6

But he prefer being called East. That is because he would always head towards the east side of the streets to hide whenever the cops were after him. They never looked for him there because the east was a set apart area at that time. No one dared to go their. Not even the police. Everyone was scared about that place.

The east part of Alberto street.

A dark mystery was behind that place.

But East went there one day because he had no choice. He couldn't afford getting caught by the police.

Another day again, he went there.

Then another.

And another.

Till he made the place his secret liar.

He loved the place. I guess the place loved him too cause all the things we believe to happen to anyone that goes there, never happened to him.

We have heard rumours about people that died or was struck with sickness after going there.

But nothing happened to East.

He named himself East.

He hated the name, Alessandro.

Mainly because it was our mother that named him.

He hates her so much.

Way more that Iris and I do.

Since that day she left till now, we haven't heard from her.

Except for months ago, Iris told us that someone called her, calming she is her mother.

East was furious. He had to change Iris line totally.

He doesn't want her anywhere near us.

He would kill her if she dare appear in front of us.

It's better she doesn't.

Cause I will not stop him from killing her.

***********************************

I walk into the mansion and straight towards East office. I knock on the door before going in.

He is leaning on his seat smoking his big brown cigar.

"East"

"Seth. How was it?" He is asking after the operation at the zenith brothers'.

"Done."

He raise a brow at me.

I heaved a sigh as I take a seat. "You can ask Diego if you want"

"I will surely do that" he said as he sip his glass of red wine.

"I need to speak to you about something"

"Okay" he said without looking at me.

"The girl you left in the cage"

He shrug "What about her?"

"It's been two days"

"It hasn't been two years yet Seth, chill"

I scoffed. "Don't tell me you intend to keep her there for long"

"No. After her boyfriend pays me, both of them will be dead even before that two years" he said as he pop out smoke.

"East listen...."

"Seth Seth. You are beginning to annoy me again with this human sympathy of yours" he said calmly as he stir on his seat.

"East that poor girl has done nothing to us"

"Poor girl?" he mutters chuckling.

I heaved a sigh.

"You seem to have forgotten how much her bastard boyfriend owes me"

"I haven't. But locking her up isn't the best. I suggest we make good use of her."

"Really? What type of use?"

"She could work as a maid or something" I suggested.

He scoffed. "That's not happening. She will remain in that cage till that fucker pay me back my money"

I heaved a sigh. He can be a fucking hard nut to crack.

"How would you feel if it was Iris that was locked up like that East?"

He glared at me.

I raise a brow at him.

"Don't you dare" he snarled.

"I am not saying you should release her and let her go. I am saying you should make her work for us. At least till that bastard pays up"

He kept glaring at me.

"She isn't useful to us in that cage"

He let out a sigh. "And what makes you think she and her boyfriend are not in this together?"

I scoffed "Have you seen her?"

He raise a brow at me.

"She looks fucking innocent. I doubt she is involve in this"

He scoffed. "Your doubts is the last thing I need Seth"

"You and I know that my instincts are always right. That girl is innocent and might not know anything her boyfriend does. Just let her work for us"

He looked at me for a moment before pressing his call button.

"Lisa come to my office"

"Yes boss" A female voice said through the phone.

"I just hope your fucking instincts doesn't fuck up Seth"

I nod no.

He look away from me.

Not long a knock came on the door.

"Enter" East said.

"You called boss" Lisa, one of the female guards and head of welfare workers said. She is on her usual black leather jump suit uniform and never cease to bring down her straight serious face. 

"Bring that bitch here"

"Yes sir" she walked out of the office.

"Have you spoken to Iris today?" He asked me.

"No. Didn't she say she is coming back today?" I asked.

He scoffed. "You haven't spoken to your sister and you are here worrying about some stranger"

I heave a sigh. "I will call her later okay?"

"Yeah right"

The door opened and I hear little sobs, making me turn. 

She is still crying since then?

Her hair is a bit messy and covering her face. Her dog is clinging beside her and Lisa is gripping her arm.

She locked eyes with mine but quickly looked down.

She must be very scared.

She is practically shuddering.

East signaled to Lisa with his fingers to bring her closer which she did. 

"What is your name?" East asked.

She doesn't look up. "C...Cora" she stuttered.

"How old are you?" He asked. 

"Ni...nineteen"

He scoffed. "Nineteen" he muttered mockingly.

I looked at him. He raise his brow at me. I look back at Cora.

"What can you do with your hands Cora?" I asked.

She looked up a bit before looking down again. "I....I c...can cook"

Hmm wow. "Really? Very well?"

She nods.

"Then Lucia can use an assistant" I said.

"You fucking kidding me Seth? You want me to allow her make food for us? Are you fucking insane?"

I heaved a sigh "East..."

"What happened to working as a maid?"

"I believe we have enough maids at hand sir" Lisa said.

"See? Lisa is the head of welfare workers you know. No maid vacancy."

East clenched his jaw, glaring at me.

"Come on bro, she will just assist Lucia."

"You of all people know that I eat no other food but the one prepared by Lucia. Now you want me to allow this bitch here make my food? The fuck is that going to happen"

I heaved a sigh. "I said assist. Okay fine, Lucia will cook your food herself. Cora will assist in cooking others. What do you think?"

East stared at me for a while.

"Allow this and I will do anything you ask from now on" I assured.

He scoffed. He looked back at Cora.

"Cora or whatever the fuck you are called "

Cora flinched a bit, hearing East call her by her name.

"Your name corresponds with the collateral that you are."

It actually does.

"You will be working in the kitchen from now on. One mistake from you and I will lock you back up"

She is not looking at him, her head down. He freaks her out.

"You will be working for us till that sick bastard boyfriend of yours pay me back what he owes me."

"Thank you" I muttered to him.

He scoffed a bit. "You have two months collateral " he said to her.

Wait what?

"After two months and your boyfriend doesn't pay, I will kill you" he said without emotions.

"East..."

"So pray that he comes before that two months is due." He cut me off.

I look at Cora. She looks dumbfounded, hearing that she will be killed in two months.

"Give her a room" East said to Lisa before facing his laptop.

Lisa took Cora away.

"East wha...."

"I have done what you asked" he cut me off.

"But...."

"Two months and that fucker doesn't pay, she dies"

I heaved a sigh.

"You hear me?"

Yes.

I heard you.