blonde headed young man with a cigarette clasped between his teeth.


    ¡°Sanders and Clayton, correct?¡± She asked. ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Damn straight, there is.¡± Clayton snapped, putting out his cigarette. ¡°Before I sign on for this new leadership, why don¡¯t you tell us about exactly what it is you plan to do.¡± The other men all sat down, anxious to hear what Oichi had to say. She nodded and turned to Marcus.


    ¡°Marcus, come up here please.¡± As this order was followed, Oichi stood up and indicated Marcus¡¯s professional attire.


    ¡°Firstly, I will no longer assign position or rank based on favors performed or who your family is. This is now a meritocracy. You will earn promotions and positions based on your contributions, your work ethic, and your ability to follow orders. So these next few weeks will be critical. I want to see EXACTLY what you nine are made of. If I find you lacking, I¡¯ll happily replace you with someone who can do your job better.¡± This first announcement sent shivers down the spines of the nine listeners, all knowing that they could not longer afford to slack off.


    ¡°Secondly, I won¡¯t specifically assign a dress code, but we will present ourselves respectfully. We will win over this city through respect and admiration as well as intimidation. It¡¯s not enough that we¡¯re feared¡­we must be idolized so the people will rally to our name.¡±


    ¡°The people rallying to our name!?¡± Clayton laughed. ¡°We¡¯re not for ¡®the people.¡¯ We¡¯re for ourselves! We¡¯re a criminal underworld, bi-¡± he caught himself on the word and coughed as if it had been unintentional.


    ¡°A criminal organization that is bottom feeding just to get by!¡± Marcus argued. ¡°Miss Taiga is right! The people are our customers and benefactors. Without their support we¡¯re nothing.¡±


    ¡°I say fuck you, and to hell with your policies.¡± Clayton barked. ¡°Talk is cheap¡­and you might¡¯ve bought off Marcus, but the rest of us will need a bit more than philosophy and nonsense!¡± Marcus made a move towards Clayton to tell him off, but Oichi just held up her hand to stop him, not taking her cold eyes off of Clayton, who was suddenly very busy gazing at the table.


    The entire room was now looking back at Oichi to see how she¡¯d react¡­but to their surprise, she was just smiling a very cunning and focused grin.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± She replied. ¡°I agree, talk is cheap¡­and I certainly wouldn¡¯t want you to feel ¡®uncomfortable¡¯ with me as your boss. So what do you say to a challenge?¡± The room fell entirely silent. Even Marcus looked surprised by this development. ¡°I¡¯ve heard quite a lot about about this group called the Black Death Gang? We pay them tribute?¡±


    ¡°Every quarter, we pay them a cut of our profits, or they wipe us out.¡± One of the lieutenants explained.


    ¡°¡­Give me three days.¡± She replied.


    ¡°Three days for what?¡± Clayton asked.


    ¡°Do everything I say, exactly as I say it without question for three days, starting today¡­at the end of the third day, the Black Death gang will be a thing of the past.¡± The room buzzed with disbelief and scoffs.


    ¡°You¡¯ll take down the Black Death!?¡± One cried.


    ¡°Are you mad?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s suicide!¡±


    ¡°I said, three days!¡± She barked, silencing the room with a simple statement. ¡°Do everything I say for just three days and the Black Death will fall. If I fail, or I can¡¯t complete this task in just three days, then I will gladly turn myself over to you for whatever you wish. Rape me. Kill me. Sell me off. Do what you like.¡±


    ¡°Hmph¡­¡± Clayton snorted.


    ¡°But when the Black Death leader falls¡­you will submit and acknowledge me as your boss¡­ALL of you. Is this a fair arrangement?¡± Most of the men smiled at this, some hopeful for her success, and others just thinking of what they¡¯d do with her when she fails.


    ¡°Boss, I have to object,¡± Marcus spoke up, ¡°I don¡¯t think-¡±


    ¡°Marcus, don¡¯t worry.¡± Oichi smiled warmly. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a deal then, Taiga.¡± Clayton cried out, standing. ¡°You have three days. So¡­what¡¯s your first move, ¡®boss?¡¯¡± He spat the word boss like a bitter taste. Oichi¡¯s smile widened and a chill swept through everyone in the house, even those not in the room.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to meet our adversary¡­send a message to the leadership of the Black Death. Tonight we¡¯ll throw them a dinner and negotiate terms of surrender.¡± This caused an uproar.


    ¡°Surrender!? You really think they¡¯ll just SURRENDER to you!?¡±


    ¡°It would be their wisest course of action¡­but no, I do not expect them to. This is a formality.¡± Oichi replied. ¡°I¡¯m showing them respect.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking mental.¡± Clayton barked.


    ¡°Should I repeat myself?¡± Oichi asked. ¡°Send out the invitation. As for the rest of you, I highly recommend you return to your own areas of operation and let your crews know what changes are being made.¡± Everyone seemed puzzled by her decision, but after a few moments, they all stood to leave, beginning prep work. The only one who remained with her was Marcus.


    ¡°Miss Taiga¡­I hate to sound disrespectful but¡­they''re right. This seems crazy. If you poison their food, it will only spark the Black Death¡¯s anger.¡±


    ¡°No poison, Marcus. I was being honest. This dinner is a show of respect. If I want the gangs and people of this city to respect me, I must show that I am capable of respectful and civilized behavior.¡± Oichi replied. ¡°In reality, all I want to do with this dinner is size up who I¡¯m up against. Once I know that, I¡¯ll begin executing my plan.¡±


    ¡°What plan, exactly?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s like I said earlier, my friend¡­.I will save this city, Marcus. I will rule the underworld of New Mercia and end this pointless gang war. But first impressions are important, yes? These next three days will be critical. Now go¡­I¡¯ll be giving you orders soon.¡± Marcus nodded his reply and walked to the door. He paused a moment and glanced back to Oichi, offering a smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why but¡­I believe you might be able to pull this off¡­.you might just succeed.¡±


    ¡°Three days, Marcus. In three days, this whole city will know our organization. Then, the war for New Mercia will begin.¡±

 Shooting the Messenger

    Of all the western foods she¡¯d tried, spaghetti remained Oichi¡¯s absolute favorite. There was something so rich and delicious about the succulent meat sauce, and the awkward slurping of noodles was so similar to yakisoba, that the taste difference was practically forgettable. A bit of garlic, some tomatoes and onions, ground beef¡­it all spelled of a delicacy she would indulge in every meal if allowed to. She made a silent pact with herself that, as her last meal on this earth, she would eat a heaping bowl of spaghetti, with extra meatballs¡­because what is spaghetti without meatballs? Her father would tease her for trying to eat an entire meatball in one bite; calling her a ¡°savage carnivore,¡± but it didn¡¯t matter to her. Now she¡¯d gladly cut the meatballs into chunks to make it go farther. Eating pasta like this? It was an art in of itself.


    She sat at the dining table, the plate of spaghetti and a smaller plate of salad by her. In the center of the table was a tray of garlic bread and olive oil for dipping. It was a lovely spread; far more fancy than she would have expected from the individuals who worked under Hamen. As such, she had prepared it all herself. Oichi enjoyed working in the kitchen¡­it was liberating. The feeling of cooking was practically intoxicating at times, as it allowed full creativity and control of her environment. Nothing was more satisfying than a dish done well. Across from her, on the other side of the table, there was another plate of spaghetti, waiting for someone to be seated before it. Despite the temptation to dig into the glorious meal before her, Oichi waited patiently for her guest to arrive. It felt like an eternity to wait, but proper manners must be met. It was important she make a strong first impression.


    At long last, the door opened to the dining room and, in walked two of her lieutenants, now sharply dressed in suits and ties, looking much more presentable. She¡¯d instructed them to dress this way for her plan to work¡­but she would enforce this style of dress in the future if she could; it made them look professional and masked the lack of refinement they had revealed previously. Behind them walked another man. He was Hispanic with long oily hair and a dirty goatee on his face. He had a confident smirk and a white, grungy shirt on. Around his neck were at least three gold necklaces, and he had on pants so torn, that they looked more like ribbons than pants at this point. Oichi just smiled as he walked in and whistled at her like a leering wolf.


    ¡°Damn, no one told me the new boss of this lil¡¯ outfit was such a hottie.¡±


    ¡°A pleasure to meet you.¡± Oichi ignored his comment. ¡°My name is Oichi Taiga, head of the newly formed Taiga family. And your name?¡±


    ¡°You can call me whatever you like, beautiful.¡± He smirked, sitting down and leaning back, using his foot to sustain balance on the table. ¡°Get to know me a little, you might even call me ¡®daddy.¡¯¡± Oichi smiled a little at this and grinned.


    ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡± She grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve invited you here to eat with me so we could discuss future dealings with your boss¡­Mr. Mitchel? Head of the Black Death syndicate?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the boss ain¡¯t gonna renegotiate anything.¡± The guest snorted. He reached over and grabbed a slice of garlic bread and chewed on it, winking at Oichi. ¡°Buisness meeting over then?¡±


    ¡°Hardly.¡± Oichi replied, more forcefully. ¡°I have no interest in negotiating terms or deals¡­I¡¯ve invited you here to inform you that, as of now, we are no longer paying the Black Death syndacite for their protection. We¡¯re reestablishing our contacts with the cartels and rebuilding our infrastructure. Within half a year, we¡¯ll be back in business and able to compete¡­and it¡¯d be bad for business if our future business partners believed we were under the thumb of a gun running group like the Black Death.¡± At this, the rude young man paused and leaned forward, a bit surprised.


    ¡°That¡¯s one twisted sense of humor.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a joke. I¡¯m dead serious. You¡¯re here so I can offer you and your boss the chance to accept the terms and leave.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even need to go back and tell Mitchel¡­I know what he¡¯ll say. He¡¯ll tell you to go fuck yourself.¡±


    ¡°Is that a fact?¡± Oichi asked. ¡°And you¡¯re sure of that?¡± The punk nodded and picked up his fork, notching it under a meatball. He hit the end of the fork down, creating a makeshift catapult that launched his meatball into the air. He leaned back to catch it in his mouth, but it bounced off his nose and landed on the floor. He shrugged and set himself up to try again. Oichi glared at him.


    ¡°See, here¡¯s the way it works, bitch¡­you don¡¯t tell Mitchel what to do. When your late husband was running things, he knew the pecking order¡­the food chain, if you like. You do what the Black Death wants, you¡¯re gonna be alright. You say ¡®no¡¯ to what we tell you¡­and we break your world in half.¡±


    ¡°¡­Really?¡±


    ¡°You could ask your husband if you want...¡± He laughed, as if to drive home his point. Oichi just smiled that sinister grin, and for the first time, the sarcastic punk felt a cold shiver run down his spine.


    ¡°I would¡­but you see, I don¡¯t operate the way you Black Death individuals do. You say you ¡®break¡¯ those who don¡¯t follow your rules? I don¡¯t ¡®break¡¯ those that threaten me¡­.I remove them.¡± She explained. ¡°My late husband was a foolish, sluggish, lazy, and arrogant twit who was running our family into the ground. I did not ¡®break¡¯ him. I removed him. Now, the Black Death syndicate is threatening to ¡®break¡¯ us if we don¡¯t conform? Then I think I¡¯ll just remove the Black Death syndicate as a factor.¡± The dead silence that filled the room was thickening, and, as if to save face, the punk tried to laugh it off.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.¡°Okay, THAT¡¯S funny. That¡¯s really fuck¡¯n funny.¡± Oichi said nothing, just smiled. ¡°You got balls for a hottie. You want me to go back and tell Mitchel that you¡¯re just gonna stop paying us, and he¡¯ll just leave you the fuck alone!? Are you shitt¡¯n me?¡± He leaned back and stood as if to leave. ¡°Yeah, ya¡¯ll can kiss our ass in hell.¡±


    ¡°¡­So I can assume it¡¯s war then?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°Pfft~ What, you think this is some movie, bitch? Ya think we¡¯re all some kind of big nation waging war like those dumbass knight movies? This is life! In life, you survive. You win by doing what you gotta do. Spare me this bushido bullshit.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­I¡¯ll spare it.¡± Oichi raised her fingers and snapped. Instantly the doors flew open and in walked two of the lieutenants, and this time the grabbed the punk by the arms and kicked out his calves, forcing him on his knees.


    ¡°OW! THE HELL WOMAN!? WHAT YO-¡±


    ¡°Be silent.¡± She snapped back. Her voice was lower, but the sinister sneer on her face was terrifying enough to force the man to be quiet. ¡°You entered my home without a name, and insisted I called you what I want. This entire meal, I sized you up¡­and I¡¯ve decided on a name for you. You show no respect to your host, by reclining at a dinner table like it were your own. You disrespect my cooking by playing with your food and not eating it as you should. You insult my family and my way of life without remorse or offer for apology. And then finally you make threats to me and my family when you don¡¯t get your way. Based on all this, I think I¡¯ll name you Rat.¡±


    ¡°Chill out, bitch!¡± He shouted, struggling against the two men holding him down. ¡°The fuck is wrong with you!?¡±


    ¡°I brought you here tonight to offer you a chance to concede¡­to allow us to leave peacefully. But by your own admission, that will never happen. Your callous and rude behavior tells me you¡¯re the kind of scum that needs to be exterminated from society, or else you¡¯ll spread your disease of incompetence and foolishness around like a plague. Yes, Rat is an excellent name for you¡­now for the extermination.¡±


    ¡°WAIT!¡± He shouted. ¡°C¡¯mon, you can¡¯t shoot the messenger!¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m not going to shoot you.¡± Oichi laughed. ¡°So overdramatic¡­.a knife is far more subtle.¡±


    From beneath her dress, she pulled out a simple kitchen knife and plunged it into Rat¡¯s gut. Rat let out a scream of pain, but was silenced as one of the lieutenants covered his mouth to muffle it. Oichi removed the knife and set it aside.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to run home, little Rat.¡± She whispered. ¡°And as you scamper home to your boss, begging for the bleeding to stop, I want you to remember these words carefully: You and your syndicates days are numbered. After you, I¡¯ll flush out the other gang rats of this city and exterminate them too. The Taiga family is coming.¡± She then released him and turned her back. ¡°Get him out of my sight.¡± The two lieutentants, both amazed by her savagery, nodded with delight and dragged out the groaning and cursing Rat. After he left, Oichi sat down at her table and finally began to eat her meal, savoring every bite. Shortly after beginning, Marcus walked in, noticing the few drops of blood on the floor and the meatball next to it. He looked up at Oichi and she smiled.


    ¡°What can I do for you, Marcus?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Did you have to kill the messenger? I thought you wanted to take the moral highground here.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t die of that wound. He¡¯ll be shamed and humiliated¡­but he won¡¯t die. He¡¯ll run back to his boss, Michel and tell him about the meeting¡­and that will spark the Black Death¡¯s anger. They¡¯ll react with full force.¡±


    ¡°But¡­no offense but¡­I don¡¯t see how this helps us.¡±


    ¡°Anger is a funny thing, Marcus.¡± Oichi smiled, slurping noodles into her lips. ¡°Anger is not a bad state to be in. It fuels you with power and it can drive you to perform maximum damage to that which stands in your way¡­.but anger is hard to control, and those who lash out in it without thinking will often find themselves being bested by it.¡± She sighed and cut a meatball in half as she grinned. ¡°I predict that Mitchel will use his biggest weapon to try and trounce us¡­and when he does, and we overcome it, he¡¯ll not know how to respond.¡±


    ¡°And what IS his biggest weapon?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°Send a message to our major headquarters with an important message I want these tasks done tonight, and I want them done well. Understood?¡± She handed a list of written instructions to Marcus who opened the folded paper and read over it in the dim candle light. ¡°And kindly burn that when you¡¯re done, won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°What will you do?¡± He asked, glancing up at her, marveled by the instructions she¡¯d given.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything until I finish eating.¡± She giggled. ¡°To be honest, I might¡¯ve stabbed him even if he had agreed to concede¡­.I hate people who waste food. Speaking of which¡­care for some spaghetti?¡± She asked, indicating the plate across from her, mostly untouched. ¡°It should still be warm.¡±

 Power Changing Hands

    ¡°That bitch¡¯ll learn quick what happens to people who piss me off.¡± Mitchel snapped. It had been 8 hours since Reggie had come back, a knife wound in his gut, moaning and simpering about the savagery of Oichi Taiga. He couldn¡¯t begin to describe his anger at the news. He sat in his office on the second floor of his butcher shop. This shop was where he ran his gun running business...and it¡¯s where he conducted all business deals, in terms of both meat¡­and organized crime. ¡°How dare she. No one drops out of deals with ME. If it wasn¡¯t for us, their whole operation would be buried! Who does this whore think she is!? I¡¯ll show ¡®em¡­I¡¯ll drop by her fucking jail cell and shoot her in her smug-¡±


    *RING RING*


    Mitchel froze and reached for his cell phone, sitting down in his office chair and glancing out the window at the street.


    ¡°Yeah, talk.¡± He answered.


    ¡°You got a fucked up since of humor, Mitch.¡± Michel groaned. He hated this voice¡­hated hearing it. His name was Detective Jonathan Morris, his mole on the inside at the NMPD. Their relationship was a very¡­thin one. The two bickered and spat at each other behind closed doors while working side by side to assist each other. Morris looked the other way and in return he got a cut of their profits.


    ¡°What¡¯re you talking about?¡± He snapped.


    ¡°You think we¡¯re just your toys, Mitch? Think you can just bat your eyes and the police¡¯ll all fall over themselves to please you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s AMAZING how little sense you¡¯re making right now, Morris. What¡¯s the issue?¡±


    ¡°You give me a call about the Taiga gang and that you¡¯re ready to see their WHOLE world come ¡®crashing down¡¯ were your exact words. So WHERE THE FUCK ARE THEY!?¡±


    ¡°The hell? I told you where they were. I gave you addresses for all 5 of their stations of operation.¡±


    ¡°So now you think I¡¯m stupid too? Not only do you think I¡¯m your dog, but you think I¡¯m dumb! THERE¡¯S NOTHING HERE, YOU LYING SON OF A BITCH!¡± Mitch blinked a few times, his words catching in his throat.


    ¡°Nothing!?¡±


    ¡°Nothing! Every location is clear. A simple car dealership, a bicycle shop, an autorepair shop, a department store, and then this fucking manor you sent us to? Nothing! There¡¯s no evidence of gang activity here.¡±


    ¡°Interrogate the neighbors! Talk to the employees! They obviously packed up and left!¡± Mitchel reasoned. ¡°Find out the truth!¡±


    ¡°I did! They said that a bunch of hoodlums used to sit around and smoke weed, but they never dealt or showed any signs of drug production. Since I KNOW you wouldn¡¯t call me out to arrest a bunch of drugged up little shits, I can only assume that this Taiga gang that you told me about isn¡¯t here and has never been here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you talk down to me, you piece of shit! I sent you there because the Taiga gang backed out of an agreement with us and NOW they¡¯re going to PAY for it. Should I remind YOU what happens to people who back out of deals with me!?¡±


    ¡°Go right ahead, Mitch. And while you¡¯re sending your boys over to pound my face into the concrete, you¡¯ll have 5 SWAT teams busting down the doors of your operations. You brought me into your little business, and I can sell you out ANY FUCKING TIME I WANT! MAYBE IT¡¯S YOU WHO SHOULDN¡¯T TALK DOWN TO ME, MITCH!¡± The two both fell silent, but were fuming furiously to themselves about the frustration of this whole issue.


    ¡°Alright then, Detective¡­so what¡¯re you calling to tell me?¡±


    ¡°That I¡¯ve made two deductions.¡± He snarled. ¡°The first is that you used your influence in the police to try and take down a rival gang, but gave faulty information. In that case, it means you lied to us and now WE¡¯RE the fools for it. OR, you actually did give us correct information and, based on witness accounts and interrogations, the gang you sent us after is nothing more than a bunch of aimless, harmless hoodilums who spend their time smoking weed and loitering. In which case, you AGAIN wasted our time and resources.¡±


    ¡°This Taiga¡­this new bitch who took over¡­she¡¯s not like her husband was¡­there¡¯s something about her¡­something dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Wait, a WOMAN!? You mean to tell me this gang, run by a woman is giving you trouble!? How long has she been a thorn in your side?! Don¡¯t tell me just recently!¡±


    ¡°She ain¡¯t no normal bitch!¡±


    ¡°¡­I think we¡¯re done here, Mitch. I highly suggest you not contact me again¡­and find someone else in the police to do your dirty work from now one, cause I didn¡¯t sign on to be your laundry boy.¡±


    ¡°DON¡¯T YOU HANG UP THIS PHONE ON ME, YOU RAT FA-¡±


    *click*


    ¡°GODDAMN YOU!¡± He roared as he threw his phone to the ground furiously. He leaned against his desk and roared, pounding his fist against the wood. ¡°Where did they go?! How could they have known? That slut¡­she¡­did she plan this!?¡± He stood and began packing the room. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter¡­Morris¡¯ll pay for his double crossing¡­but later. Right now I need to find that Taiga bitch and her little gang. They can¡¯t have left NO trace what so ever¡­¡±


    *knock knock*


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a good time.¡± Mitchel called back at the door.


    *knock knock*


    ¡°Fine! Fuck it. Just get in here.¡± The door opened and in walked two men wearing suits, ties, and one had on a fedora. In between them walked an Asian woman with moderately long black hair and a cold expression on her face. She wore a button down shirt, slacks, and a long overcoat over it. She marched in, heels clicking and then paused. Mitchel stared at her a moment, slowly processing who she was.


    ¡°I understand you were looking for me?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Y-y-YOU!?¡± He screamed, standing up. ¡°HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET IN HERE?!¡±


    ¡°I walked in.¡± She explained. Mitchel grabbed for his broken phone to call the front office to find out how they¡¯d gotten past Louis. ¡°Don¡¯t bother. Your friend Louis has a bullet in his knee and won¡¯t be up for making his way up the stairs to your office.¡± Mitchel stared at her and dropped his phone, going to his desk for his pistol. Before he could, the two men beside the woman pulled guns of their own, aimed at his head, forcing him to freeze. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend testing Max and Jarel here¡­they¡¯re both a bit excitable with a gun.¡± Michel sat down in his chair and sighed.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.¡°So¡­you here to negotiate with me in person?¡±


    ¡°No. You had that chance when I invited you to dinner.¡± Oichi replied, walking inside. ¡°This isn¡¯t a negotiation. It¡¯s a hostile takeover.¡±


    ¡°A what?¡± He asked, surprised.


    ¡°As we speak, your two other gun running fascilities are being commendered by my teams of ¡®cleaners.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t joke.¡± He laughed. ¡°Like your piss poor gang could stand up to my boys.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a sloth, Mitchel.¡± She laughed. ¡°You¡¯ve relied on the police to back you up and be your muscle so long, you forgot how to actually use YOUR OWN muscle. But certainly, let¡¯s put it to a bet.¡± Oichi held up her cell phone and smiled. ¡°Call your boys¡­ask them how they¡¯re doing.¡± Mitchel took her phone and dialed in the number to the bakery a few blocks over.


    ¡°Arthur¡­Arthur pick up the phone¡­¡± He growled. After several rings the phone finally picked up. ¡°Arthur, what took you!?¡±


    ¡°Arthur can¡¯t come to the phone right now.¡±


    ¡°¡­.PUT HIM ON THE DAMNED PHONE!¡±


    ¡°Sorry¡­but I only take orders from Miss Taiga.¡± Mitchel nearly dropped the phone in horror and then looked to Oichi in fright, who was smiling that same cold grin. She wasn¡¯t human¡­she was a tiger¡­leering at her prey.


    ¡°You¡­.YOU CU-¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth.¡± She snapped, forcing him silent. ¡°Choose your words VERY carefully before you speak to me.¡± Michel felt his blood run cold. ¡°I promise you, that what happened to your bakery is happening to your gas station and your toy store. All of your smuggling houses are falling under MY jurisdiction.¡±


    ¡°¡­How? How did you do this!? Your fucked up little band of rejects were shit just two days ago!¡±


    ¡°I knew what kind of man you were the moment I met Rat¡­.that emissary you sent me for that dinner negotiation?¡± Oichi replied. ¡°You¡¯re a germaphobe, Mitchel¡­you¡¯re afraid of getting your hands dirty. You don¡¯t want anything tied back to you. Rather than meet me in person, you send a punk to do business with me¡­one who CLEARLY was a waste of flesh and bone. Your major smuggling warehouses were far enough away from this place for you to have plausible deniability, and were governed by individual management so that, should they ever be outed, you could simply claim they had nothing to do with you. And, you use police influence to flex muscle and protect your interests. Yes, you built up quite the little fortress, Mitchel. I was even a little impressed at first.¡± She leaned back and crossed her arms, nodding, until her eyes opened again, and there was, again, that flash of ferocity.


    ¡°But the weakness was clear from the start: those who hold everything at an arms length eventually lose connection. Very hard to maintain a grip on your assets if you don¡¯t keep them close. I knew you¡¯d send the police to our warehouses, because you wouldn¡¯t dare risk drawing attention to your own boys going there. And when they found nothing but MAYBE the remains of a group of hoodlums and losers, they¡¯d lose faith in you. Police don¡¯t like being treated as loyal hound dogs to gun runners, after all. And while your police protectors ran your errand, my men entered your smuggling dens and systematically took them apart.¡±


    ¡°You¡­.you¡­.YOU¡­¡± Mitchel couldn¡¯t speak¡­he was too blown away by her speech. He tried to scream¡­swear¡­curse¡­demand answers, but the glare from her was enough to silence him.


    ¡°And now you have a choice to make, Mitchel. Killing you would be messy and would draw more attention from the law than I¡¯d like right now. But I don¡¯t have to kill you, dear. Once your rivals and business associates find out you¡¯ve been dethroned, they¡¯ll climb over themselves to kill you and clean up the scraps. You haven¡¯t made a lot of friends, have you?¡±


    ¡°Screw you¡­¡±


    ¡°So all I have to do is kick you out on the street and send word out that the great Black Death Syndicate is now mine, and it¡¯s former boss is¡­what¡¯s the English phrase? ¡®On the goat?¡¯¡±


    ¡°On the lamb, miss.¡± Max corrected her with a polite bow.


    ¡°Thank you, Max! Yes, ¡®on the lamb.¡¯¡± She replied smiling, as if speaking on this subject was as casual as a lunch date. ¡°But I¡¯m willing to offer you a modicum of protection, Mitchel. Surrender your assets to us willingly and get out of town¡­allow us to put our own crews in charge of your businesses and then kindly vanish from the map. Do that, and I promise you, we won¡¯t tell anyone what rock you crawled under.¡±


    ¡°WHAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO DO THIS TO ME!?¡± He finally screamed, jumping to his feet. ¡°You show up in this country for less than a week and already you start by dismantling and destroying what I¡¯ve built for years!? THIS IS MY LIFE¡¯S WORK!¡±


    ¡°Are you willing to die for it?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°What!?¡±


    ¡°Are you willing to die for it? Fight back? Make a final stand against me and do everything in your power to get it back? Will you die on that sword?¡± She demanded. The coldness in her eyes was not joking or sarcastic¡­she was dead serious¡­it was a truly honest question she asked him.


    ¡°I¡­.¡± He started to answer but didn¡¯t¡­his whole body quivering in fear at the reality of his answer.


    ¡°¡­Then I guess your ¡®life¡¯s work¡¯ wasn¡¯t worth your life then.¡± She stood up and wagged her finger for him to walk out from behind his desk. He hesitantly and quietly did so. As he did, she walked around and took a seat in his chair, leaning back and smiling up at him, now the clear power holder. ¡°Then flee with your life, Mitchel, and know your former buisnesses are in good hands.¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re a goddamn devil...¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re a cockroach.¡± She replied cooly. ¡°Makes me wonder why you bothered trying to start a war with me at all.¡±

 The Tigers Bane

    ¡°Marcus,¡± Alex called, approaching the young man, going through boxes of files and information concerning the syndicate, ¡°what¡¯s the latest in terms of profit?¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t be better,¡± Marcus laughed, ¡°only two weeks since the Black Death group fell and we¡¯ve practically slipped in their shoes! Profits are up double what they were before, we¡¯ve gained hundreds of new customers, and we¡¯ve got new drug trafficking routes opening up with new cartels spearheading them.¡±


    ¡°We may need to slow down¡­too much growth, and we¡¯ll get some unwanted attention.¡± Alex grumbled.


    ¡°I doubt it.¡± Marcus shrugged. ¡°Miss Taiga has been garnering public approval over the last two weeks by giving charitable donations to the local orphanage and soup kitchens.¡±


    ¡°So she really was pulling a ¡®Robin Hood¡¯ act?¡±


    ¡°I think partly.¡± Marcus agreed. ¡°For her, I don¡¯t think it was just about growing a criminal underground¡­to her it was a means to an end.¡±


    ¡°And what is that end?¡±


    ¡°¡­Remember what she told us when she first took charge? She wanted to save this city from the gang war. I think that¡¯s what she¡¯s doing now.¡±


    ¡°So one powerful gang to reign in the others?¡± Alex asked. ¡°That¡¯s the big secret? I doubt that¡¯ll do any good. She can¡¯t keep a large operation like this completely under control¡­plus there are still lots of those in the gang who still see her as a problem.¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s more a factor of the changes she¡¯s made in house.¡± Marcus answered. ¡°In my opinion¡­I like them.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Since she took over, she¡¯s forced us to act more like a machine than a broken down car. Remembe how all anyone would ever do was lay around getting high? Now she¡¯s getting work done! Enforcing a dress code. Encouraging constant communication. Regular inspections. She¡¯s turning this into an actual organization instead of a social club.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t argue with the results¡­but I know there are a few who wouldn¡¯t mind taking her down a notch. You do know what the local paper is calling her right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really read the papers anymore. Did they get her picture?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°No. No one knows what she looks like yet¡­but they knew she¡¯s female and that she¡¯s taken over. They¡¯re calling her the Tigeress.¡±


    ¡°Oichi the Tigress.¡± Marcus laughed. ¡°I like the sound of that.¡±


    ¡°It puts a target on her back.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Marcus smirked. ¡°What kind of criminal group would we be if we didn¡¯t get any notoriety? After all, that¡¯s the whole reason the Black Death lost it¡¯s favor with the police¡­they sent the cops after a small time gang with no notoriety¡­but now we have it, and we can use that.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which, where is the boss? I wanted her to hear the news.¡±


    ¡°I think she¡¯s out shopping this morning.¡± Marcus answered, returning to his filing.


    ¡°Shopping!?¡± Alex gawked. ¡°HER!?¡±


    ¡°Well, she IS a woman, Alex¡­even she can fall victim to materialism.¡±


    ¡°I know but¡­damn, I just can¡¯t see her acting¡­girly. The way she came in and took charge? The way she could stare down a devil in her face? The mercilessness in her actions? ¡­I just couldn¡¯t see the ¡®Tigress¡¯ that way.¡±


    ¡°Well, you have to remember, Alex¡­tigers still start out as kittens. Miss Taiga is still young¡­I think that kitten has yet to grow out of her.¡±


    Oichi had almost forgotten the joys of shopping. In Tokyo, she used to go with her school friends after classes or on weekends to go find new designs, listen to the most popular new songs, and see any movies out. It was from such movies as ¡°The Godfather¡± that Oichi had grown to idolize the mafia of America. It had pained her to see that they were no longer the romanticized organization that she¡¯d believed they were. The gangs and organizations she¡¯d seen here were nothing more than cowards and punks who had as little self-respect as they did hygiene. This was a release for her. An escape, as it were. As she walked through the small clothing shop, she marveled at the elegance and beauty that could be found in simplicity. These were not overly priced dresses, but they were so cute! How her lieutenants would laugh if they saw her like this; fawning over articles of clothing like a common school girl.


    She didn¡¯t think about this though as she set down her purse to take down the beautiful white dress and hold it against her breast to see how it might look. It was a tempting buy for the cheap price. Probably a nice Sunday dress.


    ¡°This is beautiful.¡± She sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sure I can afford-¡± Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a movement¡­the slightest of slinks. There, a man in a hoodie and ball cap walked past her and casually, as if just stretching his arm, scooped up her purse and began sprinting toward the door.


    ¡°STOP!¡± Oichi screamed, dropping the dress and tearing after him. Oichi was quick, but this guy was far faster. He must¡¯ve been a career pickpocket, as he easily cleared the checkout isle and powered through the doors of the store, out to the street. Oichi had to kick off her shoes, as her heels slowed her down, but even without those, he was still outpacing her easily, and now her barefeet were hurting from running on concrete sidewalks. ¡°GIVE THAT BACK!¡± A few folks heard her cries and saw the man, and even a few moved as if to stop him. However, most saw him just out of reach and out of mind, and made a move to aid her, but then stopped short, finding it easier not to try. Oichi silently cursed the laziness of these people, wondering if she was the real criminal here. She didn¡¯t give up though. She ran harder and harder until she was sure her feet were blistered. ¡°I SAID STOP!¡± She roared at him.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAH!¡±


    From out of nowhere, as if stepping out of a pocket in the air, a man burst out and slammed his shoulder into the thief, causing both to crash to the ground. The thief threw himself back on his feet and tried to run again, but the new stranger snatched the mans ankle and he tumbled. The two engaged in a fierce ground grapple and finally, the new man got on top of the thief and slugged him with sickening power, across the thief¡¯s jaw.


    ¡°TURN OVER!¡± The stranger snapped. He grabbed the thief and spun him onto his stomach, before grabbing both of his wrists and pulling them behind his back. Oichi felt a shadow of a smile creep across her face. This complete stranger had helped her¡­he¡¯d saved her purse. She hobbled to him, but winced and fell to her knees as the pain of her barefoot sprint had finally come to collect its due. She simply watched as a small crowd gathered around to watch the man hold the thief down until a pair of uniformed cops ran forward to arrest him. The stranger stood again, picking up the purse, and making his way out of the crowd toward Oichi. She looked up at him and got a look at his face.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.He was handsome. Dark brown hair adorned his head like a crown, spiked and wild from running at break neck speed. He had sweat on his brow and he appeared to be rather fit as well, with little in the way of stomach fat to slow him down. He was wearing a light blue running shirt and jogging pants, as well as running shoes, implying he¡¯d been on a jog when he decided to help Oichi. He had the most fascinating dark eyes, like a pair of glistening stones. He held out Oichi¡¯s purse to her and smiled.


    ¡°This is yours, right ma¡¯am?¡± Oichi beamed and took it from his hands, glad to feel its familiar weight.


    ¡°You were impressive.¡± Oichi giggled. ¡°Did you play football?¡±


    ¡°In high school¡­but wasn¡¯t much good at it.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Here, let me help you up.¡± He held out his hand to her and Oichi took it, allowing him to ease her to her feet. The crowd was disappearing now, the excitement gone now that the thief was being taken away. Oichi stood once more and cried out in pain, lifting her foot to see they were red and blistered. The stranger took notice.


    ¡°What on earth!? Did you chase that guy without shoes?¡±


    ¡°My heels¡­didn¡¯t help me run very well.¡± Oichi admitted.


    ¡°Crap, you should get those bandaged before you put on shoes. I have a first aid kit in my car. I¡¯ll take you there.¡± He offered.


    ¡°I can¡¯t really walk well.¡± Oichi explained. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ll just go put on my shoes and go home. I can make it that fa-AAH!¡± Oichi suddenly felt her arm being lifted over the man¡¯s shoulder as he began helping her walk as a human crutch.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s take you back to where your shoes are at least.¡± He chuckled. ¡°I can¡¯t just leave you alone with your feet like that.¡± Oichi wasn¡¯t sure if she should slap him or thank him, so she said and did nothing, but only stared in amazement at the dedication of this man, whoever he was.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Officer Todd Edwards.¡±


    ¡°Edwards?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°Well technically it¡¯s Todd Edouard after my mother, but frankly it¡¯s just easier to say Edwards.¡± Oichi felt a twinge of discomfort at the news her rescuer had been a police officer. He didn¡¯t wear the uniform¡­but he was an officer. That explained his actions after subduing the criminal¡­he was trained to catch thieves and gang members¡­and in his hands he had her. Should he find out who she was, she was helpless to get away¡­her feet wouldn¡¯t get her far. Her situation was more than slightly desperate.


    ¡°I see. Well thank you very much, officer.¡±


    ¡°And may I ask your name?¡± Edwards asked. Oichi froze up a moment and gulped. Could she risk it?


    ¡°¡­Oichi Taiga.¡± She finally blurted out. There was a pause and a flash of surprise went across the young mans eyes. Had he figured it out? Did he know?


    ¡°Oichi Taiga?¡± He asked. ¡°That sounds foreign. Are you from out of country?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, I flew in a few weeks ago from Japan.¡± Oichi answered.


    ¡°Well your English is spectacular, Miss Taiga. Welcome to New Mercia.¡± He said with a polite smile. Oichi felt herself relaxing some. It seemed the officer she now was with had no idea who she really was. If he did¡­she¡¯d rather not think about just how close she came to blowing her entire operation out of the water.


    After walking back to the shop, Oichi found her shoes by the store where she¡¯d kicked them off and she bent down to pick them up.


    ¡°Are you going to be okay getting home?¡± Officer Edwards asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be alright. A few blisters won¡¯t bother me too much.¡± Oichi answered. That was only half true though. As soon as she got halfway down the block, she¡¯d call a cab to pick her up¡­she didn¡¯t think she¡¯d be walking far in her condition.


    ¡°Well in that case, I suppose this is goodbye.¡± Edwards smiled. He reached into his pocket to pull out his iPod and reached for a pair of headphones, getting himself back in gear to jog. ¡°It was nice to meet you, Miss Taiga¡­though I wish it were under better circumstances.¡± He turned to leave and checked his watch.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Oichi called.


    Why was she stopping him? Let him go. Don¡¯t let the officer stay and potentially learn who you are!


    ¡°Yes?¡± He asked, taking out his headphones again.


    Just say ¡®forget it.¡¯ Thank him and let him go. Don¡¯t entertain this notion of gratitude too long. Let him run off.


    ¡°Would you like a cup of coffee?¡±


    Why she asked this she couldn¡¯t tell. She was just as shocked by the offer as he seemed to be. He blinked a minute and then smiled bashfully.


    ¡°Wow that¡¯s nice but¡­not a good idea to drink coffee right before a run. Plus, I didn¡¯t bring my wallet.¡±


    Now¡¯s your chance, she thought. Let me leave. Let him go and say ¡®another time then.¡¯ In fact, don¡¯t say anything! Just nod your head and let him go. Don¡¯t take another look at his eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s my treat.¡± Oichi breathed. ¡°After all, you did get my purse back for me. And if you can¡¯t drink coffee, how about if I buy you a tea or a water?¡±


    Why are you doing this, she thought desperately. This makes no sense. You¡¯re only putting yourself in danger!


    ¡°Well¡­it¡¯s really unconventional but¡­I can¡¯t turn down an offer like that¡­especially since I¡¯m done with my run.¡±


    ¡°Done? Weren¡¯t you about to?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­yeah¡­that was mostly to show off for you¡­I don¡¯t think I could run another step.¡± He chuckled sheepishly. Oichi found herself giggling despite herself and she hobbled towards him. As she took a step in her heels, her feet gave way and she squealed in surprise as she fell.


    ¡°CAREFUL!¡± Todd threw himself forward and grabbed her arm to stop her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Oichi nodded, though she truly wasn¡¯t okay. Every part of her being was in defiance of her heart. Why was she entertaining this man? Why was she offering to drink with a police officer; the very man who would willingly throw her in prison or deport her if he knew the nature of her family and her businesses? This all was wrong, and in her mind, she was calculating all the risks and dangers of this little date. And yet, nothing in her mind that she could contemplate as a method of escape could overrule the beating of hear heart, as it cascaded into rapid throbs just at the touch of this stranger.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, thank you. I guess, my blisters hurt worse than I thought.¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s a caf¨¦ not far from here. I¡¯ll walk you there.¡± Edwards smiled, taking her arm and helping her down the sidewalk, toward the caf¨¦. Every step was pain for Oichi, but it was also invigorating. The sensation of being with Todd was something she hadn¡¯t ever felt before, and though fear gripped her mind at the thought of what could become of her, she also couldn¡¯t shake a strange sense of liking towards him. Who was this man? And why did she feel¡­he¡¯d be dining with her more frequently than just this morning?

 Playing Politics

    Things were finally settling down for Oichi. This was good for the gang and Oichi¡¯s repour with them. Those who had doubted her before were now becoming more loyal and started looking to her as a savior to their interests. With most of the downtown area under the Taiga family¡¯s control, there were no true rivals for them to worry about nearby. Some of her more reckless lieutenants had come to her recommending a swift and immediate strike upon some of the outlying families and syndicates. After all, if the Tigress of New Mercia could bring several districts under her control in a few weeks, she could easily sweep the other districts right? But to their surprise, Oichi declined and simply said they would wait.


    No one else saw what Oichi saw when she looked out her window at the city around her. She saw the risks. She saw the dangers present that waited for her and her organization. Too much could fall apart in a single reckless move. She¡¯d seen what became of her father, and that had been a true lesson that Oichi would take to heart as she planned her next move.


    *knock knock*


    ¡°The door is open.¡± Oichi called back. She was standing by the den, wearing a bathrobe. She was getting ready for a bath, but had paused to watch the birds playing by the pool. Why had they distracted her so? Why did the pleasantries of a spring day elate her like this? It made little sense, and she had often questioned the value of these distractions¡­but that did not prevent her from indulging in them. Her father had said to her that she had the eyes of a child; constantly darting to the next pleasant thing that caught her eye. Oichi had never seen this as a negative thing, for children often see that which adults are blind to. What is negative is when the child chases the pleasant sight without looking to see the danger it could present. So here she stood, watching a flock of birds tweeting and playing by her pool, barely paying mind to the presence of her subordinate, Marcus.


    ¡°Miss Taiga?¡± He asked.


    ¡°What can I do for you?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Is now a bad time? You didn¡¯t come to ¡®the office¡¯ today.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Marcus. I¡¯ve just been doing a lot of thinking lately about the organizations current standing.¡±


    ¡°I have too, which is why I¡¯m here.¡± Marcus explained, walking towards her. ¡°There¡¯s a cartel presence just beyond our district that is willing to broker peace terms. They are even willing to establish a supply line with us.¡±


    ¡°What do they call themselves?¡±


    ¡°The Machetazo.¡± Marcus answered.


    ¡°Is that Spanish?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°It roughly translates to a strike from a machete or a large machete.¡± Marcus answered. ¡°They don¡¯t have the numbers here to pose a real threat¡­but I said I¡¯d approach you first. If you¡¯d like, we could wipe them out and set up our own supply lines. Our current cartel partners might feel hurt if we start working with rival groups.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡± Oichi answered. ¡°Broker a deal with them. If they want to offer a supply line, we can take it.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s¡­agreeable of you.¡± Marcus muttered darkly.


    ¡°Does something bother you?¡± Oichi growled.


    ¡°Nothing, I just¡­I wonder if something is going on. You aren¡¯t showing the same fiery aggression you showed when you first began this war. I thought your goal was to rule the criminal underworld¡­but you¡¯ve been stagnant for a while now.¡± Oichi didn¡¯t answer at first and just turned her back on Marcus, walking away from the glass doors and towards her table. ¡°Is it about the cop?¡±


    ¡°He has nothing to do with this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d say he might. Ever since you two started dating it¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°Choose your next words carefully, Marcus.¡± Oichi whispered, silencing Marcus in a moment.


    ¡°Sorry¡­but I¡¯m speaking my mind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not being idle.¡± Oichi answered. ¡°But much like you should think carefully before speaking, I must think carefully before moving. We have won many victories lately¡­but it is moving fast, and I can¡¯t afford to overplay my hand.¡±


    ¡°What are you afraid will happen?¡± Marcus asked. ¡°We¡¯ve got strength now! We¡¯re better now than we¡¯ve ever been.¡±


    ¡°Deru kugi wa utareru.¡± Oichi replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±


    ¡°It is a saying my father would say¡­it means ¡®The nail that sticks out is the one that is hammered down.¡¯ Our position and our success will not go unnoticed, and there are plenty of ways in which we can be hammered down. I will not let the hard work I¡¯ve put in go to waste.¡±


    ¡°Fine, then what are we to do? Just wait for something to happen?¡±


    ¡°The best hunters miss their targets because they shoot too soon or leave their hiding place before prey arrives. Patience is the virtue of all hunters¡­so we shall be patient. Something will happen, and we shall pounce when the opportunity arrives. Besides, I figured we could all do with a bit of complacency.¡±


    ¡°I suppose¡­even so¡­¡±


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m tired and need a bath. If there¡¯s nothing else¡­¡±


    ¡°Well no there¡¯s one more thing. You got a call this morning from a Mr. Isaac Young.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Well¡­he¡¯s the Democratic runner for mayor of New Mercia.¡± At this, Oichi froze. She spun around to look at Marcus, a look of surprise in her eye.


    ¡°What did he want?¡±


    ¡°He wants to talk to you¡­says he has a proposition.¡± Marcus answered. ¡°He sounded urgent though, so I figured it best to come to you directly. He, like the rest of New Mercia, has no idea who you are, so I figured it wise not to let a politician see the head of the Taiga clan¡¯s face just yet.¡±


    ¡°A wise decision.¡± Oichi answered.


    ¡°I imagine you¡¯ll stay away?¡± Marcus asked. ¡°I doubt getting involved in politics is a good idea for us.¡±


    ¡°Politics is often an unfortunate tool of the criminal empire.¡± Oichi corrected. ¡°I will call him tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll what!?¡± Marcus asked. ¡°But it could be a trap or something else!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m almost certain it is¡­¡± Oichi grinned. ¡°But¡­perhaps this is the chance for the nail to cut the hammer from the workman¡¯s hands.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Just go home, Marcus. I have some things to consider¡­and I¡¯m already getting¡­what do you call them? The sensation on the skin when one is scared or excited? Chicken lumps?¡±


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!¡°Goosebumps, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Goosebumps. I am very excited for tomorrow. Goodnight, Marcus.¡±


    When the next day came along, the Taiga family was pleased to see Oichi arrive and take her office seat like the conquering champion that they saw her as. Marcus was waiting inside, smiling. She wore her standard suit and coat over her shoulders. She leaned back in her chair and sighed.


    ¡°Call the mayor elect.¡± She growled darkly.


    ¡°Are you¡­sure you want to?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°Yes. Do it.¡± Oichi replied. With a defeated groan, Marcus dialed up the phone and stepped back. It rang a few times before finally a voice answered.


    ¡°Hello?¡± The voice answered. It was voice belonging to a man in his 40¡¯s¡­but with a snide slickness to it that couldn¡¯t be ignored. Oichi began formulating a mental image of what this individual likely looked like.


    ¡°Mr. Young, I am the head of the Taiga syndicate. I understand you have a proposition?¡± Oichi answered.


    ¡°Yes! Yes, thank you for returning my call. One moment, let me step outside.¡± Oichi leaned back and listened to the sound of movement and shuffling as Isaac Young moved to a new location to have a more private area for a private conversation.


    ¡°Are you still there?¡±


    ¡°Yes. What¡¯s your proposition?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you heard from your friend that I am running for office in a few months.¡± Young answered.


    ¡°I heard.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure if you have seen the polls of my campaign, but frankly¡­it¡¯s not going too great. My opposition has a higher chance of winning, but only by a few-¡±


    ¡°Would you mind getting to the point?¡± Oichi growled. ¡°I don¡¯t care for politics.¡±


    ¡°¡­Oh¡­yes I see. Well simply put, I want to take advantage of your popularity. You¡¯ve earned a very good repour with the local populace, and I¡¯d like to pay you to support my campaign.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not campaigners.¡± Oichi replied. ¡°We¡¯re a criminal syndicate¡­how do you expect us to help you with your campaign?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Simply put, I¡¯d like for you to possibly open up some of your owned properties to me. Perhaps I could have rallies outside of your gymnasium? Maybe offer finances to the cause? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve got the money to spare.¡±


    ¡°And what do we stand to gain, Young?¡± Oichi asked. ¡°Money has little interest to me, so what do I get?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­I¡¯m sure we can come to some agreement. Would you perhaps-¡±


    ¡°I need to think on the proposition you¡¯ve shown me and consider what our organization stands to gain.¡± Oichi replied, cutting off Youngs feeble attempts to entice her.


    ¡°Oh certainly! I assure you that this will be an advantageous arrangement for you.. I¡¯ll give you some-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Mr. Young.¡± Oichi interrupted again, cutting off Young¡¯s speech. ¡°You seem to be under the impression that you hold the cards in this situation¡­that we need you and not the other way around. I will call you when I¡¯ve made my decision on this. You will hear from me then and only then.¡±


    ¡°I¡­you can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Have I made myself clear, Mr. Young?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, you have.¡±


    ¡°Have a good morning.¡± Oichi then pressed the hang up button and leaned back, letting out a long sigh. ¡°Now we wait a while¡­¡±


    ¡°So what do you think?¡± Marcus asked. ¡°Do you really plan to work with this guy and help his campaign?¡±


    ¡°It could be advantageous¡­he¡¯d make a fine puppet.¡±


    ¡°Puppet?¡±


    ¡°He does not strike me as a very intelligent or righteous man. After all, he is making deals with criminal organizations to bolster himself. I am certain he is not a very genuine person.¡± Oichi explained.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then we shouldn¡¯t trust him.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t trust anyone, as a general rule.¡± Oichi giggled. ¡°But no, we can¡¯t trust him¡­but he could be useful. If we help him reach office, he¡¯ll owe us¡­and having the mayor in our pocket could be very helpful to us as we expand our empire.¡±


    ¡°But you just admitted he¡¯s a two-faced fool. He can¡¯t be trusted.¡±


    ¡°Of course he can¡¯t.¡± Oichi smirked. ¡°I fully expect him to have a plan to backstab us.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­why help him at all?¡±


    ¡°Because we can still make use of it. He won¡¯t dare try to turn the police on us¡­not when the entire community has our support over the police. Who else can he get to deal with us?¡±


    ¡°¡­Another gang?¡± Marcus offered.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Oichi answered with a smile. ¡°All we have to do is play his game and wait for him to hire in another syndicate to deal with us. Their arrival will put us on the defensive¡­but also as the victimized party¡­and everyone rallies around a victim.¡±


    ¡°¡­You want him to attack you! You just want to use this chance to expand territory!?¡± Marcus gasped, realizing her end goal.


    ¡°If I¡¯m wrong and he isn¡¯t going to betray us, we have the advantage of a foolish puppet at our disposal in office. If I¡¯m write and he plans to betray us by turning a rival gang against us, then we can use that as our means to expand ourselves and remove a potential enemy.¡± Oichi answered, leaning across her desk to grab her mug of tea. Marcus leaned against the wall of her office, soaking in the intentions of his boss.


    ¡°This is risky, boss.¡±


    ¡°I know it is.¡± She answered. ¡°You were right the other day, Marcus¡­we gain nothing by being idle. Maybe it¡¯s time to play a little risky. We have to jump on this opportunity while we can.¡±


    ¡°Then call him back¡­say you¡¯re willing to agree to the deal.¡±


    ¡°No. We¡¯ll call him later. We can¡¯t let him believe he has any power here. He needs us. Not the other way around. Let¡¯s let him stew around a bit¡­he might even be desperate enough to call us back, if we let him wring his hands long enough.¡± Oichi laughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much I like us playing politics.¡± Marcus admitted, placing his hands in his pockets as Oichi sipped her tea.


    ¡°Marcus, you surprise me.¡± Oichi laughed.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°We run an organization that backstabs, steals, cheats, and benefits off of underhanded tactics and meticulous planning.¡± Oichi sneered. ¡°How much closer to playing politics can we get?¡±

 Taste of Treachery

    When she was little, Oichi had been taught how to play strategy board games like chess, shogi, go, and makruk. She had taken a liking to them and the intricacy of learning and understanding each individual piece and its capabilities. However, no matter how many times she played her father, she never seemed to come out on top. After many attempts of beating him in shogi or chess, she began to realize she could never best him. When she asked him why she couldn¡¯t, he¡¯d told her something she¡¯d never forget.


    ¡°It¡¯s not enough to understand the pieces on the board. You have to understand the one controlling them. If you don¡¯t know the nature of your opponent, then you can¡¯t possibly know how to beat them.¡±


    It was a great lesson for Oichi. After that, she began to study everyone and everything¡­viewing all as potential combatants and foes to be understood and torn down. She gained a keen eye and a gift for understanding other people swiftly. That was why, after meeting Isaac Young, she knew he would betray her. He was cold and calculating, though clearly not very intelligent. He wasn¡¯t very good at holding his cards close to his chest. However, his proposition had been too good to pass up. All she had to do was wait for the fool to play his hand, and then she¡¯d capitalize on it. So for the next few months, Isaac Youngs campaign was financed and supported by Oichi¡¯s criminal syndicate. Rebranding her organization as the Tiger Crime Syndicate, she began opening up more drug running routes with the Machetazo drug cartel. Money flowed in, she would invest a small portion to whatever Young needed for his campaign, and he¡¯d speak highly of the Tiger family in return¡­things were going well, and Oichi knew it. The pieces on the board were moving exactly as she wanted them too. She could afford to relax a little.


    So here she sat, next to Todd Edwards at a round table outside an ice cream shop. She was licking a strawberry ice cream cone while Todd simply fiddled his spoon in the bowl of his moose tracks ice cream. He had a smile on his face, but it was slightly pained, like he was forcing it. Oichi sensed his discomfort and leaned close.


    ¡°Your ice cream is melting.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Sorry.¡± He quickly tried to act interested in his ice cream, but Oichi just giggled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry. Tell me what¡¯s got you so down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not down.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°¡­Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± Todd groaned, looking at the table as Oichi gave him a very accusing glare. ¡°Damn it, you learn that trick from my mother?¡±


    ¡°I promise, I just want to know what¡¯s wrong, Todd. Rough police work?¡± Oichi asked. Todd shook his head.


    ¡°No, nothing that simple.¡± He muttered. ¡°Though¡­I suppose¡­maybe something like that. Look, it¡¯s not easy to explain, and I don¡¯t want t-¡±


    ¡°Shh!¡± Oichi giggled, hushing him. ¡°Just tell me, already.¡± Todd gave a sheepish smile and relented.


    ¡°So the police have been given an anonymous tip that we could have some extremists in New Mercia lately¡­some¡­Islamic extremists.¡±


    ¡°You mean Islamic terrorists? Where?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. It¡¯s just a tip off we received, so the entire police force is on high alert and keeping our eyes out for suspicious activities. But, it¡¯s like walking on eggshells. We can¡¯t just question every Muslim we come across without looking like we¡¯re profiling and only giving us more of a bad reputation.¡± He answered. ¡°I¡¯d love to help with the investigation, but I¡¯ve been assigned some pretty long tour duties for the next few weeks. With new drug cartels popping up in town too, there¡¯s more and more fear of too much drug traffic in the streets, so we¡¯re having to crack down.¡±


    ¡°Well, I suppose it could always be worse.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, yeah¡­I could be at that dumb Isaac Young rally now instead of with you.¡± Todd smiled. Oichi¡¯s smile flickered a little, taken aback by this news.


    ¡°Isaac Young is holding a rally right now?¡± She asked, curiously.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Todd asked. ¡°Yeah apparently he¡¯s visiting the low-income housing communities up Elfwood Ave. Supposedly he wants to win their votes. Damn, I hate politics.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I do too.¡± Oichi muttered. She finished her ice cream and then reached into her purse. ¡°Excuse me one moment, Todd.¡±


    ¡°Sure! I¡¯ll be here.¡± Todd grinned. Oichi stood up and walked away from the table and dialed up Marcus quickly. She only had to wait for two rings for an answer, and she didn¡¯t wait for him to speak first.


    ¡°Young¡¯s holding a rally right now. Did you know about this?!¡± She demanded.


    ¡°He¡¯s what?¡± Marcus asked, clearly as surprised as she was. ¡°This is news to me¡­he said he¡¯d keep us in the loop towards his activities and needs.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he didn¡¯t want us there for this one¡­tell me what you know about the projects near Elfwood Ave.¡± Oichi hissed. ¡°What gang activity do we have there?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s where he¡¯s rallying? Well¡­I don¡¯t know how much good it¡¯ll do him. Those projects are owned by Los Pu?os Rojos. They¡¯re a Mexico based street gang that¡¯s working their way up into larger leagues.¡±


    ¡°Working their way into bigger leagues?¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t have much street credit with larger gangs and factions in this gang war, so they haven¡¯t made a name for themselves. They¡¯ve tried going for larger level crimes and trying to go for shock in awe, but they haven¡¯t branched out past their own territories very much. They¡¯re hardly even a blip on our radar right now.¡±


    ¡°¡­But imagine how popular they¡¯d become if they could take out the Tiger Syndicate.¡± Oichi hissed.


    ¡°You think Young is-¡±


    ¡°I do! That bastard will learn what happens when you double cross me. We¡¯re going to hit Los Pu?os Rojos first. Get together a hit team and march them into Elfwood Ave. Vandalize their areas of operation and kill any that resist. We¡¯re going to use this to send a message.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get on it. You should come back in boss¡­we¡¯re going to need you if we¡¯re about to go to war.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in the middle of something¡­I¡¯ll be back in an hour or two.¡±


    ¡°¡­The cop again?¡±


    ¡°Would you like me to send YOU a message too, Marcus?¡± Oichi hissed darkly.


    ¡°Th-that won¡¯t be necessary, ma¡¯am¡­see you soon!¡± He swiftly hung up, and Oichi put away her phone walking back to the table where Todd was texting on his phone and had a sour look on his face. He looked up as she drew close and he beamed.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.¡°Hey! Everything go okay?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Some unfortunate family issues. It¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± She smiled, reaching over and touching Todd¡¯s hand. She rubbed it and Todd took hers as well. They stared at each other like this for a few minutes. Just stay with him, Oichi thought to herself. The organization can last a few more hours. Just look into his eyes for a while longer. When she was with Todd, her fears and stress just all seemed to slip away like removing a heavy coat. It was liberating. However, the closer she came, the more another voice snapped at her. A voice reminding her of her duty. Todd was another piece on the board¡­know his role and leave it there. She had obligations to fulfill¡­and it was best that Todd was kept well away from it.


    ¡°¡­I have to go Todd.¡±


    ¡°Guess it was something to worry about.¡± Todd sighed sadly. ¡°Can I give you a lift?¡±


    ¡°Actually yes,¡± she smiled, glad to have an excuse to stay with him a while longer, ¡°could you drop me off at home?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can or should do, ma¡¯am.¡± Marcus tried to reason. Oichi was sitting at her desk in her manor. After Todd had dropped her off, she¡¯d called Marcus to come and see her immediately. Here they sat, her eyes glaring outside, as if waiting for the heavens to reveal a sign. She could practically visualize the image of her strike team approaching the Elfwood Ave. projects¡­the fires going up.


    ¡°Why not?¡± She demanded.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know if Young is actually hiring the Rojos to come after us! We could be sparking a war without reason. Besides, we need to maintain the good will of the people! Wasn¡¯t that what we worked so hard to maintain? Attacking those projects will ruin the good will we established.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, Marcus.¡± Oichi agreed. ¡°But something doesn¡¯t sit right about this¡­something is really wrong.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re burning property on a hunch!?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than that. Young has kept us close in every move he¡¯s made until now. He¡¯s a coward by nature! Why suddenly go to a gang infested neighborhood without us as back up? That¡¯s not his style.¡± Oichi hissed.


    ¡°Say you¡¯re right¡­what do we prove by doing this?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not aiming to prove anything!¡± Oichi snapped back. ¡°I¡¯m cutting off the head of the snake before it can bite my ankle!¡± Just as Marcus was about to respond, his phone rang and he answered it, putting it to his ear.


    ¡°This is Marcus¡­.¡± He answered. His eyes narrowed and he bit his lip. ¡°Are you sure?.....No of cour¡­.YOU WHAT!? Are you certain!?¡± He shouted. Oichi stood up and Marcus looked back at her, his face going white. ¡°You better be sure¡­..okay¡­.How many?...Where¡¯d they go?......Right¡­.Yes, come back and lay low. I¡¯ll tell her.¡± He hung up and groaned, leaning against the table.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The Rojos ambushed out arsonist team¡­two died in an exchange of bullets. When they tried to get away¡­they were cut off by the Machetazo.¡± This news shook Oichi to her core, and she nearly fell back in her chair.


    ¡°The Machetazo!? OUR Machetazo!?¡±


    ¡°They had the cartel tattoos and carried the machetes that their enforcers are known for. The only three survivors swear by it. They¡¯re heading back to one of the warehouses to lay low.¡± Oichi let out a shriek of fury and slammed her fist on her desk, her teeth grit and her eyes blazing.


    ¡°Traitors¡­fucking TRAITORS!¡± She screamed. ¡°I¡¯ll paint the goddamn street with their blood!¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, we need to be calm!¡±


    ¡°Send an order to all of our drug warehouses to tighten their defenses and arm themselves! The Machetazo know every drug house we have and will probably start hitting them hard!¡±


    ¡°Of course. What about you?¡±


    ¡°I need some time to think¡­a war with one street gang is one thing, but traitors¡­traitors I will not abide.¡± She snarled. As Marcus walked out of the room, Oichi leaned down on the desk and covered her head, trying hard not to lose her temper again.


    Life is not a chessboard. Pieces don¡¯t suddenly turn against you sporadically. She¡¯d been sloppy¡­she¡¯d grown too used to complacency. How could she have missed this? She¡¯d thought of Young as no more than a cowardly fool, but to have bought off the Machetazo AND the Rojos¡­he likely used Tiger Syndicate funding to pay for this mutiny¡­oh the bitter irony that Oichi likely paid for her own execution. Her fingers clinched and unclinched several times as she thought about the mistakes she¡¯d made...and the mistake Young had made in crossing her.


    Oichi picked up her cellphone to call Marcus to give some more instructions. It was important that Young be found before he reached out to anyone else. He had to be cornered fast. Not only that, but if the Machetazo had already started hitting her warehouses, they had to reach out to any other cartels under their alliance and encourage them to move shipments to new locations. But she was finding it hard to trust anyone now. Who was left!? Many of her own lieutenants would see this as an opportunity to discredit her and push for her to step down. Some would remain loyal certainly¡­but would it be enough.


    ¡°I can¡¯t afford to fail here¡­not after I¡¯ve come this far.¡± She hissed. She started to dial in Marcus¡¯s number.


    *crash*


    Oichi froze and dropped her phone. That was a window breaking! Someone was inside her house. Oichi sprinted to her room and moved to her bedside table, opening a hidden drawer to reveal a gun inside. She then moved to the wall by her bedroom where her fathers katana stood on the wall. She pulled that down as well and slipped behind her bed, ducking down and loading the pistol.


    Even as she tried to think of who it could be, she already knew. She was already sure that it was someone out to get her. Was it Machetazo? Rojos? Young? One of her own? She didn¡¯t care anymore¡­not now. This whole damned city was corrupted to the core. She¡¯d tried the careful route. She¡¯d tried diplomacy and delicacy. It had all been for naught. As she cocked back the hammer of her revolver and unsheathed her sword, Oichi silently made a resolution with herself and to the intruder.


    ¡°If this city is to be saved, it won¡¯t be through words and politics¡­it will be through bullets and blood. That is the currency of crime. I¡¯ll see every one of them dead¡­starting with you.¡±

 A Cure for Fools

    Oichi bit her lip as she heard someone moving through the mansion, searching¡­waiting. Why so loud though, she wondered? A proper assassin would be silent and methodical, not loud an announcing themselves¡­which meant one of three things. Either this assassin was a fool and unexperienced¡­which begged the question was he really an assassin at all? Or maybe it meant this assassin wasn¡¯t actually trying to kill her, but rather trying to send her a message¡­in which case, she would be sure to send a most appropriate reply back¡­.along with his head. But more likely¡­he was confident.


    During her time in America, Oichi had learned much of the confidence that bordered on arrogance in American people. There was this subtle boast in everything they did, from how they walked to how they talked. It stood to reason that even their silent killers would be rather prideful in their actions, and thus frighten their prey.


    ¡°Idiot.¡± She spat. ¡°Baka wa shinanakya naoranai.¡± Her father had said this to his subordinates many times. It¡¯s meaning was well known among her family and among her associates. It was one of the most direct and fierce phrases she could bring to bare against this foolish assassin. ¡°Unless an idiot dies, he can¡¯t be cured.¡± It was a death sentence.


    The man wore a mask over his face with only his hair and eyes showing. He had a pistol in his hand and a hunting knife strapped to his belt. His clothes were a one piece zip up suit and a pair of latex gloves. He was meticulous¡­careful¡­and always able to cover his tracks. It¡¯d been that way since he was young. It started with ants in the backyard¡­then it progressed to spiders¡­then a few birds that he could catch. After the family dog, killing became an art for him. It was no longer the doing it that thrilled him, it was the fear they felt. He remembered the look in Goliath¡¯s eye¡­the look in that poor St. Bernards face as he stuck a knife between his ribs. The fear in his old eye¡­the pain¡­the delicate sensation of those little emotions washing out and over him with the last breath of air.


    Death¡­


    Death was art. Killing wasn¡¯t just an act, it was a sensational experience of divine purity. You relieve the subject of all they are¡­and all they ever were. In a sense, you expel their soul from their bodies and provide permeant peace to them¡­a peace they can¡¯t know otherwise. And in exchange, you understand them in their last moments. You feel their suffering and betrayal. The pleasant feeling of their warm skin turning cold, their eyes glazing over, and the satisfaction as they cease struggling ever so slowly. With each new kill, he became more and more in love with these sensations.


    Of course being paid for his work was always a bonus, and when he saw the check arrive and a note for who to hit? His heart soared. It¡¯d been too long since he¡¯d killed a woman. He¡¯d gotten a little too excited and broken a window coming in, but that was fine¡­it would add to hear fear. Add to the terror in her heart as she knew something came for her. Which he would feel as he slit her throat.


    Yet, something was wrong with this house. Something was terribly wrong with it. A house and its d¨¦cor can tell a lot about a person that lives in it. He used to enjoy taking his time looking at family pictures, potted plants, and family heirlooms, appreciating the simple lives his victims must lead. But here, in this fine house with dozens of heirlooms and artifacts and portraits, there was a coldness. The mansion felt cold and it did not stink of fear or discomfort. There was no sound of weeping or trembling. There wasn¡¯t even the cries of someone on the phone begging police to come. There was only silence¡­a cold and dead silence. She had to be home; he¡¯d watched her enter her home. But it was like the house was empty.


    No¡­not empty¡­there was a presence here, but it did not fear him. How fascinating. What person was this? What emotions would cross her face as he took her life? With cautious steps, he moved deeper into the tiger den.


    It happened so swiftly that neither Oichi nor the stranger were prepared. The killer rounded a corner towards Oichi¡¯s bedroom where Oichi was waiting. The moment he saw her, he fired once, but it was low, like he wasn¡¯t aiming for her head. Oichi hissed in pain as a bullet grazed her hip, but she didn¡¯t stop as she instantly rushed forward, a sword in hand. It had belonged to her father, and she¡¯d taken great pains to have it brought into America. She plunged the sword deep into the strangers side who grunted with pain. With a snarl, he kicked back and knocked her back, but with a hiss of furry, she rebounded and swung down, slashing a sizable gash into the attackers shoulder. He buckled and stumbled away, aiming and firing again. Oichi gasped in pain as she felt the red hot pain of a bullet pierce her stomach. She dropped to the ground, groaning and resisting the urge the howl in agony. The attacker kicked her in the side to roll her on her back, and Oichi fell back, breathing fast and trying to calm herself. The attacker smiled at her¡­a pained but sadistic grin.


    ¡°I like when they fight.¡± He whispered in a hoarse growl. ¡°The feeling of pain¡­the feeling of defiance. You¡¯re very brave. Now you can start screaming.¡± He climbed on top of Oichi and held his knife over her throat, ready to puncture it. But he had to wait¡­he had to see it. The defiance needed to die and give way to panic¡­the fear of death¡­the little and subtle twitches as she tried to calculate all the joys and miseries of existence¡­the art was not complete without the terror. He waited¡­and waited. ¡°Go ahead¡­.you can scream¡­.scream for me!¡±


    Nothing¡­


    Her eyes¡­her eyes showed not even a trace of fear. They were the eyes of a predator! The eyes of a huntress. This feral creature he sat on top of¡­it would not bend. He felt a wave of anger at this and pressed down on the knife, expecting her to react¡­where was the fear!? Why wouldn¡¯t she shrink back!? What¡¯s going on?!


    ¡°What the fuck¡­.¡± He growled, his hand starting to tremble. They were always afraid¡­all of them were afraid of him. Why did she glare at him like that!? WHY WON¡¯T SHE SHRIEK FOR HER LIFE!? ¡°FILTHY USELESS WHORE!¡± He roared, raising the knife to finish her.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    *POW, POW, POW*


    Three bullets lodged themselves in the attackers chest and stomach. He groaned a moment, shocked at the sensation, and then fell backwards on his back, clutching his bleeding torso. As Oichi climbed to her knees, the gun she¡¯d hidden by her side smoking still, her eyes flashed bloody hell fire, and the attacker felt a wash of fear run through his veins. He wasn¡¯t facing a woman¡­.he stood before a tigress¡­.a hungry, ravenous beast.


    ¡°As you finish urinating on my floor,¡± Oichi spat, ¡°listen to what I tell you¡­and know that you do not have my permission to die.¡±


    ¡°F-f-fu-¡±


    ¡°I intend to treat your injuries¡­so that I may inflict new ones¡­and I will watch you suffer. I will take pleasure in observing you moan and squirm like a worm on my hook. And, at last, when you grow so used to the pain you start to enjoy it, I will make you suffer yet again by cutting off your head, and ending your wretched, meaningless, life.¡± She lifted the tip of her sword and stuck it¡­.ever so slowly¡­into his crotch.


    ¡°Now¡­you can start screaming. SCREAM FOR ME!¡±


    When Marcus arrived at Oichi¡¯s home, there were ambulances and police cars with sirens wailing, but none as loudly as the bloody man they were carting into the back of the ambulance. Marcus didn¡¯t give him a second glance¡­he looked horrific and not like anyone he knew. Instead he focused on the one medical crew helping a young woman into the back of their truck. He rushed to her and, seeing that it was Oichi, he gasped in horror.


    ¡°Oichi!? Miss Taiga, what happened!?¡± She grimaced and shook her head.


    ¡°I promise, I¡¯ve seen worse. I was¡­careless.¡±


    ¡°Is it anything we should be worried about? I¡¯ll ride with you.¡± He offered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother.¡± She answered quickly. ¡°I need you to contact our associates. See the damages we sustained from¡­what happened.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I came to talk to you about, but clearly it can wait.¡± Marcus grumbled. ¡°This is far more devastating. Why didn¡¯t you kill that man?¡±


    ¡°Whoever hired him needs to be found. I want him alive, Marcus.¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll do some digging, and see what I come up with.¡± He assured her. ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Oichi paused a moment in thought and then her ferocious eyes that always seemed to crave blood softened¡­a melting expression came on her face.


    ¡°Todd doesn¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°Todd?¡±


    ¡°The officer I¡¯ve been dating. Please¡­um¡­could you pass on the news that I¡¯ll be unable to meet him tomorrow night?¡± Marcus¡¯s concerned expression faded.


    ¡°Do it yourself. Won¡¯t he think it¡¯s odd if I pass this information for you?¡± He asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s a good point¡­and I¡¯d really like to visit him. Think he¡¯ll come see me in the hospital?¡±


    ¡°Boss, with all due respect¡­your relationship with that cop is insanity.¡±


    ¡°Your point is noted, Marcus. Thank you.¡± Oichi growled as she was finally lifted into the ambulance and the doors closed behind her.


    Candidate Issac Young sat in his campaign office, accepting calls, both negative and supportive. He felt relaxed¡­calm. Things were going his way now! In a single rally, he¡¯d gathered a few dozen votes and also managed to take care of all the problems that were riding his shoulders¡­one specifically that he¡¯d been concerned about since he forged that agreement with her. Now that should have been dealt with. He¡¯d be getting a call any time now from¡­.


    *RING RING*


    With a smile, Isaac checked his phone and answered, trying to hide his excitement.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s done?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s done alright.¡±


    The voice froze his blood. It curdled his guts. Isaac nearly dropped the phone he was holding as his hands began trembling violently. How did she get this phone?!


    ¡°M-Miss Taiga!?¡±


    ¡°I hate politics¡­and I hate politicians. I knew you¡¯d betray me at some point, but I admit I didn¡¯t expect you to pull a stunt like this. I congratulate you on crippling my industry significantly¡­you set myself and my associates back quite a bit.¡±


    ¡°Miss Taiga, I-I don¡¯t think I know what you¡¯re talking abou-¡±


    ¡°But see, it seems you made a slight mistake.¡± Oichi continued, cutting off Isaac. ¡°You entered into a battle of wits¡­and you came unarmed. What was your plan? Did you think that just killing me would bury the Taiga Syndicate? Even if your little coup did work, did you think your new drug cartels would just quietly disappear into the ether and not demand of you the same things we have? You played with fire, Mr. Young. You were very stupid.¡±


    ¡°Surely we can come to some sort of arrangement!? You¡¯re a reasonable woman, Miss Taiga.¡±


    ¡°You have nothing I want, Mr. Young. You¡¯re of no more use to me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true! If I¡¯m elected, I can-¡±


    ¡°Elected? Mr. Young I don¡¯t think you understand your situation.¡± There was a long cold pause on the other end of the line. ¡°You¡¯re such a fool. Killing you would be a mercy.¡±


    ¡°Y-you¡¯re going to¡­.NO! No, don¡¯t kill me! I¡¯ll-¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t kill you, Mr. Young. I don¡¯t need to. There are better ways to break a man. Like the testimony of a known psychopath who received money to kill an innocent woman from a mayor candidate? Evidence of known under the table pay outs to crime families and syndicates to secure votes? Killing you simply ends your suffering. I intend to drag your name, your reputation, your family, and your whole world through the mud¡­.and THEN¡­.THEN I will bless you with death.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯LL KILL YOU! I¡¯LL FUCKING-¡±


    ¡°You already tried that, Mr. Young. And you failed. Now you will pay for your error. If you have any nerve in that worthless brain of yours, you¡¯ll go ahead and throw yourself off of the roof of the nearest building and end it quick. Otherwise, I will not be so merciful.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­PLEASE, Miss Taiga¡­d-don¡¯t do this to me! I BEG YOU!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a fool, Isaac Young. As my father would say: There is no cure for fools except death. How long will you live with your illness before you cure yourself, Mr. Young? You be the one to decide.¡±


    *click*

 Zealots and Criminals

    Sitting in the hospital bed felt like its own degree of prison for Oichi. She looked out the window by her bed at the city from her 5th floor window. She had plenty of money from her late husband to spend on the more luxurious accommodations, and yet it still felt too constricting. She felt like the white clean walls were a little too judgmental. The pressed and itchy bedsheets were too thin. The feathered pillow crunched when she rolled her head. It should all have made her feel comfortable, but she currently felt anxious and unnerved. The near death experience with that serial killer had shown her how vulnerable she was now¡­and also how treacherous even her allies could become. She knew Young would betray her¡­but even this had gone beyond her notice.


    ¡°Miss Taiga?¡± Marcus whispered. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Marcus¡­¡±


    ¡°You seem distracted.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Shigata ga nai.¡± She answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what does that-¡±


    ¡°It means ¡®it cannot be helped.¡¯ My father would say it any time things did not go the way he intended. Just finish telling me our situation, please.¡± Marcus had visited her frequently since her stay here. The surgery to remove the bullet from her stomach had been successful and short. She¡¯d only have to stay another day or two and then she would be released; but business does not wait. Marcus would regularly keep her up to date with the Syndicate¡¯s current standing¡­and it usually wasn¡¯t good.


    ¡°Three of our drug warehouses were ransacked and the product inside was destroyed¡­we¡¯re talking a couple hundred grand in losses. Our arms dealers managed to stay out of the way, but they¡¯re being secretive and discrete right now¡­it would be dangerous to start moving openly again while we¡¯re still dealing with potential turncoats.¡±


    ¡°Turncoats?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a western phrase¡­it means traitors¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­I like it. It has a lovely ring for such a disgusting term.¡± Marcus paused, uncertain how to interpret that response. Was she making a joke or warning him not to bring up the incidents that just happened? He didn¡¯t want to risk it, so he moved on.


    ¡°As for our ties to the cartels¡­only one is still loyal. The others are shaken. I think they see us as¡­questionable.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll change their tune in time.¡±


    ¡°It would be unwise to try and force them to rejoin us.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not so stupid as to convert by the sword.¡± Oichi sighed, laying her head back and fuming. It seemed so much easier though when you could force others around. What was the use in having muscle if you couldn¡¯t flex it? But that begged the question what muscle did they really have left? Young had been a fool, but his actions had crippled the business considerably. She¡¯d actually smirked when reading about his suicide in the newspaper.


    ¡°Speaking of which, there¡¯s something else I want to talk to you about,¡± Marcus spoke up, ¡°there¡¯s a youth activity center in one of our controlled districts. It¡¯s largely a place for Muslim youths to find social activities¡­but we have substantial evidence that it¡¯s a breeding ground for some Islamic extremists¡­terrorist activities.¡± Oichi shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to chase after a group of religious radicals right now.¡± Marcus didn¡¯t stop. He pulled up in his chair and started pulling a few photos from his jacket pocket.


    ¡°Normally, I¡¯d agree with you¡­but there¡¯s more than just that. One of our territories of protection has been dealing with harassment from some of these radicals.¡±


    ¡°A religious war?¡±


    ¡°Something like that, but the territory has plenty of Muslim families also suffering from these radicals¡­¡± Oichi¡¯s eyes narrowed darkly.


    ¡°Infighting among Muslims? That could be a problem for the community¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the issue we have, either. It¡¯s the MCP.¡±


    ¡°MCP?¡±


    ¡°Muslim Community Patrol. They¡¯re a self proclaimed defense group who act like police officers but only work within the Muslim community. They¡¯ve become a gang in their own right, muscling in on non-muslim properties and bullying more moderate muslim families. Boss, these families pay us for protection¡­they¡¯ve appreciated the safety we provide. If we don¡¯t do something¡­¡±


    ¡°Contact the police. Can¡¯t they do something about this nonsense?¡± Oichi asked. ¡°We¡¯re not exactly in a fit state to wage a war with the MCP or with a supposed religious radical group.¡± Marcus nodded darkly but nudged the photos forward anyway.


    ¡°These are¡­some of their more recent actions.¡± Oichi took up the photos to look. The first few were nothing serious¡­broken shop windows and Quran verses spraypainted on cars and walls. There was one burning car¡­and what looked like a threatening message on a sidewalk. But as the pictures became more graphic, Oichi¡¯s eyes widened. A woman beaten savagely. An old Jewish man bloodied and on the ground. There was even, what looked frighteningly, like a dead man, covered in bruises and cuts as if he¡¯d been¡­


    ¡°Stoned.¡± Marcus confirmed. ¡°His name was Jackson Fletcher¡­he was homosexual¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay so maybe they¡¯re rabble-rousers. Can¡¯t the police handle this? I feel for these people but¡­¡±


    ¡°The police have tried, but there¡¯s not much they can do. hashtag Not All Muslims.¡±


    ¡°What the hell does that mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a trend that¡¯s popular these days. When a Muslim commits a crime, the community rushes to their defense before anyone generalizes all Muslims as terrorists or violent.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious¡­the police can¡¯t touch them for publicity reasons!?¡± Oichi gasped.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve brought it to your attention. If the police won¡¯t touch it¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Let me think about what to do.¡± Oichi finally nodded. ¡°Maybe winning some favor back from the community will help the family in the long run. We can¡¯t afford to go storming a youth center without reason¡­but we also can¡¯t ignore these people we promised to look out for.¡± Marcus gave a relieved sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do some digging and figure out what would be the best course of-¡±


    *knock knock*


    The door opened and Marcus stood up while Oichi sat up straighter in surprise. There, standing in his police uniform and looking rather professional¡­and handsome¡­was Todd. He looked at Marcus and gave a polite nod.


    ¡°Good afternoon, sir. Are you¡­¡±


    ¡°A friend of Miss Oichi.¡± He said, frowning and excusing himself. ¡°I was just leaving.¡± Oichi gave a polite bow to him as he marched past, his displeasure apparent. As he closed the door behind him, Marcus hurried to Oichi and sat down across from her, taking Marcus¡¯s old seat.


    ¡°How¡¯re you feeling, Oichi? Are you still sore? I know what it¡¯s like to take a bullet.¡±


    ¡°You just visited me this morning! Don¡¯t you have duty?¡± Oichi teased, giggling excitedly, secretly glad he was here.


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.¡°I can take a little break. My partner will understand a detour for someone like you.¡± He leaned close and planted a kiss on Oichi¡¯s head, sending her heart spiraling into a swelling sea of glee. She had to stop herself from squealing like a little girl.


    ¡°Aww, you worry too much.¡± She laughed.


    ¡°Said the lady nearly killed! We¡¯ve got the killer in custody. He¡¯s a likely suspect for a string of serial murderers. We¡¯ll break him before long and-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Todd¡­he didn¡¯t kill me. I¡¯m alright.¡± She smiled. In truth, she wanted Todd not to focus on the killer, whoever he was. If Todd dug too much into him, he¡¯d spill why he was there to kill her¡­and that was a secret she wasn¡¯t ready for Todd to hear. ¡°Let¡¯s not worry about it now, okay?¡± Todd gave a grunt of disapproval, but nodded all the same. She sat up slightly to lean closer. There was something about being closer to Todd that made her happy¡­a sensation that she both loved and despised. How could some single man¡­a police officer no less, spark such feelings in her? And yet, she couldn¡¯t deny them either. Marcus was right not to like this relationship; it went against everything she was and stood for. But¡­it was not her choice to make who she fell for. Could she live with this? Could she keep this game going and her Syndicate at the same time?


    As the two began to talk of other things, suddenly Todd¡¯s radio came on and began to speak.


    ¡°Todd! We got a call of assault and battery six blocks from here, let¡¯s get going.¡± Todd groaned but answered.


    ¡°Is it near the Divine Youth Facility again?¡±


    </i>¡°The report was called in from Alzhara Avenue¡­only a few miles away so, you do the math, chief.¡±</i> Todd groaned.


    ¡°10-4.¡± He turned off the radio and stood up again. ¡°Sorry hon¡­I gotta go.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s with the Divine Youth Facility?¡± Oichi asked curiously, though a part of her suspected the answer.


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. Just¡­every few days we get some kind of call about vandalism or assault within a few miles of that facility. We suspect some childish pranksters who frequent it but until now we can¡¯t prove anything¡­and the brass won¡¯t let us near the place.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like more than pranksters to me if we¡¯re talking assault.¡± Oichi frowned. ¡°Todd, you mentioned the other day that there¡¯s been a rise in potential terrorist activity in the city¡­does this have-¡±


    ¡°No! No, I shouldn¡¯t have mentioned that to you¡­that¡¯s stuff we can¡¯t talk about openly.¡± Todd cautioned, silencing her firmly. ¡°Listen, it¡¯s nothing you need to worry about. You get released soon right? Let¡¯s have dinner the night you¡¯re out and we can talk and¡­just have a wonderful time together. I don¡¯t want you stressing over this.¡± As he kissed Oichi¡¯s cheek and walked out the door, Oichi¡¯s eyes narrowed darkly.


    ¡°Can¡¯t talk about openly¡­¡± Oichi hissed. ¡°Then maybe it can¡¯t be solved openly either. Sorry, Todd¡­but I think I need to look into this myself.¡± She reached for her phone and began dialing.


    ¡°Marcus?¡± She said quickly. ¡°There¡¯s been an incident on Alzhara Ave. Police suspect it has to do with that Youth facility you mentioned. Todd wouldn¡¯t mention anything¡­but I think there¡¯s more to this than even you mentioned.¡±


    ¡°Any particular reason you think that, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°On our last date, Todd mentioned a growing concern of terrorist activity I think. I tried to bring it up to him now, but he quickly shut me down, saying it wasn¡¯t something we could discuss openly. Why bring it up one night, then be quiet about it later?¡±


    ¡°Probably didn¡¯t want to worry you.¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­but there¡¯s more to it than that. He said the police can¡¯t touch the Fascility¡­too much red tape and publicity problems like you said, but Todd is sure it¡¯s originating from there. And if he¡¯s concerned about terrorist threats¡­rising in terror activities¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you suggesting, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°The longer we sit on this information with no one acting, the more likely something worse than a few beat up civilians will take place. Arrange a meeting with myself and the Fascility coordinator. I want a word with them¡­¡±


    ¡°I can do that ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°In the mean time, we need to run damage control. Check on our properties and supporters in the local neighborhoods and apartment complexes. Make sure they¡¯re alright. If we¡¯re going to pull ourselves back from the brink, we need social support as much as we need better security.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some trusted associates on that. But, Miss Taiga¡­I should point out that even if we win the support of the community, there are plenty of other criminal organizations and gangs in the city waiting to pounce on us. Our little incident has made us way too vulnerable. A community of civilians can¡¯t be protected if we can¡¯t protect ourselves.¡± Marcus pointed out wisely. Oichi leaned back and stared out the window again, thinking on this truth.


    When she first came to this city, she knew it was sick¡­dying from a festering plague of corruption and criminal infighting. She¡¯d kept the violence she¡¯d caused to a minimum¡­worked hard to restore the family organization she¡¯d inherited¡­she¡¯d built strong ties in the community and had won the favor of the populace. And yet¡­she¡¯d been blind. She¡¯d nearly lost everything because of her inability to anticipate treachery¡­her inability to look untouchable. That had to change. It was as her father had told her as a little girl¡­


    ¡°Miss Taiga?¡±


    ¡°A tiger mother must handle her cubs with care and with affection¡­firm but loving. However, should the mother show weakness it, and her cubs, will become prey. Therefore, the tiger cannot show weakness, even around her cubs. To rule the jungle¡­a tiger must remain ruthless.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve not been ruthless, Marcus. In my attempt to win favor, I forgot this rule. I will not convert by the sword¡­but I will rule by it if I must. Maybe it¡¯s time that I showed this city who I really am¡­and what I¡¯m really capable of.¡± A cold silence fell over Marcus. His hands trembled at the very tangible threat.


    ¡°M-may I ask how?¡±


    ¡°Time will tell, Marcus. Now arrange the meeting. I¡¯ll be waiting for your call.¡± Oichi hung up before Marcus could answer. She then lay back and began contemplating her next move. In this game of chess, she had made a mistake and lost her bishops, which controlled the board¡­and with her next move, she might put the queen herself in danger¡­but it would be worth it to remind the opposition that the queen does indeed exist. But a show of force would not be enough¡­not unless it carries value and purpose.


    As her plan began to unfold in her mind, Oichi¡¯s eyes flashed with a predatory hunger. The tigress was on the prowl, once again.

 Just Stating Facts

    The Youth Center was called ¡°The Faithful Haven Youth Center.¡± It looked very close to what Oichi had pictured it to be. It was a large and very open building, nestled around a semicircle of trees. A single road led off the highway and into the parking lot, with trees acting like a natural barrier to hide it from prying eyes. Oichi found this amusing, considering what this place might be hiding. The parking lot itself was sparce with only about five or six cars there right now. Oichi and Marcus stepped out of her car and walked towards the entrance of the facility and Marcus looked around, noticing two tan men wearing what looked like police uniforms, and they had guns on their hips.


    ¡°Heads up boss¡­the MCP is on to us. We should¡¯ve brought more people.¡±


    ¡°With any luck, we won¡¯t need them.¡± She replied. They walked past the MCP and into the building. The main lobby was clean and looked very inviting. There were a pair of double doors which led back to what appeared to be a basketball court, and another door to the right which had an older man with a thick grey beard standing outside of it. He was professionally dressed and his balding head had scraggly hair on top. He had a cold look to his eyes¡­a calculating stare. As he looked over at Oichi, she could tell that he was sizing her up¡­taking her in. She returned his glare, and she smirked recognizing a twinge of discomfort come from him. She wasn¡¯t one to easily be intimidated.


    ¡°Good afternoon.¡± Oichi smiled politely. ¡°Are you Mr. Habaza?


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s nice to meet you, Ms. Taiga.¡± He gave a respectful bow of the head and held out his hand, which Oichi shook firmly. ¡°To what do I owe this visit? Your friend didn¡¯t explain very well.¡±


    ¡°This won¡¯t take long. Do you have some place private we can talk?¡± Oichi asked. Mr. Habaza gave another curt nod and opened the door he was standing in front of. Inside were two cushioned chairs, a large mahogany desk, and a swivel chair behind it. There was a tall book shelf beside the desk filled with books, statues, and trinkets. An Arabic dagger sat on the desk as well, sheathed. Habaza walked around to sit behind his desk and closed a book he had out, putting away his laptop. Oichi took a seat across from him and Marcus started to join her.


    ¡°Marcus, kindly wait outside.¡± Oichi urged.


    ¡°But ma¡¯am, I-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Marcus¡­kindly wait for me.¡± She instructed forcefully. Marcus gave a disapproving glare, but nodded, walking out again. When the door was closed, she leaned back and crossed a leg in front of Habaza, making him clearly a little disgruntled.


    ¡°There¡¯s this excellent phrase I¡¯ve heard since coming to America¡­ ¡®getting down to brass tax.¡± Oichi smiled. ¡°I love this phrase¡­it¡¯s so catchy. It reminds me of the Shakespeare phrase: That brevity is the soul of wit. Such fancy ways to not beat around the bush.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you¡¯re doing now?¡± Habaza challenged.


    ¡°I¡¯m making a point, Mr. Habaza. I¡¯m giving you a warning. I don¡¯t care for those who waste my time or evade a direct answer. Don¡¯t try to dodge my questions¡­and I have quite a few of them.¡± Habaza frowned and crossed his fingers over each other, resting his elbows on the desk.


    ¡°It¡¯s rather rude for a guest to make threats to their host.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not making you a threat, Mr. Habaza. I¡¯m simply stating the facts as they stand. And one fact I can¡¯t overlook is the amount of questionable activities happening in my territories.¡±


    ¡°Your territories? You mean the peaceful neighborhoods and apartments you force to pay you for protection?¡± Habaza challenged.


    ¡°I don¡¯t force them to do anything. Those individuals ASKED me to give them protection.¡± This was actually true. After her initial take over and defeat of the nearby delinquent groups and street punks, many shops and apartment dwellers asked if they could be brought under the fold of the Taiga syndicate. No extortion was forced. ¡°More to the point, for the last few months, plenty of vandalism¡¯s, assaults, and nuisances have been happening in the local communities, and plenty of the suspects have ties to this Youth Center.¡±


    ¡°Miss Taiga, you can¡¯t honestly suggest we have something to do with that.¡±


    ¡°¡­Mr. Habaza, I don¡¯t like it when people tell me what I can or can¡¯t do¡­especially when it comes to speaking my mind.¡± Oichi hissed darkly, her glare returning. But instead of shrinking back, Habaza leaned forward and pressed back with a fierce gaze of his own. This was a man who would not break easily.


    ¡°When my uncle built this facility, he was creating a home and job resource for dozens of struggling Muslim families who have dealt with discrimination in the community for years. To suggest we would do anything to upset the community and dishonor our reputation is nothing short of insulting.¡± Habaza explained forcefully. ¡°Now I¡¯m not saying that there haven¡¯t been problems in the community lately, and I have already spoken to the police about it. The MCP is already investigating the perpetrators and they will be dealt with in due time. Let us clean up our own messes.¡± He sighed and leaned back. ¡°You are from Japan, yes? Surely you can respect and understand how difficult it is to thrive in a country and culture so different from your own. We have made a future for ourselves here¡­a future we built for ourselves. This community is strong, and has no need of help from the local police, nor do we need it from you and your gang of thugs.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Habaza, you can dispense with the preaching. We¡¯re in a Youth Facility¡­not a Mosque.¡± Oichi growled. ¡°Don¡¯t play the discrimination card on me, either. I¡¯ve seen this community¡­I¡¯ve worked with it. After I cleaned up the real punks and thugs off its streets, the people were more than willing and capable to start producing and working happily along with myself and my organization. I don¡¯t think they expected a new threat coming from their own community members¡­and yet here we are.¡±


    ¡°You think that members of Faithful Haven are responsible for the recent troubles? Prove it?¡±


    ¡°The police have proof¡­why don¡¯t you ask your MCP to hand the rest of it over?¡±


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.¡°We deal with our own problems.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re about to become my problem. Would you like to know how I deal with MY problems?¡± Oichi¡¯s voice was fierce¡­a taste of venom on her tongue. A lesser man might have shrunk back from her, but Habaza was just as stern. He was holding his ground with the Tigress.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me what it is you want from me, Miss Taiga?¡± Habaza finally growled.


    ¡°What I want is clarification. For the sake of this community and the Muslims and non-muslims living in it, I want to know who in your Facility is behind these events, and I want them brought forward. If it isn¡¯t the Faithful Haven¡¯s fault, and merely the actions of a select few, turn them over to the police and this all goes away. If it IS the fault of your Youth Center¡­then this is your first and only warning. Your MCP might be enough to sway the police, but it won¡¯t sway me. I will turn your world upside down until I find the vermin that are spreading their filth on these streets.¡± Oichi finished and leaned forward at last, waiting for Habaza to speak. It was his move¡­and he simply glared at her, dangerously.


    ¡°Miss Taiga, I¡¯m very sorry to say this but¡­I can¡¯t help you.¡± He replied. ¡°You are not law enforcement, and you are certainly not a queen or saint for whom I¡¯m to bow to. I have cooperated with the police, and as I told you; the MCP are investigating the incidents.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s your answer?¡± Oichi asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s my answer.¡± He sneered. ¡°But I suppose I should thank you, Miss Taiga¡­your concern for our people and this community are very apparent. It is my sincerest hope that nothing more happens to hurt or disrupt your people.¡± Oichi¡¯s eyes widened and she felt her jaw clench at the very clear threat.


    ¡°You said it¡¯s rude for a guest to threaten their host¡­is it perhaps more appropriate for a host to threaten their guest?¡±


    ¡°Miss Taiga, there is no threat¡­merely stating the facts as they are.¡± Habaza smiled darkly. ¡°I¡¯m sure you can find the way out. I¡¯d walk you out myself, but there¡¯s much I need to do here.¡± Oichi rose from her seat and turned, walking to the door. As she touched the door knob, she looked back at Habaza.


    ¡°Pretenses aside;¡± she snarled, ¡°I will burn your world to the ground, and scatter your ashes to the winds.¡±


    ¡°Pretenses aside;¡± Habaza hissed back, ¡°We have stood against your kind since the days of our Prophet¡­and we do not fear the likes of you.¡±


    Oichi marched out of the building with Marcus by her side. She said nothing until they got out of the parking lot and onto the highway. It was one of the few times Oichi felt genuinely flustered¡­unnerved.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am¡­what happened in there?¡±


    ¡°That Habaza is twisted.¡± She hissed. ¡°He¡¯s a wolf¡­and that Center is a den of wolves.¡±


    ¡°You think he¡¯s behind the attacks and incidents in the community?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°I have no doubt that he is¡­and even if it¡¯s not direct, he knows the ones who are guilty and he is protecting them.¡± Oichi nodded. ¡°And before I left, he made a final threat¡­he¡¯s only just getting started.¡±


    ¡°What are we going to do? We could do a little damage to his Center if you like. One good dumpster fire¡­maybe a hit to their books?¡±


    ¡°No¡­that¡¯s the worst part.¡± Oichi whispered. ¡°We can¡¯t touch them.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Marcus asked. Oichi stayed silent a long moment. Marcus was bright¡­he¡¯d figure it out for himself if given time, but time was not on their side. With each ticking second, the gears of fate turned onward. Habaza was likely already planning new events¡­new assaults¡­new public disturbances. Minor things really¡­things that she could and should overlook. But now she couldn¡¯t. She couldn¡¯t ignore this. That Habaza had thrown down the gauntlet¡­and now she would respond. But how?


    ¡°We can¡¯t just deal with this as we always have. The Faithful Haven Youth Center is a key part of this community. Even if they¡¯re a nest of vipers, the people of this area see them as a safe haven¡­a beacon of unity. If we just go attacking and screwing with the Haven¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­then we lose their trust¡­¡±


    ¡°And we only feed more converts and delinquents to the Youth Center. Then we become their new target. You should¡¯ve heard the way that Habaza talked. He is a classic victimhood screeching moron. He sees the world as his enemy¡­and thus is hostile towards it.¡±


    ¡°Right, the last thing we should do is feed that fire. That explains why the police won¡¯t touch this one.¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯re faced with the same red tape.¡± Oichi nodded.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just ignore it either¡­¡± Marcus grumbled. ¡°What do you suggest we do, ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°Have some of our sellers and peddlers circulate in the streets that the Youth Center is associated with. Keep an eye out for anything we can use¡­evidence that can pin the criminals to the Faithful Haven. If we can¡¯t touch them directly, we¡¯ll dig up enough dirt that the police will finally have no choice but to pursue them.¡± Oichi explained.


    ¡°¡­That¡¯s awful reserved for you, ma¡¯am¡­if I may say so.¡± Marcus growled. ¡°I admit, I was kind of hoping for some shock and awe.¡±


    ¡°There are right ways to do things and easy ways to do things. Shock and Awe is the easy way¡­we can¡¯t afford the easy way right now.¡± Oichi replied with a giggle. But deep in her mind, she agreed with Marcus. How she would love to go all out on the Center. To just raid it and find the ones responsible for these crimes. She¡¯d drag them out by the hair and make them beg for mercy. And Habaza would watch from the side¡­given a reminder of who was in charge. But that couldn¡¯t happen. Not if she wanted to maintain her place in the community.


    ¡°Take us home, Marcus¡­I need to rest.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to call that Todd fellow?¡± Marcus asked.


    ¡°Not right now, Marcus.¡± Oichi blushed, smiling, the thought of Todd bringing some weightlessness to her shoulders. ¡°But maybe later¡­I would love to have something to look forward to later, when things start looking up.¡±


    Oh how she hoped things would start looking up soon. Oichi couldn¡¯t shake this feeling that a dark and very dangerous cloud was rolling over her¡­a change of fate was coming¡­a divine wind was blowing down a new destiny¡­and she was terrified of where it would lead.