WE HAD HELP Caleb took a cab to go home. As they were driving past the Fountain Arena, he sighted the same black Toyota Corolla that once trailed him from the venue where he was meeting with his men to FanFood Eatery parked outside. It belonged to Hart El-Zaki. Then he noticed two other expensive cars: a Rolls-Royce and a Lincoln Navigator also parked outside. He ordered the cab driver to slow down and pull over."Sir, this place is only reserved for the high and mighty in the society," he said to Caleb, apparently judging him from his casual appearance. "You will not be permitted inside.""I know," replied Caleb. "Just do as I say."The driver shrugged and gave him a resigned look as he turned off the ignition.Caleb got out and made his way inside. The cab driver was watching through the barbed wire that served as a fence, patiently waiting to see him thrown out so he will have a good laugh. But to his greatest surprise, he saw the security guards bowing their heads as he entere
HOW DID IT HAPPEN?At the station, the crowd of people gathering outside wouldn't let the cab driver find his way to the entrance. Caleb was forced to come down and pay him off so he could call Officer Martins to come out and escort him inside. He wasn't allowed access even when he showed his I. D to the security at the gate. On a normal day, he might have been furious but today he had already played his card well and that silently put him in a good mood. Caleb was escorted to the office of Deputy Inspector John by Officer Martins. The man was already waiting for him alongside Officer Ethan who still appeared visibly shaken from the whole incident. "We asked you to come to the station because we have a few things that we need clarification about," the D. I. P began. "Because from the news report and also the account of a few witnesses at the scene, the military helicopter that blew the black Hilux took off as soon as the deed was done. Meaning that it wasn't on a rescue mission per
THE TENSION BUILDS UP Miguel El-Zaki stirred and opened his eyes in the hospital to the sound coming from the television. It was the chaotic scene at the police station being aired live. "What the hell is going on!" he muttered to himself when he saw people screaming and throwing items while some carrying placards were ranting as though demanding something he didn't exactly hear. Then he saw someone familiar pushing their way to the front to address the crowd. It was Caleb Dezani. He sat up on the bed. "What is he doing?" "They are protesting because a military helicopter burnt down a rich man's vehicle!" Bella supplied the answer. El-Zaki hadn't noticed his stepdaughter was also in the room. She was knitting something and sitting in her wheelchair. It was the least she could do to keep herself busy since she couldn't bring her laptop to practice her coding. "What rich man?" he snapped at her.The poor girl shrugged. "They say he's one of you.""One of..." his voice trailed of
CLOSER TO THE TRUTH Caleb was expecting a call from Mr Lujan but he didn't. Instead, it was the one called Adelio Amos that reached out to him.He sounded relaxed and calm as if he was one of his men but Caleb didn't let that fool him one bit. Of course, he knew Mr Amos had seen the news and read what people were saying on social media. A lot were against him. "Mr Amos, to what do I owe this pleasant surprise." He too was acting calm as if he didn't just go in front of the whole world to challenge them. "I'm surprised you seem calm and unperturbed despite what you've been through. That's one of the attributes of a true leader," he said, his tone still as relaxed as ever. "Were you expecting a different reaction? And how do you know what I've been through, if I may ask?" The man was silent. He had given himself away by that singular comment. He needed to choose his next words carefully now. "Common, Mr Dezani, let's not pretend like we're children here. You and I know that not ma
OVER MY DEAD BODYThe following morning, Caleb had scheduled the meeting with his men to take place as early as 7:45 am. It was a calculated plan to inconvenience Mr Adelio Amos knowing fully well he might not be up for it because someone within his faction had intimated him that Mr Amos was hosting the launching of his new car business the same day. As soon as he posted the update on the group, he turned off his data - which was around 5:00 am. He was making his way to Fountain Arena alongside Abhi who was driving while Officer Martins and Ethan sat behind. The other four officers were yet to recover so he didn't bother hiring more men. Then he saw people gathering in front of a guest house which is the next street before the venue. "Slow down, Abhi," Caleb said to his friend, "I want to find out what's going on there." Abhi slowed down. When they got closer, he wound down the side window. The people gathering around were discussing in hushed tones. "What is the issue?" he aske
TEST OF WILLS"You don't have much of a choice," Mr Amos sneered at El-Zaki. "I have control of the media as well as the loyalty of a good number of our members. They will do as I say.""Are you threatening me Adelio? Remember that I still have a lot of influence whether I'm the number one don or outgoing don."Mr Amos let out a burst of sarcastic laughter that echoed throughout the entire hospital room. "If that is the case, why didn't I see your security guards at the door trying to stop me?"The man stood up and walked over to the foot of the bed so he'd have a better look at El-Zaki. "Caleb Dezani had only recently beaten up two of your men and locked them up. The assistant head of police already gave him security escorts and pledged his loyalty to the new don."El-Zaki raised his head in shock."Oh ho!" Mr Amos smirked. "See? You don't even have adequate information about the goings-on in your household. Is that the characteristics of a man who intends to wrest power from a full-
I WANT HIM BACK Two days after the incident, Caleb's phone wouldn't stop buzzing at every minute. People were calling from different countries to congratulate him. His uncle, Mr Tomas, said he was going to pay him a courtesy visit from Madrid in a couple of days.It was going to be a big family get-together - one his grandfather said had not happened since his parents' death. And Caleb was desperately looking forward to it. Then out of nowhere, a strange number began to call him. When he saw it, he noticed it wasn't the local line. He looked closely at the country code, it was from Mumbai. "Do I have any M75 from Mumbai?" he muttered and decided to go through the names on the list that was given to him. There was no member's name indicated to be from Mumbai. He sighed and picked up the phone. "Hello, Don!" the voice said. It was feminine and strangely familiar. Caleb switched on his True Caller app to check the caller's detail. It registered as Liliana Jonas. What a surprise tha
BEYOND REACHCaleb wasn't sure he heard Mia right. Did she want him? Just like that? Why? And more importantly, why now?He didn't say anything. "Are you there?" she asked. "Please don't say no. Grant me this one request, if not for anything, for our past friendship."He scoffed. "Past friendship? Were we ever friends, Mia? Did I cut the mark to be considered a friend by you? Was there a time you made me feel loved or welcome in your life?" His tone kept rising with each question so much that he choked."I know how this may sound, alright. But I desperately need to talk to someone before I lose my mind.""In that case, let me get you the psychiatrist who works at the hospital you're admitted in. He's a good listener and counsellor."The dint of sarcasm could not be missed in Caleb's tone."Come on, Caleb. I know you're enjoying this. Yes, I admit that I'm miserable - if that will make you change your mind."Caleb heard the sound of the door opening and closing. "I have to go now," Mi