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“We’re not sure yet. Maybe at school,” Army answered.
“When you figure it out, let me know. Not that I don’t enjoy you two coming to visit me, but it’s late, and I want to get home. What did you come to speak to me about?”
Army pulled out a cigarette but quickly put it away. He knew I didn’t allow smoking in my office, and he also knew I didn’t like his smoking. Our father had been dying of lung cancer when he met his end, and I didn’t want the same fate for my baby brother.
“Why don’t we walk you out and tell you what we’re thinking?” Ale stood and headed for the door.
“I like that idea.” I closed my laptop and put it inside my messenger bag, along with a few other papers I would need tomorrow. “Are you both coming home, or are you staying at the dorm tonight?” The night was still young for them. As much as I didn’t want to think about it, my brothers were attractive and young. The fact that they were here instead of off fucking someone said they were serious about whatever it was that brought them to me.
Army held his arm out for me to take as we walked to the door. “Where’s Santi?”
“He’s taking care of a matter.”
“He should be here with you when you’re out this late at night,” Army tried to argue.
I couldn't help but laugh. These boys thought I was helpless. If only they’d witnessed the attempted mugging a month ago, they wouldn’t think I was so weak.
“It’s his job to protect you,” Ale argued.
“And what are you doing now? Are you going to let something happen to me?”
“Of course not, but what would you have done if we weren’t here?”
“I would have walked out by myself like the capable woman I am. If I thought I was in any danger, I wouldn’t have sent Santiago off.” I gave Army’s arm a little squeeze, letting him know I appreciated his concern, but none was needed. “You’re wearing on my patience. Now tell me what brought you here.”
Ale turned and stopped in the narrow hall. He leaned casually against the wall. “The new guy, Bash, we want to submit him for the Scorpio Society.”
That brought me up short. The society wasn’t easy to get into. You had to pass a test, and each test was different. It would test you in ways you never thought possible, and if you passed, you were part of a secret society that would ensure your place in the world. My father was the first in our family to be inducted. Every member of our family was a part of it, and each year a member could submit someone they thought would be valuable to the society.
I pushed Ale to keep moving. “You think he’ll pass?”
“We wouldn’t suggest him otherwise,” Army answered for his brother.
“If he passes, he can’t be a street corner dealer, you know?”
“We know,” they said in unison.
“I want to meet him first. Let me get a read on him, and then if he passes the test, we’ll discuss where he’ll be the most useful. If the test doesn’t work out, will he be missed?”
There was always the possibility you might not live through the test. Of course, he wouldn’t know that. Not until it was too late.
“When we first met Bash, he was living in a shit hole apartment, but he’s since moved into a nicer place. He never talks about family or friends. He’s got no one.”
I wanted to stop walking, but my need to get home overrode the urge. “Do you talk to him about your family?”
I could feel Army’s penetrating gaze on me. He was five inches taller than me, and I hadn’t worn heels today. Still, I didn’t look up. “We’re not stupid, jefa. He only knows about us and only surface-level shit.”
“Good. Bring him by the house tomorrow afternoon.” We stepped out of the hall and into the back portion of the church. Taking a moment, we each did the sign of the cross before leaving out the back way that only we used.
Silently, we walked to my car. Ale opened the door for me and waited. Leaning up, I kissed Army’s cheek and then moved to Ale. I gave him a kiss too before I got inside my car and turned it on. “Go enjoy the rest of your night.”
Ale leaned inside and smirked. “You should have more fun in your life, Arely.”
“That’s not easy to do when you’re running the biggest syndicate on the eastern seaboard.” Who had time for fun when there was money to be made and hundreds of people to watch over?
“Still, you should find someone who makes it worth the time away from ruling the world.”
Oh, to be so young and naïve. If only it was that easy.
