BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY

CHAPTER 11: SHADOWS OF BETRAYAL

The aroma of spices filled the kitchen as Hakimi worked quietly, preparing dinner. He marinated the fresh meat, savoring the rare luxury of providing a rich meal for his family. A deep part of him resented the source of his newfound wealth, but seeing his children happy dulled the sting of his moral compromise.

He set the table, carefully arranging the dishes with precision. The dining room felt warm, almost cheerful, as he called out, "Dinner's ready!" he almost sang

Amira was the first to appear, her face lighting up as she saw the steaming plates of food. "Wow, Dad! Fresh meat again?"

Hakimi smiled, though his heart ached at the implication. "Yes, Amira. Eat up; you need your strength for school. And you need to maintain all that beauty" he grinned, showing almost all his teeth 

As the others joined them, the table buzzed with chatter. Khadija eagerly reached for the meat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This is amazing, Dad! You've been spoiling us lately."

"I just want you all to be happy," Hakimi replied, his voice soft but firm.

Amira chimed in, "I love how I get extra pocket money now. It feels so nice not having to worry about little things at school."

Hakimi's chest swelled with pride, even as a shadow of guilt passed over his face. "You all deserve it. Just focus on your studies and leave the rest to me. I only want you guys to have good grades, so you can get a good major. Just like your brother" he concludes as his gaze diverted to his son

Akashi, who had been quiet for most of the meal, finally spoke. "Thanks, Dad. Dinner's great." His tone was sincere but tinged with a weight Hakimi couldn't quite place.

As the meal wound down, Hakimi leaned back in his chair, watching his family laugh and share stories. For a moment, the world felt right.

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That night, the house was cloaked in silence as everyone retired to bed. Hakimi stood in the doorway of the girls' room, watching Khadija and Amira sleep peacefully. He then peeked into Akashi's room, noting his son's steady breathing.

Satisfied, Hakimi returned to his room and changed into his usual dark outfit-a black jacket and trousers that made him nearly invisible in the night. He grabbed his phone, checked the time, and stepped into the living room.

As he slipped out of the house, his phone buzzed. Tariq's voice came through the line, sharp and impatient.

[Where the hell are you at? We're waiting at the warehouse. Move faster.]

"I'm on my way," Hakimi replied, his tone controlled but weary.

[Alright, we're waiting] Riqqo said and hung up

Unbeknownst to Hakimi, Akashi had heard the faint creak of the door. The boy silently crawled out of bed, throwing on a hoodie and sneakers before sneaking out behind his father.

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As he approached, the warehouse loomed near the sea, its shadowy silhouette outlined by faint moonlight. Hakimi arrived to find Tariq and a group of men waiting. Their faces were tense, and the air buzzed with anticipation.

Tariq, ever the domineering figure, strode up to Hakimi. "About time. Look, I'm only here cause this is a special one. But firstly, we've got a problem," he hissed.

"What now?" Hakimi asked, his voice low.

"It's my business partner-Hassan al-Zubaidi. The rat's been diverting my shipments offshore. He's selling our goods to rich men in other countries while keeping me and my men in the dark."

Hakimi's jaw tightened. "And we're dealing with this now?"

Tariq nodded grimly. "They're loading the goods as we speak. We strike now, or we lose everything. Damnn! My coke, my goods. No wonder he was able to buy those luxurious houses by the island. Matter of fact, he looked at his brother. Yesterday, I heard he bought the island. My money, Riqqo began fake wailing. Nobody messes with what's mine. Glancing at his men he could see their irritated look. Alright...alright, let's move out"

The men moved swiftly, their footsteps muffled against the cold concrete. Akashi followed at a distance, careful to stay hidden. His heart pounded in his chest as he trailed his father into the chaos. He was surprised at where his stalking had led him. Suddenly, his mind betrayed him as he began regretting why he followed his Dad. 

They approached the docks, where Hassan's men were loading crates onto a massive ship. The air was filled with the hum of machinery and the clatter of cargo being moved.

Riqqo's men wasted no time. The first shot rang out, echoing across the water. Chaos erupted as both sides exchanged gunfire.

"Who the hell is that?" A voice shouted 

"Move out !" 

"Hand me my gun." Another voice was heard. Men shouted orders, crates splintered under stray bullets, and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air.

Hakimi ducked behind a stack of barrels, his pulse racing as he fired into the fray aimlessly. 

"By the docks. Shoot him!.Tariq was in his element, barking commands and taking down enemies with ruthless efficiency. Don't let that one escape!" 

Hassan himself emerged, flanked by heavily armed guards. He was a tall, imposing figure with sharp features and piercing eyes. "You dare attack me here?" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos.

"This is our shipment, Hassan! Tariq shouted back. You think you can steal from us and get away with it?"

Hassan laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "Your greed blinds you, Tariq. Business is about opportunity, and you were too slow to seize it."

"Stop spilling rubbish!" The fighting intensified as Tariq's men pressed forward. Hakimi found himself locked in a struggle with one of Hassan's guards, narrowly avoiding a knife aimed at his side.

Meanwhile, Akashi had crept closer, his curiosity and fear driving him forward. He crouched behind a stack of crates, using his palm to cover his ears, his breath shallow as he watched the scene unfold heart racing faster.

Blood spilled everywhere, bodies falling as the battle raged until Hassan's men began to falter. Realizing he was outmatched, Hassan raised his hands. "Enough! he shouted. Let's talk as business partners we are huh?."

Tariq approached, gun still in hand. "You're lucky I don't end this right now."

"Let's not be hasty, Hassan said, his tone oozing false charm. There's no need for more bloodshed. We can work this out."

As the two men argued, a faint rustling sound drew their attention. A carton tipped over, clattering loudly to the ground.

All eyes turned to the source of the noise. Akashi stood frozen, his cover blown.

"What the hell is this?" Tariq snarled, his fury palpable.

Hakimi's heart sank as he stepped forward gun still in his hand. "Akashi? what are you doing here?"

"I-I..." Akashi stammered, then straightened his posture. I followed you, Dad. I had to see what you were really doing. I'm sorry as I've caused you trouble."

Tariq's face twisted with disgust. "You brought a child here? Are you insane, Hakimi?"

"I didn't know he was following me," Hakimi protested, his voice tight with desperation.

Akashi's gaze hardened as he turned to most hated uncle Tariq. "You're all criminals. This ends now. I'll call the cops if you don't back off and leave my dad alone."

The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air. Tariq stepped closer, his expression menacing. "You dare threaten me, boy?"

Hakimi stepped between them, his hand raised in a placating gesture. "Tariq, he's just a kid. Let him go."

Tariq sneered. "A kid who's humiliated me in front of my men. You've let your family become a liability, Hakimi. Sort this out, or don't bother coming back."

Hakimi felt a cold knot of dread in his stomach as Tariq turned and stalked away. Stopping in midway..."Hassan, why don't we talk about this tomorrow. I'm short-tempered, any more trigger I might end up blowing you brains off." He concluded in a cold voice. The men began to disperse, their mission abandoned.

Hakimi grabbed Akashi's arm, his grip firm but not harsh. "We need to talk," he said, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear.

As father and son walked away from the warehouse, the weight of their choices pressed heavily on them both.