Stuck Between Two Worlds

I. First Step

Emiria's POV

The alleyway of my neighborhood had never been this silent, though at such a late hour, one would have to think twice before getting out. Frightweek was not taken lightly by people, at least not those playing, and by playing, it means dealing, because only a fool would not take advantage of the chaos.

Frightweek, also known as a corruption week at my Father's work, was the one week of the year where the mafia thrived in dealings. Their yearly plan was simple, create as much chaos everywhere to mess with the authorities, enough chaos to scare the citizens, leaving them getting less exposition, and with that, focusing on their increasing empire.

As I made my way home, I made sure to change my path several times before getting there, making it take longer, but also making sure to confuse anyone following. The lights were on, meaning Father was still up, which was no longer odd now that fright week was a day away. Preparations were pending, cautioning the citizens not to go out late at night, not to trust any friendly strangers... All the talk he gave me before moving out for college this year, but still, people listened, enforcements were splattered every here and there to make sure of the people's safety, and strategies were made up every second to overthrow the mafia's empire and plans. 

Multiple voices made their way to my ears as I quietly got inside, I peeked through the doorframe, three men stood before the chimney in the living room: my father and his colleagues, "We can't let them get away with this anymore, we must find a way" my father's voice sounded tired although I knew he tried to conceal it. "They must be playing some sort of game," one of the men responded, "There is not a single trace of their abnormal activities. Either they were messing with us already, or they're planning something worse than anything we've ever seen", Father rubbed his temples and sighted "Every undercover team we've sent has come with no valuable information, and their usual activities in the north have been diminished". "You both are bothering yourselves with the wrong information, we should be focusing on how and where they will transport the merchandise!" The other one whisper shouted. My father cocked his head, scheming, I had come to notice that about his plans. But then he just shook his head in denial, "We could send another agent, undercover, but I fear we don't have any time anymore". 

They continued to give hypotheses about their next moves, I saw them encouraging themselves with false hopes. It was clear, all they could do was warn, increase security, and wait until something happens. 

When they left, I approached my father. "Why wouldn't you let me help for once", he sat on the couch and looked at me with very tired eyes from a certain lack of sleep, "it's just too dangerous Emiria" even his voice sounded exhausted, but I know I can help. "Everything is, dad! I can't let you work yourself out like this knowing I can help with something!", he got up and put a hand on my shoulder, "I'm fine, don't get into any of this, it's not safe". I waited for his footsteps to falter before I went to his office, I knew it was dangerous, but so was everything in the past months...

to be continued