Torn in two

Chapter 27

I blinked several times before i dared ask any questions. Letting this newfound information process within me. But like a stone clunking in a body of water, the information settled heavy in the pit of my stomach.
"So, just for confirmation, both you and Zak are the good guys?" I tilt my head, studying my brother.
"I suppose if that's how you want to look at it, yes we are the good guys," his brows furrow and I watch as his eyes dim, heading towards a dark place.
I pull him out of the memory that was eating him alive like he described.
"So educate me, how are you already leading Miami's Mexican Cartel?" I genuinely wanted to know how he was already so high in rank.
"Genaro," he simply states.
"Your godfather?"
"Yes. Papa was always close with him," he replies blandly, making me fish for more.
I remember Genaro coming around every holiday when we were younger. He would always bring me a giant stuffed animal and give them best hugs.
But he stopped coming around once Papa was out of the service. I never asked why.
"Wait, isn't he incarcerated?" Genaro was sent to jail before our parents passing. He was arrested after his boat was confiscated with as much coke to feed every Floridian.
"He contacts me and then I send the orders. He chose me as his second after what he saw I accomplished but also because we're family," he picks at an imaginary thread on his shorts.
I guess a leader of a mafia would have connections on the outside still.
"What rank is Zak?" I pushed.
Greg chuckles and eyes me warily.
"You sound so angry at him," he says sarcastically.
The hardness on my face doesn't crack as I stare at my brother.
"Third," he rolls his eyes.
And finally offers more information without me prying, "and before you ask, yes we are playing a very dangerous game being that high of rank, and no I don't have a say. Rank can fluctuate in a blink of an eye," he stares out into the darkening sea.
"What can change it?"
"If someone unexpectedly dies or it's revealed they're a mole," he shrugs, as if unfazed.
I suppose he's had a lot of time to simmer with this information.
"You really are in a tough spot," I lay back on the sand, letting out a huff of air.
The sky above was no longer filled with light. We were here longer than I thought.
The shades of red and oranges were dancing on the purple of the sea. It really was breathtaking.
This was the sunset Zak wanted to show me. And he deserved to give me an explanation but also for me to listen, fully listen his side.
I heard my brother also let out air beside me.
Both of us drowning in our messes.
"I know," Greg whispered, finally replying to my statement.
And at least we were together.