How Things Are

twenty-one

Joey talked to me more than anybody else here. I thought he was quiet but I should've realized it was because he was working with Teedo. Only when he works is he quiet. What kind of jobs does Lucas have him do to consider making sure I stay put and get do as I'm told isn't a job?
Ever since what happened with Drake, the men who come in and out seem to hate me less. I can't say the same goes for the women. I get glares at them when no one is looking. It doesn't bother me though. I fought for my freedom. The scars are proof enough. There were times Winwrey and I used to try to convince the slave women to run after we killed their masters, but most always stayed. So if they look at me like that, then that's on them.

My mind goes back to the conversation I had with Teedo and Joey. I can't help but think that I'll be tested as well to earn the armada sign. Lucas even said 'When you're strong enough I'll receive it', and it's not like he just hands those out. The only people who enter his home have it so I'm already getting special treatment. Every Mafia family way is different.
All Lucas men have a jagged scar on their left palms. It's carved with the same blade. Whoever tries to do it themselves has been killed. I've only heard these things however seeing their hands, it's hard not to believe.

I'm being educated about other Mafia families by Joey and their rivals. He doesn't give me much, just basic information so I don't say or do anything stupid. That's what he told everyone when we were talking on break. He said Triyad is Lucas's competition at the moment. Everyone stays in their territory though they have strengths. "If Lucas hadn't challenged his father and gained the respect he did, then they would have attacked by now," Joey explained.
My mouth was full as I listened to everyone explain. Some guy playing with a knife in the corner looks our way. "Yeah. The old boss was good but they thought he was too soft."
I wipe my cheek "So the Triyade is afraid of Lucas?"
"They don't fear" Joey explains "They gained his respect."
"How?" I gulped
The man holds his knife up. "Boss Lucas got rid of all the spies by himself."
Joey looks at me. "One by one, he tortured and killed them. Then shipped the bodies back to their families."
"The Triyade weren't angry with him!?" My voice rose a little too loud.
The guy against the wall laughed "They were Russian spies. Hired men from other gangs."
"If you're thinking Drake is one of them, don't. He was recognized by Lucas himself." Joey said before I could speak. "He may act like a snake but people don't change overnight."
"You're right. Sorry."
The guy with the knife steps forward "It's not like we're classy people. You'll run into more like him here... if you survive." Then he walks away.
I look at Joey. "What does that suppose to mean?"
He swallows the sandwich he stuffed in his mouth. "Well, you haven't received armada. If you live through that you'll meet the real angels of this Mafia." The sarcasm oozes from his mouth.
"So tell me about the Russians."
He laughs. "It's like I didn't even say anything to you."
I rest my elbow on the counter.
He takes a deep breath. "Where to start? Hmm. Well, they always try to sneak into both territories. Steal our stuff. Bunch of thieves." He looks at me
"I'm not Russian."
"I didn't say anything," Joey said
"But you were thinking it," I said, annoyed. "I'm just a good thief."
Joey sat up straight. "So it's true?"
Huh? "What's true?"
"That you stole a bunch of men's clothes and were a pimp for a while?"
I jumped in my seat "Wait, what?!"
"Carmen said you were seen slaughtering slave women's masters and taking them for yourself." I slid my hand down my face.
"First of all. Winwrey stole that ridiculous fur coat. Second. I only kill those who attack me." Those women could do whatever they wanted once their masters were dead. All me and Win did was kill them." I stated.
He looks disappointed "Hmm. That's a shame. The rumor sounds way better."
I rolled my eyes. "Who started them?"
He shrugs. "I'm guessing Carmen was exaggerating. He must have been mad it took so long to get his girl back."
"I think he hates me."
He starts making another sandwich "I don't know why. You protected his woman, even though she wants to leave." He mumbles but I hear it
"Winwrey wants to leave?" Crap. "Why?"
His face gets hard and serious. "You belong to the boss now. All you should care about is swinging your sword for him and doing whatever else he asks of you."
I almost bite my tongue. "Please Joey, I just want to know if she's OK"
Joey looks at me for a while. "No. I've been given orders. Now breaks over."
At that moment we both hear the front door slam. Great Lucas is back and he's in a bad mood. I glance at Joey then Lucas. Everyone reports what I do and say to him. If they won't, they're the ones who get in trouble. Joey points to the training room and I can tell he already realized something has happened.
"Stop." He says while taking off his jacket. "Explain the situation Joey"
We are both frozen.
"If I have to force it out of both of your throats, it wouldn't bother me."
His version of stress relief "I was explaining how things work around here, so she wouldn't act out, then the topic of her friend came up and well I was forced to raise my voice to get her back to work instead of discussing anything further."
As the old saying goes. 'He threw me under a bus.' Whatever that was.
Lucas looks at me. "Is this true? You continue to ask about your old life when it now belongs to me?"
He was so close and fear was overwhelming me. "I'm sorry. I just-"
He slaps me hard enough to fall on the ground. We all may be strong, but you never dodge something Lucas dishes out or it could be worse. "You just what? Think you can step out of line whenever you please?"
I shake my head no. I won't cry dang it! My nose was bleeding and I felt like a wimp.
He pulls me up by my hair. "You will remember that I can place you anywhere I please." He speaks "The next time you ask, I'll place you in one of my men's pleasure houses. Understood?"
I nod my head and he throws me down. I thought that would be it but this is Lucas. He didn't earn his reputation by showing mercy. He kicks me until I can't feel anything. Then when I think it's over I can feel me being flipped over. A piece of my clothes is being removed and I feel cold steel on my lower back. I begin to scream. He's carving something into me. Once he's finished I can feel my blood run down my back onto my hip. When I hear a door slam shut someone picks me up. Everything goes black.