After the race, Erica headed for Gray Ward, the neutral territory that was settled between the four major cities and enclosed within a man-made lake.
Famous for its club and bar culture, red-light district, and gambling, people gathered around to this wicked and unrestrained place to indulge themselves in their own paradise. Everyone had access here meaning, anything could happen because there were no rules. Naturally, it was also the haven for all mafia businesses. They manifested themselves in every nook and cranny and they could be distinguished if one was perceptive enough and was friends with part of the mafia.
Just like Erica.
Having illegal street racing as her hobby now, it was obvious that her friends were also out of the ordinary. It was all thanks to Zeke for making her part of his crew. Fortunately, she had learned a lot from her friends about the mafia's organizational structure, customs, and rules.
One custom of theirs was having tattoos with specific markings representing their clan for pride and identification. In the mafia, rare were the people with visible tattoos. The majority hid theirs on the back so the way they behave, and the look in their eyes were her clues sometimes.
So far, she had not found anyone who she couldn't discern.
Working her way through the narrow streets and twisting alleys, she passed by shops lit in pink light and packed with toys for the sexually deprived, booming night clubs, and even women or young girls, standing and waiting for their pay for the night. Gripping the wheel tight, she made a quick swerve causing them to panic and to scuttle away.
𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘣𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘮.
"Fuck you!" yelled a woman dressed in heavy make-up and skimpy dress but Erica just sighed. Sometimes, she wished she was damn rich to grant them freedom.
Making one last turn, she reached her destination. The crowd whipped their heads to her approaching car. Recognition hit them as they dispersed to the sides in a flash, creating a way for her to pass through. All eyes on her as she accelerated, tires squealing, then effortlessly and perfectly parked the car on her spot. As she went out, cold stares and murmurs of envy started. She ignored them and walked towards the club, which her Korean friend, Ethan Choi, owned.
The words Devil's Night surrounded by horns and blue flames illuminated on the signboard above the dim entrance. The club had the exterior of an inferno, pure red glowing all throughout. Inside the entrance hall, masks of devils and inhumane creatures were plastered on the ash-colored walls. At the end of it, bouncers stood motionless, blocking her. Cocking an eyebrow, she gave them a look and they both nodded, letting her through.
Loud house music resonated the whole place even her heart thumped hard to the beat of it. Blinding colored lights and sparks had painted people's faces, walls, and floors. At the platform, huddled together, were bodies covered in clammy sweat with madness etched on their faces. Mixed stench hugged the air but no one paid attention to it. They were too occupied with dancing, dry-humping, or making out.
Moving away from the repulsive sight, she walked towards the private lift that was cramped in the corner. She stepped inside and ascended to the second floor. The VIP room exclusive for her crew was in the farthest part. She pushed open the door and the reek of alcohol, food, and smoke slammed into her nostrils. Heads turned to her and they cheered.
"Sup, Erica! Did you burn him?!" Zeke yelled with his loud voice as he grinned at Erica and downed a glass.
"Erica you're here!" A girly voice shrieked. A petite woman with caramel-colored hair and wide misty eyes mounted with black-rimmed glasses, jumped, and scampered towards her.
"Missed me much, Lucy?" Lucy grabbed Erica's arm and lead her to sit beside her.
"Of course, the last time we met was on Friday." Lucy pouted and handed Erica a drink. Erica took it and sipped a bit of beer then placed it back on the table.
"How's the race?" A freckled man, pierced with rings on both ears and styled in undercut hair, probed her as he wrapped his arm towards Lucy's shoulders.
"The usual, Ethan. But the bastard underestimated me. He thought I was a noob." Erica wiggled out of her jacket and placed it on her lap.
"Well, he thought wrong."
"How about me!? You won't ask me what happened?" Zeke complained like a child and threw a cigarette towards Ethan.
"Hey, little shit!" Ethan swatted the cigarette and dusted off his pants as he glared at Zeke.
"Zeke, you probably injured another car, no?" Ysabelle teased in her normal husky and low voice. She swept her purposely cut-too-short red hair away and dragged a smoke.
"Damn! Seriously, Zeke? Why are you even the son of the CEO of a car company?!" Theo, who was busy playing with his phone, was suddenly enraged and he slapped the back of Zeke's head. His face was tilted to the side, highlighting his pointy nose and side beard.
Zeke responded with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.
Erica watched the fuss with a pleased expression and leaned back on the couch, crossing her arms. This was a classic night for them. Some nights, they would all meet here in this club, reveling in victories from the race and catching up with each other until dawn. They were the kind of crew that appeared mundane in the morning, dressed in working clothes but hid behind the shadows when the clock struck at night, partaking in street racing or indulging themselves with worldly desires.
"So, what you guys up to now?" Lucy asked them. Her eyes scanned everyone while she sipped her watermelon juice.
"Well, mine's boring, of course, being the lackey of my father," grumbled Zeke.
"Can't do anything about that kid. You're his heir. Suck it up." Ethan patted Zeke's back while deeply inhaling his vape.
"You still stick to that, Theo?" Ysabelle cringed at Ethan's stick and snuffed her cigarette on the ash plate.
"Yes because Lucy likes the vanilla flavor. I can see her sniffing the air sometimes."
Lucy gasped and playfully slapped Ethan's arm. "I do not! I never like you smoking."
Ethan chuckled and held her closer to him. "I'm kidding, hon."
"Your fellowship going fine Lucy?" asked Erica.
"Yes. Though the work is thrice as much as my residency. I'm so tired."
"How about you Ysa? Is your security software almost finished?" Theo inquired as he distributed the plates among them. Impatient Zeke immediately snatched a gyoza and shoved it to his mouth.
"No. I'm taking a break for now. My subordinates can't keep up with my demands. I'm giving them time." Ysabelle picked up her chopsticks, rubbed them together, and skimmed over the food.
"Theo, your food got better again!" Zeke chewed with his mouth full and gave Theo a thumbs up.
Theo grinned. "Thank you. Dig in guys. I made a lot so you can just bring them home later."
"Zeke's right. Really lucky we had a chef friend." Erica moaned as she savored her Teriyaki chicken wings. Great food is a great life.
"Yes, yes praise me more! Give me inspiration!"
"Best in cooking and best in whoring," Ysabelle smirked and shoved a sushi to her mouth.
"You...you nerd! Don't eat my food!" Theo snatched Ysabelle's plate and ate from it.
"Now now, settle down kids. Let's eat in peace." Ethan softly said while picking different foods from each plate.
Lucy suddenly stood up and shouted, "Washroom!" and went out.
"You guys, listen." Zeke started. His voice was laced with seriousness. They turned their heads to him, listening intently.
"I heard from my old man there's some internal dispute within the Rossi Clan. You all should be careful. You might get caught up in it."
"What is it about?" Theo's voice was above a whisper.
"Three masters were shot dead by warriors in different parts of Gray Ward these past few days. They're purging the higher-ups."
"The underworld is up for blood again." Ysabelle clicked his tongue.
"Where is the Rossi clan located again?" asked Ethan.
Putting a hand under his chin, Zeke answered. "Their base is just above Gray Ward. I think they are the assigned clan of City L for security there."
The mafia lords were territorial beings. They loved the city they were in control with and in a twisted kind of way, protected their citizens against the other mafia in exchange for their money and silence. Leaving was easy but going back was stricter. Lower level mafia men were hidden somewhere in the bridges of each city leading to Gray Ward and the other Wards to keep an eye for anyone who wanted to get inside their cities by order of their bosses. An ID unique to each city must be shown as proof of citizenship.
To cross cities, getting permits from the mayors, which would be passed down eventually to the mafia lords, was one of the obstacles to face. Needless to say, hardly any had been willing to do that. It was too painstaking. Besides, each city had everything anyone could ask for to survive.
"I guess we should lie low for now. Gray Ward and Red Ward are definitely going to be a battlefield." A cold voice said suggested and everyone nodded their heads at Erica.
It was quarter to 5 AM when they finished eating and drinking. Zeke was the only one wasted so Theo accompanied him back. Ysabelle boarded her silver big bike and drove off. Lucy and Ethan sent Erica off outside and both went back to the bar. The hours of darkness ended with hostile spirits.