Today I wasn’t expecting to be snatched out of bed and forced into his car. It was cold and rainy out. My nerves trembled, but I kept my face blank. I knew if I showed any sign of weakness or fear, whatever my dad had in store for me would be worse.
“What is the main rule of the business?” he asked.
“Fear equals respect.”I repeated robotically.
“Get out.” He yanked his car door open. I hurried out of the car, looking around. We were in the middle of nowhere,surrounded by woods. In front of us was a large, industrial looking building. The smell of rain and pine filled my nostrils.
I followed my dad, attempting to hide the wince from my last beating.
When we stepped in the warehouse, I heard the faint sound of groaning. It was dimly lit and in the middle of the room was a bruised and bloody man tied to a chair. Plastic was under him. His head sagged forward.
Hearing the door slam shut caused the man to slowly lift his head, his eyes so swollen I could barely see the whites in them.
“This man not only owes an enormous debt, but he also tried to steal from me. You want to know the second rule of business, son?”
My eyes were still locked on the man, unable to move or speak. I had never seen a man beat near death before. I had heard the rumors about my dad, the whispers around the city when it came to the Navarro last name. Everyone knew the last name meant no good and equaled trouble. They also knew when you owed a debt you’d better pay or a life was the price.
I winced when he gripped the back of my neck tightly. His rough fingers sank into my skin.
“Are you ignoring me?”
“No,” I gritted.
“The second rule of business is the only thing worse than disrespect is betrayal. Betrayal equals instant death.”
He released me and walked to the man.
“Ple-please,” the guy struggled to get out.
My dad’s fist crashed into his face. “Get over here, son,” he demanded.
Blinking slowly, I did as he said. While I wasn’t sure what he wanted, I knew I didn’t want to be on his receiving end.
Going into the small of his back he pulled out a gun, cocked it, and held it out. I eyed it in confusion. “Take it.”
Keeping my eyes on the gun, I slowly reached for it. It was heavy and cold in my hand.
“Now, it’s time you learn the second rule of business. This man disrespected the family business so now he must pay.”
I stared at the metal in my hand.
“Kid, please,” the guy begged. Blood dripped from his mouth on the plastic. My blood rushed through my veins. Adrenaline pumped through my chest. This wasn’t the first time I’d held a gun. My father had been giving me shooting lessons since I was five.
Lifting my arm, I held it steady and aimed.
The man continued to beg.
“Now, Kairus. Pull the trigger and show him what happens to those who go against a Navarro.”
“No, no.” My finger pulled the trigger and the bullet went between his eyes, instantly dropping his head forward.
A dark chuckle left my dad’s mouth. “That’s my boy.” He patted my back. “I always knew you had it in you.”
I stared at the body, lifeless and dripping blood, waiting for remorse, fear, or sadness to fill me but I felt nothing but numbness. The ability to feel those emotions was long gone. My heart had darkened over the years.
I snapped back to reality, watching the lifeless body being rolled in the plastic. Instead of burning the body, it was being sent to his family as a warning.
The first time I took a life I was eleven and it was the first of many. Now killing was like breathing to me. There were times I hoped people didn’t pay their debt back just so I could end them. Growing up like I did caused a lot of rage inside me, killing became the perfect outlet for it.
