Episode Four
EDDIE ERIC'S HOTEL
As they entwined, the dim luminescence of the room danced across their bodies, casting an intimate ambiance. His fingers delicately traced the contours of her face, while her soft whispers filled the air. Their bodies swayed in perfect harmony, each movement a testament to their profound connection.
"That's enough for now, Eric."
"I thought you wanted to clear your thoughts?"
"I did want to, Eric. But this is wrong. If my dad finds out about this, I'm in big trouble!"
Eric's countenance changed briefly. He grasped her arm, his grip steadily increasing.
"Stop it, Eric. You're hurting me."
As he held onto her wrists, his pressure intensified. Suddenly, a gunshot echoed through the air. Eric's lifeless body slumped to the ground. Cindy's eyes widened in astonishment, fixed on the gunman.
**************
"Hello."
"Hello, our champion of Virginia. Move your fat butt down to Chinatown if you want Don Emilio's daughter alive."
Ethan's eyes widened in alarm.
"You moron."
"You have only 10 minutes left. Based on your location, you're quite close. Alas, it won't be that easy. I've called a hit on you, so use your magic. Be wise."
"Rezaki, if this…"
The phone hung up abruptly. Ethan hurled the phone in a fit of rage.
"Fuck!"
Four vehicles approached him instantly. Ethan dove into a nearby motorcycle and sped away. While attempting to escape the raid, the car drivers continued firing at him from behind tinted glasses. Yet Ethan's resilience frustrated them. Just as he reached the entrance of Chinatown, he got a flat tire. The four vehicles retreated, noticing his misfortune.
A message popped up on his tracking device, indicating a marked location.
"Ethan. Welcome."
A voice echoed from behind, and Ethan located his destination.
"You called me Rezaki on the phone. I'm not a Montenegro. This is Josean's league. Welcome to Josean's league. Haha."
Rodriguez laughed ridiculously.
"That's not funny. Where's Julian?"
"Come on. Relax. I want you to agree on a business deal before letting the chicken go."
Ethan's teeth gnashed continuously. Rodriguez's palm tapped Ethan's shoulder softly.
"Take it easy. I know you're nervous."
Then he whispered below Ethan's ear.
"I think this might be more than that."
"You bastard."
Ethan grasped his shirt tightly.
"Go on. Hit me, Don Emilio's daughter dies. Unless you want to be a fugitive. Don't be too naive, you moron."
A blow sent Ethan crashing to the ground instantly.
"The Josean's wine company has lost faith in restoring their previous hierarchy. After Predator Brands Wine Company stole its place."
His anguished countenance fell upon Ethan's stare.
"I want you to cancel the upcoming occasion to dismantle incoming co-operations with Chiniva and other lucrative stakeholders. Failure to do that, I will burn this building with you and Julian alive."
Ethan breathed uncontrollably, his gaze fixed on Rodriguez's.
********* **********
Her footsteps advanced to the bartender. Taking hot gin of three cups.
"I will see you." She sits, pouring the wine on empty glass. "Why did you do that?" Noticing his mode, she scoffs. "You know I think I shouldn't be wasting my fucking time." Her hand gun points directly at him.
"Go ahead. Do it. Fucking shoot me already. I'm worthless anyways."
"Why did you…"
"What do you think I should do at that moment? Eric is always like that whenever he's upset. I don't want him to harm you."
Tears rolled down her cheek, slowly she drops the gun.
"I know how you feel, Cindy. I'm sorry. Okay. I love you so much and can't bare to see you get hurt." He sniffs, his footsteps heads outside the inn, leaving the lady to mourn.
A message pops up on her phone screen. 'come home now or miss it forever.'
"The bastard."
Packing her car in front of the bungalow, she dined with her dad.
"So I heard you're meeting some men." His eyes stares longly at her, to study her next move. "I guess that's it."
Cindy stood up. "I lost it dad."
"No. You've not lost it. You still need it. Sit and eat while you can." Cindy's footsteps advanced further. "You won't disrespect your father."
Her face turns back at him. "Father. I don't fucking care anymore. You still can't trust your special confident, let alone your daughter. What is there to it?" Her eyes caught sight of the newspaper on the table. "Had it'd been Ethan knows more to the actrocities you've committed. Maybe he will desist from you." She walks out instantly. Don Emilio rests on the couch. His thoughts kept consuming him.