How Things Are

forty

As predicted, we didn't stop. Lucas pushed us until the sun rose. Our legs were wobbly and our feet were bleeding but no one complained. There were a couple who fell a few times but he didn't even look back to see if they were still alive. That's Mafia for you. You're strong or you're dead.

A few were dragging further behind but whatever was making Lucas angry made us shut our mouths and turn the other way. The little sympathy we felt for them was buried by the glares I counted. Everyone's mouths were dry, we were sweaty. The men took their shirts off at this point. The only ones who looked like they weren't dying were Lucas Joey and Teeto. Every inside comment I said about them not being able to survive I now regret. Out of the twelve of us, they made Death Road look like a morning workout.

The cars that began to pass, some of the men looked desperately while the rest of us just took in the breeze it gave us. In a way, it was like Lucas was taking this opportunity to train his men. Some heartless survival training from your beloved boss.

It had to have been mid-day by the time Lucas stopped us for a break. Everyone, including me, sat down with a heavy sigh and continued to catch our breath. I may be good with my katana but I'm no Mafia bada$$. If Lucas didn't make me stay by him I'd probably be one of the guys who were still catching up.

I got into my makeshift backpack and grabbed a snack. I'd have to stuff it down on account of how dry my mouth was. Carrying on with an empty stomach would be no good. I need energy. We were closer to the end than I realized when I finished with my crackers. I could hear another group coming our way with more energy.

Lucas was talking with Teeto and a few other guys about something. I tried to listen but my ears were ringing. The guys separated and then sat down along the side of the road. Teeto sat next to me and I handed him some chips that were in my bag. The last snack. Since we're close, why not share?

We sat in silence for a bit while he ate the chips. It was awkward, even if it was Teedo. There was something on his mind but who was I to make him talk?

"Do you know anything about the next city?" He finally asks

"A few things," I say.

He sighs heavily "Well what do you know?" Teedo pushes

"I never caught the city's name," I look over at him to see if he gives me anything "but it was too creepy for me to stay and find out."

"What makes you think it was creepy?" Lucas cuts in.

I lick my lips "Well, they don't act like the rest of the world does."

"Explain." Lucas gives his all-mighty order.

I internally roll my eyes "Everyone is too welcoming. I don't think they have a gang there." I scratch the back of my head trying to make them understand "If they do, they're hidden behind the neighborhood festivals and yard sales."

"What the f@$k is a yard sale?" Joey asks.

I ignore him. He's been ignoring me so why not? "I was there for a few weeks. They try to make people feel comfortable but they have these late-night meetings to keep the neighborhood safe."

"How'd you find out about this?" Teedo crossed his arms.

"No matter how low I kept my head, they still were in my face trying to be friendly," I shivered "so I spied on them."

"What did you find?" Lucas asked

"I followed the mayor. The meeting  was at his house." I looked at my hands and then back to them. "He was the most persistent in giving me a place to stay until I was ready to leave."

"And?" Teedo pushed

"Why do all the weird stuff happen in the basement?" I mumbled

"What?" Teedo asks

"Nothing." I sigh. "I peeked through his basement window and he had three gang members all tied up. When the meeting started, they began burning off their tattoos."

There was silence for a moment "And then what?" Lucas finally asked

"I got the heck outta there." I looked at everyone. " I'll say this as many times as I have to, I'm no hero." I state "I didn't stay to find out what happened to them."

I got up and walked away from them. I could see the judgment already. This world isn't for heroes. It's for survivors. Joey out of everyone came and sat by me. "This is Mafia. No one is a hero here."

My eyes begin to fog, but I blink it away. "Then what are Mafia?"

Joey smirks "Businessmen" he pats my shoulder. "We get things done."

I look at my hands again "So I should have gotten something done?"

"Don't feel guilty for something  you had no power to control." I looked at him "Now you are in control, and have the power to do something."

"What are you talking about?" Joey touches my tattoo on the back of my neck.

"You are Mafia now. And your story made Lucas angry." Joey had a big smile on his face. Lucas wants revenge. As if we didn't have Derek to go after. Now a no name city.