Trying To Heal

Chapter Fifteen

Derek Matthews

Dmitri Drozdov is a thirty-three-year-old man. Unlike his sister, Calina, his hair is light brown and hues a dark blond in the sunlight, neatly combed. He is dressed in a Cartier single-breasted shirt, no tie, and Burberry trousers and shoes. "Please." He leers at Luke. "Invite the whole crowd here. It is supposed to be just us, Matthews. No little kids around."

Luke waves a hand at, "The door is there for you to leave, Drozdov."

William Freeman sternly examines Luke's appearance. "Drinks in a meeting."

Fawn Siao's coal eyes have no specks of white. Her skin is so pale, she can easily be mistaken for a ghost. "Just like your Father."

For these Summits, the leaders of the Families are secluded in a private room. A grand table that has lived for over four hundred years is situated in the centre, outlined by nine chairs for the Allfathers and Allmothers. At least, it is regularly nine. Since Tanner, Xavier, and I are here, Luke requested three armchairs.

"It is gracious to have new faces," remarks Cyril, surprising me. "Our spirits are dying. They are needed."

Xavier examines the leaders. "Younger spirits."

Tanner nods. "I am sick of old people dictating our lives. Take the full offence."

"Well, then. I'm Fawn, the Allmother of the Siaos."

Calina's brother raises his hand. "Dmitri. Drozdovs."

The elderly man in a wheelchair tries to smile. "William Freeman."

"Aurelio Acierno." Alessandro's older brother. He looks exactly like him. Tall, broad-shouldered, fair, blue eyes, dark hair. The sole exception is that Alessandro has a beard. Aurelio does not. As if he can read my thoughts, he smiles, and I cannot discern if it is benevolent.

Olive skin, fairly hooded-like eyes, upturned nose. Her head is a muss of tight ringlets, highlighted in light auburn strands that majestically contrasts with her reddish-brown hair. "Salome, the Allmother of the Quinteros."

"Kamari Prosper." The familiar face comforts me. "I am sure you remember my wife." His arm is around her. "Sade Prosper." The Prospers originated in Tanzania. "I take it you know Aarush Badami."

"Right, introductions are done," hastens Dmitri. "You should leave."

"I like it here."

Dmitri stares at me. Then, he laughs loudly. "You're right, Cyril. This one got a tongue."

"Lysan — Derek has a good spirit."

Tanner leans forward, interweaving his hands. "Can we cut to the chase?"

"Yes," agrees Salome. "How are the global situations?"

William looks at Aarush. "Sri Lanka is still a shithole. Have you not sorted it out?"

"It is one of the many problems," says Aarush. "I am delighted to point out that the Sri Lankan people have dealt with it well."

I mused, "Delighted? I thought you would have hated it."

"Why would we?"

"It seems to foreshadow future revolutions," I challenge. "The Sri Lankan people are still suffering. The economy completely collapsed."

"They have no fuel," adds Tanner, deliberately shooting a glance at Dmitri. "No petrol, nothing. They cannot afford to eat."

"I visited Sri Lanka last week," says Fawn. "There are people who brought luxury cars."