How Things Are

fifty four

So here we are. Nowhere. This is the kind of place you take people to disappear and Lucas expects us to find someone.

These are the moments I realize Lucas doesn't own the world like it always seems. The tension his men are giving is reason enough to be cautious of being here. They're circling Lucas, arms on their weapons.
They weren't even close to this cautious with those has-been officers when we first started traveling. I remain stiff and observe everyone as we walk in the foggy wastelands. I wonder if it's always this foggy or if it's just ironic due to the spike in fear.

Some houses looked like they'd been randomly placed on large sets of land. Some were well-built, others looked like they were falling apart. It was like one of Simon's horror stories came to life, where kids would get in a van and drive to the middle of nowhere to find ghosts. He stopped telling me that story because I stole someone's dog to train it to talk. It never worked but maybe these collectors were successful in training the toxic creatures they've hunted over the years.

I was lost in my thoughts I didn't realize Joey trying to get my attention. He nearly shoved me into Horsy, before I caught my balance.

"What?"

He pointed ahead of us and I saw a large castle. Yup. Just like the spooky stories. I wasn't the only one who was gripping their weapons for support just to move forward.

"All that is missing is a bridge and a mote."

Joey chuckles "You think they sleep in coffins?"

"I think they can hear you, so you should remain silent," Tito warns us both.

We walk further up when I notice the security cameras. Yeah, they are definitely listening. I receive a promising glare from Lucas.

Before Lucas gets a chance to knock security comes out, well hidden in the untame garden. Only a few of Lucas's men haven't noticed they were hiding. I'm guessing Lucas pretending to be oblivious was because he didn't want to cause any necessary trouble so didn't order us to do anything.

They approached like we were wild animals, with smirks on their faces, ready to kill their dinner. This was no gang. These were a new level of crazy.

Lucas still went for the door handle and knocked.

"And who might you be?" One of the crazies asked Lucas

Lucas didn't answer. He just looked irritated as he waited for someone to answer the door.

"He asked you a question." Another crazy raised his voice towards Lucas.

Some of his men were interested in their shoes all of a sudden. While others looked like they were on a caffeine high, bouncing on their toes, waiting for orders. Honestly, I was too. My eyes were dodging between everyone's reactions just to get a good idea of what to do. It seemed others were even more irritated than Lucas for speaking to him so disrespectfully.

They weren't used to Lucas having little power with consequences for their actions. This was new and they were in panic mode. I began to relax and enjoy it while I could.

Soon someone came to the door with a whole different smile on their face.

"I was told to be expecting a visitor. I just didn't think it would be you." His smile grew bigger. More sinister

"Yes. Well did he sell you what belongs to me or shall I be on my way?" Lucas bluntly spoke.

The man's smile wavered for a moment before he opened the door. "Derek sold your slave to me a few days ago. Said she ran?"

"She was given false hope of freedom." Lucas then glared at me, causing me to also observe my shoes.

"Whatever reason, it was foolish of him to steal from you in your territory. I assume there will be consequences?" The man asked

"My actions from here on out are no concern of yours."

"On the contrary, he got me and my... business involved. I'd like to know if my company will suffer." He used his words wisely for the cruel and twisted things they do.

Lucas let out a heavy sigh and pinched his nose, trying to get rid of a upcoming migraine. "I don't know whether you intend to assist Derek or observe the caos that I intend to bestow upon him." A slave woman comes with a drink and sandwiches for everyone. We all take a seat. "Whatever you choose to do it none of my concern, sharing what I do would be foolish."

The man leaned back in his seat. "What if I told you I wanted something he has?"

Lucas' eyes go dark, "And what would that be." We all stop mid chew.

The man smiles "His territory of course."

"I can't give you territory. Since the beginning, everyone has earned their own place."

"You are Dragon Mafia Don. You can name me his territory after you destroy whatever he has. His men left alive will work for me." He said so reassuring

"But you wouldn't have their loyalty. Or the trust of the gangs around you." Lucas warns him "Your business is no secret. You'll have to sleep with one eye open."

The Collector smiles wide "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Lucas sighs again "You have a castle to hide your dirty secrets. I don't understand why you want his trashy territory." Lucas shakes his head in disgust. "Infested with street rats."

That made me flinch. I'm sure he knew I lived there with Simon. It's like he rubbed salt in my wund.

Tito looked at me with sympathy. As much as I hate it at least he doesn't feel that way.

"I may have a castle but it's in the middle of nowhere. These lands has its perks." He gives a shady smile, "but I can work more with Derek's territory then you think."

"And what will you do with this place?" Lucas gestures to the air around us.

"I'll leave someone I trust behind. What I do is my business."

Lucas pauses, finishing his drink. "We'll write a contract." He glares. "When you're in that territory it's my laws. What you do here is your business. That's the way things always have been, always will be."

"The Collectors nostrils flare "Fine. Makes since. New place. New rules." His men look agitated.

Lucas leans back "You'll also assist on collecting Derek. It is what you do after all." The Collector begins to grit his teeth "You need to gain the respect of the men and citizens in the territory You'll be controlling. It's the only way to begin as a leader."

The Collector nods "Very well." He begins to relax "if that's all, there's extra rooms for you to stay in. I'll bring the slave you lost after you get me my territory."