Too Bad, So Sad.

chapter ten: Loyalty

I sat in a leather chair around a long wooden table that had several empty spots. I was alone in the room waiting for Salem. She had stepped out to arrange exactly what the meeting's contents would be. The emptiness of the room made me uneasy. I kept seeing Trion Greece holding a gun to Salem's head, cemented in my memory how unconcerned Salem was, the threat that loomed over both Eden and Trion's heads. Sooner or later they'd retaliate but Salem is the head of the organization, how successful would TG and Eden really be? They'd struggle, really struggle, but they'd find a way to make a lasting blow, that's who they are-Auntie Koi is just like them. Trion and Eden remind me of Auntie Koi to the point my hatred for them is multiplied because of the similarities and because they are deplorable in their own right. The meeting room reminds me of my Auntie Koi as well, she's literally everywhere, the bleakness of the room sends me back to when I'd stand in the doorway of her room, she'd sit at the edge of her bed heartbroken-the sight gave me goosebumps, the fear of Auntie Koi lashing out nauseated me, seeing her like that gave me chills, made me hate my mother and father more for leaving me in her care. To my misfortune Eden and Trion Greece are indescribably worse than her but I have Salem and Salem has me, I feel scared but I don't feel powerless.

Salem finally opened the door, motioning a group of people to be seated. Salem sat beside me observing everyone's apathy with solemn wonder. I noticed no one I had been introduced to was present in the meeting room. Viola, Gil, and Syria weren't here. I tilted my head pensively.

Salem silenced the whispers by clapping her hands. "Thursday, Jenz, and Iven are dead." Salem announced bluntly.

A boy spoke up, a boy who looked similar to Salem. Her step-brother. "As a result of their deaths I assume that means Denver has been informed about our whereabouts and plans?"

Salem grinned "No Fawn he has no clue. I got rid of them before they could open their mouths." Salem scanned the room. "Listen, I need Lennon and Jackie to gather information on Malcolm's whereabouts. I'm convinced he'll become a snitch sooner or later. I'll have Woe deal with Ranger and Tony." Salem faced me mouthing the words I'll explain who they are later I smiled noting everything down in my brain for later.

"Ms.Greece may I add something to the discussion?" A girl with bright red hair timidly asked.

"Of course Heaven go ahead." Salem permitted.

"I'm wondering if we could tail Denver's assistant Win to see if he'd crack under my manipulative tactics?"

Salem smiled proudly, "I'd like that Heaven but I order you to take Lance with you for an extra set of hands. Win is a little more aggressive than Tom was. Not just yet though, gather more information on him."

"Understood! Thank you Ms.Greece!" Heaven thanked the giddiness displayed in her tone.

"You're doing a fantastic job Heaven." Salem complimented. "Now, I want to introduce you all to my bodyguard and partner Honey Sie. She'll be trained by Harleen; she's already been notified. I want you all to swear to me that you'll respect her and if I see any bullshit I'll kill you without a second thought. No one attempts to stab me in the back and lives to tell the tale, we're all aware of this, yes?" Salem arched her brow inspecting everyone's reaction, she didn't have anything to worry about the people here adored her and have sworn to be by her side loyally. They all bowed their heads in respect, a sign that they understand and will do as she says. These people were all older than her excluding Heaven and Fawn. It fascinated me that all these young adults and adults would willingly listen to a child. The respect and loyalty is bewildering to say the least. Salem stood up motioning for everyone to leave in a single file line. Automatically everyone got into formation walking out one by one bowing their heads to Salem as they left the meeting room.