SEVEN: Cursed Souls

CHAPTER 13: AVARICE OF THE DISCONTENTED EYES(GREED)

"We had an agreement, right? 50%! What on earth is this?! Fifty thousand Pesos? You are literally giving me loose change." Arthuro slapped the man in front of him.

"Sir, we are bankrupted already. The business is about to close soon. We are really sorry," the man begged.

Arthuro smirked. "We are good business partners," he said calmly. "How about I lend you more money? So that you could save your business," he added.

This is how he tricks them, he first lends money but the terms are always suspicious. He also chooses those people who owns businesses that could get bankrupt if not managed well. He lends more money once they get on the verge of bankruptcy and then be partners, soon he raises his share of the profits until he gets full ownership of the business.

It's a complete trash but he has a lot of trick behind his sleeves. Those people that he knows he cannot trick are dealt by his wife, she secretly comes in terms with them. They are not just greedy, they are treacherous. They have a lot of ways. Miranda helps those rivals of the businesses of the people that Arthuro stokeholds or partners with, so that the businesses Miranda helps would prosper while those under Arthuro gets on the verge. Once on the verge, Arthuro can now con them.

Later that day.

"Arthuro! This isn't the bag I asked for. This is cheap!" Miranda said, throwing a luxurious bag.

"My Queen," he hugged her " I am sorry! They might've bought the wrong one," he calms her down.

"OKAY! Then fire the person who bought this! Such nuisance!"

"Of course. Calm down already."

Hope got home and saw the scenario. "Mom, Dad, what is happening?"

"Our future Doctor! It's nothing, Hope. How was your day, Doc?!" Arthuro asked.

"It's okay, Pa." Hope looked at her irritated mother. "Ma, are you okay?"

"Definitely not! After seeing what you are wearing? HOPE, HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU NOT TO DRESS LIKE THAT!?"

"Miranda! If she wants to be simple, let her be."

"You are spoiling her again! What will my friends think? They mocked me the last time they saw her!" She heaved a sigh then went away. Arthuro followed.

Hope dresses simple but Miranda wants her to wear luxurious and branded clothes because her friends would tease her when they see Hope.

July 26, 2018: Death day.

Arthuro and his friend met in their house to settle some things. It is the same friend that he talked with during his party.

"You can't pay me right now? You can't give me anything? Why?" Arthuro asked out of confusion, his friend couldn't pay his debt.

"Arthuro, we've been good friends for long. Can you spare me some time. I had a problem."

"Yes, we've been very good friends," Arthuro smirked, he looked straight at his friend then looked sideways. "That's why I will give you time. But of course, you have to give me something in return."

"And that is?" the man asked.

Arthuro stood up and started walking, shaking the glass of wine he is holding. "I've been a very good friend for giving you a low debt interest. Let's keep it that way but from semiannually, it would now be added quarterly! I think it is just fair so that you'll find a way to pay me. You owe me a lot."

"Arthuro, you're funny! I can't agree to that!"

Arthuro walked near the man. "You must!" His goons points their gun at the man.

"Chill, okay! I will, let's settle it."

"Good, my friend."

Ryder

"He tricked his own friend? For money?"

"Yes, Ryder! The same reason he'll die today--"he paused, "That's enough for you to know. You've been training under Assassin and I think that it is just right if he assist you with your mission today. He is already waiting outside, get the envelope and dress up already," Anonymous said.

I will go at this instance? It's Assassin that will assist me? I don't know how those people will die, nor how I could tell James. But why does it feel good that it is helpless to save them?

***

Where am I? It's dark. What happened?

"It's good that he'll die right? Better if he dies with his wife," a familiar voice.

It's him. Did I pass out? Is Puppeteer trying to manipulate me again?

"Certainly not!"

How did he know what I am thinking?

"I am you, Ryder! Of course I know what you are thinking."

He got close, held me by the neck and smirked. From emanating red light before, now he casts dark smoke. He seems--

***

"Seer! Wake up!" Assassin said. He has a very masculine voice, it's also deep but sounds normal, not like Anonymous who sounds eerie.

He sure saved me there. But who dressed me? Maybe it was Anonymous.

"What happened to you? Anonymous told me you passed out but he had to go so he left you here."

"Oh. Maybe I haven't slept well. Assassin, you don't have plans to kill me, right?"

He laughed. "Of course not! I will lose my position if I do that. You asked out of nowhere, why?"

"Nothing. Sorry, I'm just afraid that you'll do something to me. I'm sorry," I answered.

He laughed again. "Seer, I certainly am not your ally but I would never kill you! Get up and let's prepare this envelope. You have to put this letter in front of their house. We are testing what you learned from me and Anonymous. They have high security and you'll get caught if you do the wrong move. For the envelope, I have put it into another envelope. He won't open an envelope showing 'Sin of Greed' right on his face, would he? Now, what's your plan? How will you be able to deliver these letters?"

"Do you have an outfit for a delivery guy?"

"So that's your plan!? Let me get some for you--"

"Wait! Only you and me could go, right?" I asked. I know that they will not let lower members get a glimpse of the face of the superiors, he'll surely not let his members go with us.

"Yes, it will be up to you. I'll still come, of course. What if you plan to escape?"

We then agreed that I'll disguise as a delivery guy but I had to wear a mask, people outside also cannot see my face. They'll only get a glimpse of my eye, I guess. I have to follow their rules because if they discover that I let someone outside know I am alive then they'll surely kill my loved ones.

"Death to sinners!" said the members outside, with their arms crossed at chest level.

Assassin also crossed his arms then he bowed a little. "Death to sinners!" he said then the members also bowed then put their arms back to their side.

They are called X, the members under Assassin. Behind Assassin's and their gloves were two knives forming an X, the symbol of their group.

"Your assignment today is to only help me and Seer get in to the subdivision. After that, relay to Techno to get ready, he has to delete CCTV footages," Assassin commanded.

We then went out and outside the lair was Hunter. I gazed at him and nodded slightly, I hope he follows us.

SIN OF GREED