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Keeping a tight leash on the monster within I’ve come to accept.
Because everyone has one. This evil that lurks beneath the surface, fighting to overthrow rationality, and I embrace mine.
It’s been a part of me since my childhood. From the first time I witnessed my father slit a man’s throat after catching him trying to sell us out, I knew we were different. That our norm isn’t for everyone, but I learned quickly to thrive in it.
To protect what’s mine. Just like every member of the De Leon family, we bleed for each other.
“Fuck you.” That’s his response, the open wound on his face gushing a bit with each word. Funny.
“Not my type, old man.” Next, I remove the bracelet and Cartier watch on my wrist but leave the family ring. It’s a thick gold band with our last name branded over the top, and right over the letter “D” there’s a yellow topaz representing my mother’s birthday. A bit eccentric from the rest of the family’s; I consider my design to be a little more brutal when meeting a direct hit. My letters are 3D and with specific points meant to embed in the skin, tearing through flesh with each sharp edge. I flex my hand and then close my fist. “But you did mention someone I will kill for. Who’s watching her?”
“I’d never betray my boss.”
“You will.” My steps are loud, the soles of my boots sloshing on the wet floor as I stop at the foot of his bed. He’s following my every movement, fighting back the urge to cringe when I raise a hand and scratch my jaw. “Last chance.”
“I’m not afraid.” Yet his bottom lip quivers.
“Let it be known, you made me do this.” Without another word, I walk to the tray and pick up a metal meat tenderizer. It’s a little heavy in my hand, a very old kitchen tool my grandmother used and now I possess. She had a purpose for it, and I’ve eaten many meals where the meat melted in my mouth after a good pounding.
Now, though, it’ll break down a different kind of flesh.
I make my way around him, from his head to his feet, pausing right beside his bare feet. These we did not strap, but he won’t have much movement soon.
The first strike is right over his ankle, fast and hard, and Ortega disappoints me greatly.
His cries fill the space, and my animals outside once again get rowdy. Now, they thrash against the door, banging their bodies on the metal, and the sound nearly overthrows the general’s pain-filled yells. I hit the same spot again, and then again, taking in how quickly the skin cracks and a fragment of bone slips through the opening.
He’s also quick to pee himself once again, and I crinkle my nose. Disgusting.
My hard eyes meet his and still, his cracked lips remain quiet. I nod and trail the red-stained metal up his shin and pause at the knee. Waiting. Being hospitable enough to let him talk, but nothing comes out.
Nothing but whimpers of pain.
So be it.
The tap against his knee is a caress, very light, but I do enjoy the way he jumps in place right as I drop the mallet.
Holding a hand toward Junior, I wait for the next tool. This one, much like the previous, is meant to hurt, but the cross between hammer and sledgehammer is still comfortable in my grip. Easy to swing—same weight—yet the handle is smaller, fits better in my palm.
My fingers close around the sturdy base, and I arch a brow.
“He’s the brother of a detective in the Miami P.D.” Ortega licks his lips, shivering a little harder than a few minutes ago. “That’s all I know.”
“Liars never make it to the kingdom of heaven.” The saying is funny coming from a man like me, but my mother drilled that into our heads while we were young. Be an asshole, a murderer, but your words should never be questioned.
A real man always keeps his promises.
Always admits to his wrongs.
Sins shouldn’t be hidden under a veil of bullshit.
It’s why the people here accept us so freely and without blinders. We give, provide, and protect, but discretion is the cost. Never bite the hands that feed unless you’re willing to pay with your life.
De Leons value loyalty, not ass kissers.
They want to rise against and demand their freedom.
A mutual agreement that both sides respect.
