I expected many things before walking into my father's office. A pat on the back, sure I did decent enough. A few words of encouragement or an offhanded insult, almost certainly. But becoming a Capo, being betrothed to some super paradigm, and possibly getting into heavier jobs. No, that was all beyond me.
But here were are. I stared dear old Dad down as if he'd just shot me. "I don't even have a crew," I said, finally finding an argument to counter this sudden promotion. "None of our associates will even listen to a word I say."
"That's why you'll have some help," Father said as he finished the last of the maid's blood. "There's another Capo I'm sending to Dogland tonight. He'll be there to ensure you have everything you need for your assignment."
"Assignment?" I asked, "I've got another job so soon?"
"Yes," Father said, "The Isoarashi-gumi wishes to transact with the Huang Triads. I have volunteered, and the Murcielago family has bodyguards for Yasuo, but he wants to meet his protectors."
"In doing that, I get to meet my blushing bride, I guess?" I asked, letting venom ooze all over my words.
"Exactly," Father answered, unfazed, "Now I have some business to attend to. Furio will return you to your boarding house to meet with your new associate." Father reached into the desk drawer again and pulled out a newspaper. Opening, I saw the headline "Hector Andrade" released from Prison," it said.
I wanted to know more. But Father was one to save time. He didn't have to. So I stood from the chair and headed for the door.
"One more thing," Father said without looking up from his paper. "Happy Belated Alex. You've done well keeping up with your mother's coat."
I stopped, suddenly grabbing the collar of my... of Mom's coat. It'd been ten years since I was given this coat. The worn-out black leather made it look like I'd taken it from an old photo. It was the only thing I had left from her.
"Thanks..." I said without turning back. Opening the door, I left Father to his reading. The hall was empty save for the tacky paintings and expensive furnishings. I wanted to get out of this place as soon as I could. There was so much I wanted to vent to Francis about and so much more to tell her.
But then, would she even stay? Would she leave because I had to do my duty as a son of Drakon Murcielago? I knew how to answer these questions, but things would become complicated. I could've said nothing, but keeping information was a big part of how I came into existence. So there was no time to think of that now. Walking through the corridor, I heard someone coming up the stairs. I was lost in thought about how to tell Francis what happened that I hadn't realized who was coming until they spoke.
"Oh, look," said a feminine voice from the top of the staircase. "It's the Bastard." To me, the voice sounded like someone dragging their nails on a chalkboard or the sound of an incoming bomb from an airplane. Everything screamed, "I need to get the hell away from her." But there was no way I could avoid her. As the woman reached the top of the stairs, her eyes narrowed with contempt. Her wicked smile unnerved me so much that I patted my jacket for Wanda.
Beatrix Murcielago, the daughter of Anthony Alessandra, the Lionheart, and Husband of the Devil Dragon, Drakon Murcielago. Her frost-white hair somehow matched her cold blue eyes. Eyes that felt as though I was gazing into a bottomless abyss. Something about her made men bow down and worship the ground she walked. Even Father, who usually was a man of focus and composure, even lost to her charm, and by how she looked, I couldn't find a way to discount that. She had every quality of a villainous vixen, lovely, somehow blessed in womanhood, and a nasty personality. She held her slender hand as she approached me, cupping my chin. "I take it you and your father had a pleasant chat."
I didn't answer, not wanting to give this woman the satisfaction of seeing me annoyed. It made no difference to her as she examined my features thoroughly. "I'm always shocked to see how similar our eyes are. You almost fit the bill to be one of mine and Darling's. It's a shame I know you're nothing but a good-for-nothing bastard."
"If you think that, why convince Father to involve me in the business?" I asked, hoping for an answer today. Her cruel smile widened as she met my gaze.
"Despite being a bastard... You have proven yourself to be useful," she said. "I'm sure you've heard that many times recently. But I have my reasons."
That caused me to raise a brow. Even though I wasn't her child, she may have found a use for me. But no, anything my "mother" wanted from this was as good as poisoned fruit. "You should be happy," she continued as she let go of my chin. "You can still be with your little Mademoiselle while being useful to our family. That could've easily gone a different way."
She was right. I should've been happy. I've heard many guys talk about having multiple women to fool around with to be bliss. But Francis made me realize how different it is when you care about someone. I'm sure Mother just insinuated that she had some control over this. "While I can thank you for your sudden care for my love life," I said, "I'd like it if you'd keep out from now on."
"Come now, Bastard," Beatrix said, sounding hurt. "I've had a change of heart. I thought your time on the Western front dulled your abilities, but instead, you're just as good as you were then. I have stellar expectations for you, Alexander."
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Hearing her say my name was constantly grating, yet it felt strange this time. There was slight pain at the front of my head, but it went away just as quickly. "Tell me, Alexander," she said, her voice losing that irritating haughtiness. "Did you hear anything strange while you were out?"
Then I remembered I still needed to tell Father what the Irishman said. With Mother asking, it couldn't hurt. Since she did me a favor in convincing Father to allow Francis to stick around if she chose to, I could at least do this. "The fatso mentioned something about there being bigger rats than him," I said in a low voice. "They're bigger than the Huang Triads and the Rotterdam family."
"Did he happen to say anything else?" Mother asked as she circled me as a predator would its prey. "No," I answered. "He didn't have the chance to." Mother stopped in front of me, clapping her hands together gleefully. "Very good, Alexander," she said in a softer tone. "I'm so happy you've done your job so well."
Before she could say more, footsteps echoed through the staircase. It was Penny, and as soon as she saw Mother, her face twisted into anger. "Mother, leave Alex be." Mother backed off, but she kept that smile she had. "It's alright, Penthesilea. I was merely praising Alexander for a job well done."
Penny grabbed me by my arm and began dragging me toward the stairs. "I'm sure that's what you were doing. If you praise him, then call him by his name." I was confused. Mother had been using my name this entire time. Though it was strange she was being a little too nice, she at least gave me a break from the bastard moniker.
"Oh, Alexander," Mother said before Penny pulled me down the stairs. "Be sure to keep what you heard a little secret. Just for us." Mother placed a finger on her lips and winked. I wanted to tell her I still had to tell Dad what I told her. But I felt as though she would.
As Penny pulled me along, she was muttering something about Mother being out of her mind and wishing she'd be nicer to me. I saw a rather large man waiting by the door when we came downstairs. When I said the guy was large, I meant you could mistake him for a giant or something. His arms were massive, like he could squish a watermelon between his biceps. He wore a black three-piece suit with a red tie and had slicked-back black hair that seemed well-maintained.
"I've got him, Mr. Furio," Penny said as we stopped at the large man. Furio looked annoyed, like he'd been waiting for a late train. He took out a pocket watch and examined the time.
"Young Master Murcielago," Furio said, his voice booming throughout the room like he'd been a God-making decree. "Given your new promotion. It would do you some good to be punctual."
Penny turned to me, seeming surprised about the notion of a promotion. I could see she wanted to jump up and hug me, but in the presence of Father's underboss, she didn't move.
"You're right, Furio," I agreed, "I just got caught up, is all." Furio rolled his eyes, seemingly to let my excuse fly by. He nodded toward the door and headed for a car parked outside the estate. As I'd followed him out, I'd waved goodbye to Penny.
"Hey, Alex," she called out. "Make sure you take care of my flowers while I'm gone." It took me a second to realize what she'd been saying, but I got the message and only replied with a nod. I didn't want to risk shouting back to her lest Furio would be forced to interrogate me.
As I was about to get in the car with Furio, I noticed something in the back seat—a violin case with the same logo that was carved into Wanda.
"What's that?" I asked as I got in the car. "A present from me," Furio answered with a smile. "I have to get you something for your eighteenth. Besides, I know you've been caring for Wanda and Bethany."
I turned back, looking at the case, my curiosity nearly getting better. Not now, not while we're on the road. It'd take some time before we got back to Dogland, so on the way, Furio and I caught up with each other. He asked about Francis and to see if my weapons needed any repairs. But I'd known how to disassemble and reassemble Wanda and Bethany like the back of my hand.
He let me out when we arrived, and I grabbed the case from the back seat. "Good luck to you, Alexander," he said, laughing. Then he drove away as quickly as he pulled up.
When I got in for the night, I noticed a few things that were out of place inside. The first was that Mr. Martinez needed to handle the front like usual. The second was that there was an unfamiliar voice in the kitchen. I'd heard Francis, too. She'd been talking with someone I didn't know. Someone with a heavy English accent, possibly a Londoner. I first waited, listening to see if there was distress in Francis's voice. But when I heard none, I slowly approached.
As I entered the kitchen, I saw a tall man with brown hair wearing glasses and a brown suit. He'd have a cane at his side, though he looked like he wasn't a cripple. He was in his late thirties and looked quite intelligent. But I could tell he was a Paradigm. He seemed to be sipping something. From how steam came out of the cup, it was probably tea or coffee.
"Oh," the man said as he noticed me come in. "Forgive me, Ms. François. I believe Alexander has returned."
Francis turned to the entryway to see me, then gave me a small wave. "Alex, you're home early."
"Yeah," I said, trying not to sound too stunned. "Who's this?" I hoped my question didn't come out as accusatory.
"Sorry," the man said as he placed his cup down. "Ms. Francis here has just been entertaining me with stories of you. It's an honor to meet the Boss's son." He held out his hand to me as he smiled. It wasn't a mischievous or condescending smile, which made me feel better.
"My name is Walter De Santis," he said, giving me a slight bow. "From this point forward, I'll reside here in Dogland." It finally hit me. This was the Capo Father mentioned. "I see," I said, those being the only words I could muster.
"I'm sorry to intrude upon your home," Walter said as he picked up his cane. "But if I'm to mold you into an excellent captain, then it's best we remain close."
"Right," I said, "You at least let Mr. Martinez know?" I asked the question as I wondered where the old geezer went.
"More than that," answered Walter, "I've even handsomely paid him for my lodging. He's gone to settle some affairs."
More like going off to enjoy some nighttime company, but it couldn't be helped. At least Mr. Martinez wouldn't complain about another unwanted visitor.
"Alright," I said. "If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to Francis. It's important." Walter turned to Francis, seeming to check on her. She didn't seem worried though she did lose her smile a bit.
"Very well," Walter said, "I'm not here to get in the way of your relationship anyways." He raised his cane and started heading for the door. He stopped beside me and even leaned down to whisper in my ear. "Be ready tomorrow night. We'll be meeting with the March Storm."