Asin.
~
The last thing I remembered clearly was people screaming around me. Even half dead, it annoyed me.
It hurt my ear.
Getting shot?
Like a pinch.. Then, a slight burning sensation slowly spreads with the pain. It takes your breath away, it's hurst your lungs .. Clouds your mind.
But the worst is the smell of blood. I was very much aware how fast I was bleeding, and the car was filled with that disgusting smell.
It's difficult to explain to someone who hasn't been in a situation like it.
The metallic smell.. You can almost taste it. Like something radio active.
Wasn't all bad.. Since the bullet hit just below my shoulder.. No bones. Even delirious from the pain, I understood how lucky I was. My eyes kept going back to the hole on my windshield..
Also.. The blessed silence that came after closing my eyes was nice. Like floating in an empty space. So peaceful, tranquil..
No nightmares.. Worries or secrets. Just the much appreciated silence.
I came about just as the sun began to rise. It coloured the entire room in a deep orange.
I was alone in a large room.. And in a damn hospital!
It wasn't the look of the room.. Those spent enough time inside hospitals will know.. It's that damn smell that gets you.
My throat was itching.. My eyes hurt, and my feet fell asleep.. A thousand tiny needles pierce it once I started moving it. Funnily enough, my shoulder was so numb it was the one body part that didn't bother me.
I checked my body and felt no tubes.. I touched my nose.. No tubes, either.
Thank God.
Slowly pushed myself into a sitting position.. It was more difficult than I thought..
It's funny how we feel fine until there's something for us to do that reminded us just how much we weren't.
The nurses were kind enough to leave a jug near my bed with a few glasses. I hungrily emptied two glasses in the row.
The second one was a bad idea.
Starting coughing and the pain that so far hid itself from me now attacked with renewed power.
Last night was.. Painful.
I saw the yellow 318F getting hit.. Saw it's drive lifeless body leaning on its wheel.. How the beautiful car went wild without its owner and veered off to the right..
Rest in peace.. Anthony.
Marrazano must be grieving.
Never liked the man.. Didn't like any of them to be frank. But everyone had loved ones.. At least one, and I knew he raised Anthony like his own son.
My eyes closed as I rested my head on the cool, carved wooden headrest.
Someone ordered us killed.
It was the only logical conclusion why they shot at unarmed men.
I need to talk to Oliver.. Had a lot of questions.. And the reason why I'm here when our medical team is one of the best?
.. Let's table that.
I glanced at the door.. Whatever they were doing, they weren't here.
I got impatient waiting around.
I twisted then turned my body, letting my left side take the brunt of my weight. I wore one of those silly gowns .. White with spots, open in the back.
Everything around me.. Even the things I wore repulsed me to my core.
I noticed some clean clothes on a couch that looked way out of place considering the style of these private rooms.
I was glad non the less and with my teeth gritted, I pulled the white t-shirt on.. It was excruciating.
The pants were easier.
By the end, I was only missing my shoes.. I was quite proud of myself, although.. I did have a lot of training.
At that point, my shoulder was burning.. Looks like the painkiller wore off.
" This is nothing.." I said to myself.
Outside my door were two of my men, and then one every 5 feet from one another.
".. Boss?.. I mean.. Doctor..
" Stop it, Yabin.. " I quickly lifted my left." Where is everyone? "
The man wanted to help me, but I waived him away.
".. They are all with you, Grandfather, sir.. Want me to show you the room? "
I almost said yes.. But prioritise first.
" I'm going to the cafeteria.. "
" Sir?.. " he asked, confused. " Shouldn't we..
" No.. Let them discuss it. Come Yabin loan me some coin will you? "
He nodded after a second and tried to hand over his entire wallet.. Lucky the man beside him was more on the ball and gave over a 200 note.
I thanked him.. Then, I asked for one more thing.
" How big is your feet? "
~
I WAS STARVING TO DEATH.
Not even the pain took that hollow nauseous feeling of an empty stomach away.
But the egg sandwich they sold was surprisingly good.. Considering it was basically hospital food.
I wolfed it down like an animal, caring little of other people's looks.
By the time I emptied my water, I felt.. Miserable, still.
But at least it was only the pain now.
Without a phone to fill these hollow times out, I made my way towards the elevator.
Looking out from it on the second floor, I was genuinely spooked for second.
My entire family was in the hall frantically running towards me.
I even tapped the close button on reflex before fully exiting.
" ASIN! MY BEAUTIFUL.. MY SON!"
My mother showed incredible speed reaching me first, grabbing me less than gentle way, and started sobbing on my left shoulder.
" My son.. Thank God.." My father hugged us both.
I let them smother me for a few seconds before my pain threshold was reached.
".. Alright, now. It passed. I'm okay." I pulled back.
Marie and the others stood a few feet away currently in a similar group hug.
" WHAT DOES IT MEAN ..IT PASSED!!? YOU WERE SHOT!.. WITH A GUN!!! " Mother started.
My father ran away down the hall, presumably to inform and get the missing members.
" Mother, please..
I stopped and looked at Oliver and the group.. I didn't know what tale they came up with.
Marie couldn't hold back, and pushing my mother aside embraced me. Expect she done gently as if afraid to hurt me.
Feeling her tears wetting my shirt.. Her thin body shaking.. I felt the bitter guilt in my stomach.. After all, it was me who made her like that.
".. Shh.. I'm okay. I'm okay." I pulled all my strength and squeezed to convince her.
I was expecting a similar shouting from her like my mother.. But she still manages to surprise me.
" Thank the Lord.. My soul almost left me seeing your empty bed." she talked to me chest.".. We were away for 20 minutes, and you got away."
" I was bored.. and hungry .." I pulled back playing with her hair. ".. Are you okay?"
She didn't answer, but she just went back hugging me.
Oliver and Ayshe came over each doing their best to get in there..
Just as I was released.. My aunt Derya came out leading my Dede.. My brother Yary and his wife ran ahead of them.
More crying and hugging.. I almost cried myself from the pain at that point but pushed it away.
".. Lions can't be bothered by smaller things. Look at you, my boy.. Standing tall like you are now after.." My Dede choked away the rest.
I tapped his back.. Only in times like these when he actually seems like his age. Older.. Smaller than usual.
".. Dede.. Get me some painkillers, please. " I whispered.
Didn't wanna worry the others.
He looked up and quickly asked his aide over.
" Marco. Go get that doctor, lady. Tell her we wait in my grandson's room." he said it without telling it was me who asked." Come on, my lion.. We have a lot to talk about."
He refused everyone and guided me back to the room himself even helped me sat on my bed.
The family filled the room up quite nicely.. After a second, I tapped the space beside me, and my wife joined me on the bed. Burrowing herself close as my injuries allowed her.
" Does it hurt?" she asked in a low tone.
" Little bit, it's like..yeah, no, it hurts." I gave up on my usual banter halfway.
The prolonged pain was really getting to me.
Once everyone arrived, my Dede didn't waste a minute.
" You were shot... With a gun. " he said it seriously.
I pushed away the sarcastic remark I was about to blurt out and simply nodded.
".. We caught the man. He is waiting now. But tell me yourself what happened."
I exchanged a quick look with Oliver, and since we couldn't find the time to finalise our story, I went with something I knew would work.
".. I don't remember anything." I shrugged." Just this.. Intense pain.. Smell of my own blood..
My mother was steadily sniffling in the background while I felt Marie's hand squeezing me harder.
".. Yeah, that's it. But you said he was already caught. What did you do?"
Dede just nodded solemnly and continued.
" The wretch continues to deny it.. The CCTV footage was also missing.. Maintaince.." he looked at Oliver. " But we thank God's grace you weren't alone.. We owe you quite a bit, haven't we Oliver? "
Oli just shrugged it off. " There's no balance when it comes to family, Uncle Erwing. "
" Well said, my boy .. " My father inserted.
" Indeed." Dede smiled. ".. We waited with his punishment for you to be present. "
I felt the air in the room change.. It became heavy.
I supposed to.. Sacrifice him.
My prolonged silence made them nervous, and I didn't wake until a little tug on my shirt from my wife.
I looked at her.. Asking for permission? Forgiveness?..
She slowly blinked with a slightest of nod.. And it was decided.
" I won't attend.. Do what you must." I gave my consent.
Inside, I was hoping that the crew was smart enough and managed to find a truly despicable being..
Dede slowly accepted and looked at his aid.. He went outside, and I knew it was soon to be done.
" How are we feeling Martell family? "
A young looking doctor lady walked inside after Marco left with a few future doctors behind her.
" We couldn't be more grateful." Aunt Derya stood up, shaking her hand. ".. Tell us more good news, Doctor Amell."
She gave me an encouraging smile and turned to the others.
" The bullet itself didn't do any significant damage.. You were lucky." she nodded towards me.".. He'll make a full recovery, but as always, we recommended taking it easy for a couple of days. Our hospital would be happy to look after him..
" No.. "
Everyone looked toward me, hearing my voice.
" Don't mean to offend, doctor.. no hospitals. I'll be walking out of here soon as you close that door..
" Son, maybe we should listen to..
" Enough, dad.."
I felt my neck getting stiff, just imagining spending more time here.
I nudged my wife, who got up and helped me stand beside her.
" You all know how I feel about.. You know, " I ended awkwardly." Aunt.. Let our pilot know I'll be flying home tomorrow. "
" As you wish, dear one."
She immediately walked out of the room, assuming to call the pilot.
I turned to the silent doctor team.
" What I do need.. Are some painkillers. The good ones, please." I winced.
I was cuddled by my mother in a flash.
" Is it really bad? " she asked.
I gritted my teeth and shook my head. One of the intern doctors ran out after getting the go head from Dr Amell.
After a few minutes, she came back handing me a small little packet containing two pills. I chewed it up like I did, and after the bitterness disappeared, I was ready. Took my wife's hand and turned to my family.
" You do what you must, Ovuz will take me back to the hotel so I can rest.. Come on, guys. " I waived at the others.
I saw both my parents ready to inject their wishes, but Dede stopped them with a look. They reluctantly let me go.
Once we were a suitable distance away, I asked Oliver.
" Have you found them? "
He nodded solemnly. " They with the lads.. Kol is standing by with his team. "
Good.. Now, let us see the real culprits.
____
Ayshe.
~
I couldn't believe how fast he was back to his usual self.
As if nothing even happened.
Asin was .. from the looks at least. Fine.
Oliver was catching up with him about what had happened since last night.
".. The policeman doing the shooting was caught. The one giving the order.. Well, we'll see. The crew are on their way home.. Most of them. The medical team left an hour before you woke up.. The official story we told Uncle Erwing..
I was sitting next to Marie, who was suspiciously silent. I honestly expected her to.. Be herself.
Screaming, hitting him, promising painful ways to end him..
Yet she just smiled occasionally, catching his eyes.
".. Are you okay?" I asked in a low tone.
She turned and nodded after a second.
" My husband's alive.. I'm well. What about you? Are you okay with this?"
I knew she didn't mean last night .. What the boys were about to do.
" Are you?" I asked back.
Her initial surprise only lasted a flash before her eyes turned cold.
" My only regret that they didn't die as they fired at him.. "
I figured..
The change in her was a little shocking.
My elder sister.. She transformed.
Marie still waited for my answer and for a while.. I wanted to ask Asin and Oliver to show mercy to the people who did this..
After all, they were most likely just followed orders from above.. But the words just didn't form.
I understood their lives a lot better now.. The fun and life-threatening danger were both real.. Too real.
".. I'll be okay." I said resolutely. ".. I will be."
I added that once Marie raised an eyebrow.
".. Marazano demends the kill for himself.. What do you think?" Oliver asked him.
We all watched and waited.
" Where is he?" he asked, looking down at his shoes.
" Landed .. Arriving soon.. Some of the council will also be on their way. They want to wish you good health..
" Let him.. Anthony was going to be his heir. They took the man's future. " he said with a cold glint in his eyes. ".. Anything else? "
Oliver shared a quick look with us before continuing. " Call Aunt Krista and Ivan.. They not only worried but.. Angry as well. "
Asin sighed and reached for his phone.
We happened to arrive at the hotel when he was finishing the video call.
".. See?..failed to take me Anme. I will visit you as soon as I land. I promised you. "
" Be sure that you will.. Also.. Well..
We didn't see her face, but the woman was solid as rock, so this uncertainty in her voice got our undivided attention.
" Anme.. Tell." Asin asked.
Even through the speaker, we could somehow tell her phone was snatched, and we soon heard Uncle Ivan's voice.
" Olume ( my son).. Your Amne did something last night.. She told Maya and..
" What?.. " he interrupted.
".. Unfortunately.. She knows. All in all, she would've been angrier if she had kept up the lie. Maya called last night and had a terrible suspicion..
It was somehow comforting seeing Asin in such distress hearing the news.
He didn't show fear.. None. But from his sister.. He was terrified.
" Temam ( Alright) Baban.. I will deal with her when she lands next week. I'll see you soon. Tell Amne to stop making that face.. Habbybie ( I'm going now). "
He put his phone away and closed his eyes.
" She'll be mad at you for getting shot?" asked Marie.
I doubted..
".. And then some. Anyway.. " he took his wife's hand.".. I'll be off for an hour or so. If the family happen to arrive early, tell them I'm gone to do.. something ridiculous.. In that way, they'll believe it. "
It made us smile, thinking how right it sounds.
Marie pulled him slowly closer, resting her forehead on his.
" I love you.. "
" You're okay.. " he answered.
From the look of Marie smile ear to ear, it was a thing between them. I gave an encouraging kiss to Oliver, and we were left outside the hotel.
" Mrs Martell.. This way."
Marie and I were surrounded as we walked back towards the entrance .. With Lilly and Henny already there.. Once the families arrived, we were overcrowding an entire hospital, so they left earlier.
".. I'm a little bit relieved that the killing will.. You know.." I started.
The fact they won't be the one ending their lives.. I don't know, made me feel better.
" I know.. But still. The real culprit will soon be caught. The one who gave the order.." she added, seeing my confused look.
That's right.. Those who paid or threatened the shooters will soon have an army of predators hunting them.
And when it came to those people.. I was happy knowing that soon they were dismantled and sent to the afterlife.
–———
Oliver.
~
I kept watchful eyes on Asin all the way to the abandoned cafe, which basement we kept the shooters.
I wasn't worried about his injury, more like his eyes.
Those eyes had a certain pain inside them. I hadn't seen it since he left the hospital 4 years ago.
".. Bad memories?" I asked.
He turned from the window he was looking out and smiled.
" You know me too well.." he answered, then turned back. ".. Brought up.. Sad things."
I felt my palms getting sweaty in real time. I already texted Desiree about his recovery.. Heard Anna in the background.. The sad thing herself.
As we pulled up to the café I tried to take his mind off.
" Marazzano and a couple of others are already here." I checked Leyla's text. ".. They waited for us."
" How polite.." he said sarcastically. ".. Let's see how much they managed alone."
As we walked past Ovuz, he stopped and furrowed his eyebrows.
".. Why are you avoiding my eyes? " he asked.
Ovuz shook a little but answered anyway.
" I failed you young mas..
Asin stepped closer and grabbed his shoulder.
" You understand how ridiculous that sounds.. Right? Getting shot 20 miles from your location.. Is not your fault."
It was obvious.. But I could understand a little how he felt.. I felt guilty myself for similar reasons even though my rational side kept reminding me that I couldn't do anything..
Ovuz didn't change his expression. he just nodded slowly.
After a long sigh, Asin tapped his shoulder in encouragement, and we walked inside.
".. Don't worry about him. He just needs to see you going about.. Looking alive, etc..etc."
" I know.. You not harbouring some nonsense, yes?" he asked suddenly.
I played it off.
" Me?..Pfft... I'm just happy you're alive. It would be a pain to deal with the family alone.."
He smiled before we walked down the stairs.
I first noticed men who weren't ours. Same expensive black suits but the faces.. Harder, more experienced.
" Let it pass, Mr Martell. . "
" Let it pass, Sir.. "
" Haieloss Patron.. ( Let it pass, boss.) "
They nodded towards him as we passed them. The small basement felt packed.
The culprits hanging upside down as two men were working on them, the sounds of their punches echoed around even louder than their painful crying.
Kol and our man were standing near the wall.. He came forward and hugged us both.
" Thank god.. You walk in on your own two feet.. What kind of king are you, brother? "
We lightly tapped him, and he let go, still sniffling a little.
Asin walked forward towards a small table where 4 man sat waiting. I turned to Kol.
".. Anything on the captain? " I asked.
He looked disappointed.".. Haven't left the station yet.. Like he knows something."
The way he said it applied something annoying.. As in someone informed him.
" Did they say anything.. Confirm it's him or anyone? "
After he shook his head, I nodded and joined the aides standing a few feet from the table.
I knew them all since they always attended the meetings with the council.. After a small greeting, I listened in on the conversation at the table.
".. You up like nothing happened, my boy.. Haieloss, little one." Marazano tapped his arm.
".. Sorry about your loss, Abe, ( Big brother).. Anthony was a lion among man." he nodded sadly.
The mountain Marazano looked at his tea, tilting his head.
".. He asked me just yesterday..' Uncle, why we still racing.. That madman is winning everything..'..
His words were followed by some polite laughter, Asin smiled, hearing his rival last words about him.. Then he continued with his anecdote.
".. I asked him.. ' You wanna withdraw, maybe let him know in person?'.. He got angry, p-promised to defeat you one day..
The room got really quiet as he choked in the last words, losing his composure. Funny.. He was known thoroughly as a cruel man.. We ourselves knew this best.. Yet even the worst of us have people they genuinely love, and he just lost his.
One of the older members named Sal 'The Situation' Gaetano reached over supporting him without a word.
The silence was only broken by the wincing of the police man who spun slowly on the rope they were fixed up on.
The aid of Marazano, Cavally asked me in a hush tone.
".. You know something about the real one behind all this?" he asked.
".. The captain seems to be in the know.. But otherwise nothing. How's the family?" I whispered.
".. Not well. Our aunt is inconsolable. Tony's body has been recovered.. Single shot with fcking 50 calibre.. Non police ammunition. "
I closed my eyes for a second, imagined if that bullet was aimed at Asin.. No one survives getting shot with a 50 cal round.
But what he said was true.. The police simply not issued such ammunition. Had to be private.. Or military.
Our attention was taken to the middle as Asin walked up temporarily, dismissing the man punching the victims.
I walked quickly by his side.. Wanted to hear what he was going to say.
For a few seconds, he was watching them without a single emotion showing, and then he opened his mouth..
".. Do you want to live?" he asked.
I saw the hope lit in their eyes simultaneously..
After a few seconds, they both nodded almost in synchron.
".. Tell me who's behind this.. And you will. You have my word." he put his injured hand on his heart.
From his demeanour to the genuine words, everything he said and done seems like an oath was made.
After a while, the one on the left,who unfortunately got the most of the torture, started talking.
".. Captain Martin called us in and paid us in cash. 50K in small notes. We were ordered to kill everyone..
I heard some growling behind me, but it didn't bother Asin.
".. Police captains don't have a 100K to pay you. Someone must've done the finances. "
The other man made a mistake.. I noticed his eye shift just a little. I nudged my brother a little, and he turned to him.
".. You know something, right? Tell.." he leaned closer.".. Or these men make sure your bones are never found. As far as you're concerned.. I'm life itself."
I saw the last bit of doubt vanishing from his eyes before he nodded resolutely.
".. Got a tip, a f-few days back. Unanimous.. The races, the time.. Even the exact location..
Hmm.. we usually call the police on ourselves.. But someone done it for us from the sound of it.
".. I overheard their conversation. Can't tell you names or even if it was a man.. Or woman.. But his phone will have all the information you'll need.. That's all I swear." he finished as a tear rolled down his cheek.
Asin stepped back and bowed a little.
".. May the devil forgive your sins. " he said and turned around.
".. H-Hey!! STOP!.. y-ou.. You gave us your word, Asin Martell !! "
I followed my brother as he answered without looking back. " I lied.."
As we walked past the table, he stopped squeezing Marazzano's shoulders.
".. May their end make Anthony smile in Haven Abe. "
The mountain got his eyes filled with tears, got up on his feet, and hugged him affectionately. The others stood up as well and bowed their head slightly ..
It was surprising.. It was huge.. It showed an unusual amount of respect, and as we walked out the basement, even their man bowed deeply..
It made me smile thinking how proud Uncle Ivan will be once he hears about this.