Twenty eight: Playing Tough

Travis' 

“And who are you?” Mr. Alvarez threw the question at me, before I could even make a sound or a movement.

God knows a lot of lies danced in my mind right this moment. None of which could save me from this pressure.

I should have stuck something on my chest to give the breasts impression. That way they could tell whoever this is.

“Are you coming to sit down or what?” Another man questioned.

I nodded forward and took a step.

“I asked," Who are you?” Mr. Alvarez asked again. This time his teeth were clenched and he spoke, revealing anger.

“I’m…” it was at this moment I remembered the name on the invitation card. “I’m Dayton's bodyguard.” I said boldly.

“I knew that bastard wouldn't come.” a man cussed. He was seated at Mr. Alvarez's left hand side. With a few wrinkles on his skin and gray hair on his head.

“Why did Dayton send you?” Mr. Alvarez asked while squinching.

“And what's with the mask in here?” Another chipped in.

“Gosh! His bodyguard is so hot.” An elderly woman commented. I was listening to murmurs before I knew it.

“I’m sorry sir, but I wasn't informed why.” I answered Mr. Alvarez.

“Take off your mask." He commanded.

“Yes, take it off!” The same woman who praised my charms insisted.

Look at her, wanting to feed her lustful eyes. I rolled my eyes in the mask.

I let out a sneeze in the mask and put my hands upon it.

“Please, be warned that my face is swollen and perforated with pox.” I said as I gradually took off the mask gently, but not too fast. Only my lips were out yet.

“Wait!” She yelled  and I paused. “Is it contagious?”

“It is. But there's nothing to worry about. My boss is currently treating him. The doctor says he'll be fine. Just be careful so your dick doesn't contact it too.” I said, like one who meant the warning.

“Stop.” Here comes Mr. Alvarez's order. “You can leave the mask.” 

I almost laughed out but ended up smiling to avoid being caught.

It's so amazing to see Mr. Alvarez caught up in my little lie just because I mentioned the one world he's so sensitive about. Now, I'm dying to see what lies between his legs.

I left where I was standing and went to take a seat in the last chair left out.

Sitting on the chair made me see everyone close enough.

Carlos was seated opposite me. There were seven others apart from us, including Mr. Alvarez.

So it means they're nine in their group.

 Only one woman I see.

It would have likely been a men's world but for her.

I don't think they're family, I don't see the resemblance.

Whatever they're, I know this is an illegal organization. ‘The black Raven,’ this has got to be it.

I can't believe I'm right in front of the people behind this secret organization.

If only I had my phone with me, I'd have recorded this moment. I need whatever they're discussing here to prove.

Sammy would be happy to help with such proofs I know. 

Well, I guess knowing the location has put me on the hedge. I can sneak by whenever.

“Do you really think we can trust him though?” The man sitting next to Mr. Alvarez questioned. His voice was low, but everyone at the table could still hear it. His eyes had this mean look on them like everyone at the table was his enemy.

I know he was referring to me, I was the only stranger in their midst after all.

“Well, Dayton trusted him to be here right? Why can't we trust him in return?” Carlos spoke.

“These are two different things. Besides, he only asked him to come and give excuses and not sit on his table during the meeting.” The elderly man countered Carlos' argument.

Since I can't tell his name, I'll describe his look distinctively. I'd like to call him the villain in this gathering.

He black hair is mixed with gray and he is keeping a low cut. His black eyes are deep and give that villain vibe. His lips looked red like he had just drank the blood of a prey. 

I hate to say but that could actually be his lips color. 

I've never seen a red before, except for girls and their lipstick of course.

“I never…”

“I’m well aware of your profound love for your uncle, but this is business Carlos.” 

That was Mr. Villain again, cutting Carlos short of his words.

Uncle… 

I muttered to myself after recalling his words there.

OMG! I murdered Carlos' uncle?

Sorry, it wasn't a murder, I just knocked him out.

OMG! I only knocked him out, which means he might still come here if he regains his memory.

I must be quick and leave.

I've gotten the location, that's all that matters now.

“Jonathan, I don't think your son is ready for this. He's getting over his emotions.” He turned to Mr. Alvarez.

“And what makes you so sure about that?” Mr. Alvarez responded.

I saw the way his fist clenched and his legs retracted from being stretched.

I sense a fight about to happen.

Goodness! I'm I the one who's about to cause a fight?

How are you acquainted?

It would have been pleasant to watch, but I really need to go since I'm getting a hunch to do so.

So, from my observation I'm guessing Mr. Alvarez is the boss here, and Mr. Villain may just be after him or rather after his son.

It's the reason why he's so jealous isn't it?

“What I meant is, it's his first time here after several months. Almost a year to be exact. Why not rephrase the rules to his hearings…”

“I already know the rules like the back of my hand, Fester.” Carlos interjected with pride, furrowing.

“I see.” The villain mentioned.

I finally got the name—Fester—of the villain.

“You see Fester, he's prepared.” Mr. Alvarez spoke proudly.

The rest of the people on the table don't say anything. They just keep quiet like puppets ready to be controlled.

“That’s really good to know Carlos. Although, I don't mean to be rude, but can you please recite the rules binding us all.” Fester insisted.

Everyone glanced at Fester. It definitely seemed like he was doing too much. However, I didn't fail to catch the sore look on Carlos' face.

That look gave him away. He doesn't know the rules does he?

I like that the tables have turned and the focus is now on Carlos and not me anymore.

“Go on Carlos, let's hear it.” Fester beckoned with a wry smile.

He's mocking Carlos.

Carlos' eyes darted to his father.

There was this innocent cry burning in his eyes while he kept shut and just stared.

Mr. Alvarez on the other hand had an infuriating gaze like to say, I won't save you if you can do it.

I'm still concerned that the rest of the people in the rooms are quiet like dummies. Some are on their phones like they were only dragged down here.

Now I'm curious about the so-called rules. I really wish Carlos did know them.