BUSINESS DISTRICT – DAEK'S FATHER'S OFFICE – NIGHT
The dim light illuminated the dark wooden walls. Hunting trophies. Master paintings. The smell of cigar and old leather.
Daek's father sat behind his desk, fingers steepled. Midas stood before him, his golden hands faintly glowing under the lamp.
"You've succeeded, my boy. The district is ours."
Midas nodded.
"This empire is an opportunist's life, sir. Only opportunists can succeed. You have to know how to seize your chance."
The father smiled.
"You have a future, Midas."
Midas smiled too. Then his face grew darker.
"Sir, there's a saying: 'In this world, you must keep your enemies close…'"
The father raised an eyebrow.
"…and your family even closer."
CRACK.
The father collapsed, his head bloodied.
Behind him, Daek, his arm still extended.
"My son… why?"
Daek lowered his eyes.
"Sorry, Dad. It's the only way. You'll understand later."
The father fell to the ground, his consciousness fading.
He heard, in a fog, Midas say to Daek:
"Call Perfecto. Contact Antelope. The port is hers, as agreed."
The father closed his eyes.
No… no, no, no… not my empire…
Flashback.
---
FLASHBACK – YEARS AGO
A baby was born of a forbidden love. A simple army sergeant. The mafia chief's wife.
A romance. One night. A hidden pregnancy.
When the chief found out, he killed her. In front of the baby. In front of the father.
The sergeant went mad. He killed the chief in cold blood. Took over the mafia. Overturned the empire.
But authorities began monitoring Yakuza activities. So he sold everything. He bought a port. To launder money. To protect his son.
All of it. For Daek.
End of flashback.
---
HOSPITAL – FATHER'S ROOM
The father opened his eyes.
Daek sat at his bedside.
"You betrayed me."
Daek shook his head.
"No, Dad. I saved you."
The father looked at him.
"This life of drugs, these traffics, these crimes… it's not you. I know your true nature. You're not like that."
The father lowered his eyes.
"We set up this scheme to free you."
Silence.
"I'm sorry, Dad."
The father cried. Daek cried.
They held each other for a long time.
---
OUTSIDE – THE PARKING LOT
Midas and Sharky watched the lit window.
Sharky sniffed.
"…Did you cry?"
"No."
"I saw a tear."
"You saw wrong."
Sharky smiled.
"…Me too."
They were silent for a moment.
Then they left.
---
THE CASINO – THE GOLDEN TOUCH
The sign was new. THE GOLDEN TOUCH. The logo shone in the night.
Midas entered. The oval room was full. All the Family members were there. And the casino's four pillars, now rallied.
Midas stepped forward.
"I'm leaving next week."
Murmurs.
"Silva is pregnant. I need to keep her safe."
Silence.
"Sharky will take over the district."
No one spoke.
Midas looked at every face.
"Thank you. For everything."
The goodbyes were sober. Handshakes. Back slaps. Smiles.
Perfecto, in his corner, said nothing. He watched Midas, fists clenched.
He's leaving. He's really leaving.
---
THE KAGEYAMA MANOR – DAY
The estate was immense. French-style gardens. White gravel paths. Servants in uniform.
A young man strutted in the courtyard. Tailored suit. Long hair. Arrogant gaze.
Malpoyl Kageyama. Heir to the clan.
Behind him, a maid, pushing a cart.
"Maid. Remind me why I have to go to this meeting? And who am I seeing?"
The woman lowered her head.
"My name is Nazuna, sir."
"Did I ask your name? Do you want to be punished?"
"No, sir. I'm sorry."
She took a breath.
"This meeting is with a young man who seems to have a large sum to offer us. Your father, the chief, stipulates that for the future of the clan, you must learn to negotiate on your own. Because we must surpass the Seijin."
Malpoyl sneered.
"Fine."
He walked.
"I think your father is right, in my humble opinion."
Malpoyl stopped.
"Did I ask for your opinion? A woman shouldn't speak without permission. I should hire a man instead."
Nazuna lowered her eyes.
"Actually… no… actually, I think you're fine. The weak must serve the strong. A man should not stoop to such a task."
Malpoyl smiled.
"Open the door for me."
Nazuna opened it.
"Please enter, sir."
Malpoyl entered.
Perfecto sat, legs crossed, a calm smile on his lips.
"To what do I owe the honor of your visit, sir?"
Perfecto stood up.
"Hello, Malpoyl Kageyama."
He extended his hand.
"My name is Perfecto."
Malpoyl didn't shake it.
Perfecto didn't flinch. He put his hand back in his pocket.
"I have a favor to ask you."
"What?"
Perfecto smiled.
"Eliminate Silva."
---
TO BE CONTINUED…