Embaixador

by Marcus John Beltran

  “God, huh? That’s funny. Listen, there’s some really screwed up people in this world, and I’m sorry to have even told you this. I felt you needed to know about your friend Jr. He’s crazy. I’d stay away.”

  I couldn’t explain what I felt in that moment. I was confused. I had to find out from Jr. “I appreciate you telling me. I have got to get back to Tiana and be with my little girl. Thanks again, Dain.”

  I left Dain’s and called Tiana and told her I was okay. I told her I was on the way home, and to head there now. I was excited to see Tiana and missed Taylor so much. As I got closer to our house, I noticed there were people in my front yard. What the hell? Some man was viciously kicking the shit out of another man and a woman, right in front of Tiana and Taylor!

  “Hey, you fucker!” I yelled as I hopped out of my car and bolted to the aid of the young man and woman. They were lying on the ground, trying to defend themselves against the heavy onslaught. As hard as I could I jumped on top of the man, knocking him over. I got on top of him and the second I was about to drop down blows I realized that this man was Jr.!

  “Max? What the hell are you doing?” I yelled.

  Jr. looked at me, shaking his head. I looked over at the poor young woman and man on the ground, seeing they were beaten up as they writhed and moaned in pain.

  “Help us! He’s trying to kill us! He’s trying to get them!” yelled the bloodied woman.

  I looked over at my front porch, where Tiana and Taylor were standing, frightened and crying.

  I looked back to Jr. with disgust and utter rage as I yelled, “You crazy, sick fuck! How could you?” I unloaded on Jr., hitting him repeatedly in his face, head, and neck. “Wha…wait! No…” Jr. said while trying to block the oncoming blows. With many hits getting through, Jr. bled from his mouth and nose. I got up off of Jr. and said, “You get the fuck out of here now! I heard what you did. Rapist! I know about you and your sick family!”

  Jr. got up and hobbled backward.

  “I believed you! I trusted you! I wished I would have killed you that day! I hate you! Now get the fuck out of here before I do kill you. I never want to see your face again. Stay away from me and my family!” I yelled.

  Jr. replied with a cracked voice, “Caleb, please, I’m so sorry; it’s not what you think. Don’t believe that guy, Dain is…”

  I cut Jr. off while I pointed my finger in his face and yelled, “Fuck you! Leave!”

  Jr. lowered his head, turned around, and walked away.

  All I could think about was how much of a sick and twisted pile of shit that guy Jr. really was as I watched him walk away. I turned back to the other two and saw they were severely banged up. I walked over to them, and when I did, I thought I recognized them. It looked like Joxel and Zitaya, Dain’s brother and sister.

  They must have been looking for me and tried to stop Jr. They were helping my family!

  I went to help them, but for some reason they ignored me and hobbled down the street. They climbed into a car and drove away.

  I turned to Tiana and Taylor and noticed they were no longer on the front patio. I ran inside to see if they were okay.

  “No!” I yelled when I saw Tiana on the phone, assuming she was calling the police. I took the cellphone out of her hands and hung up. “Tiana, don’t call the police, don’t call anyone!”

  “Caleb! What is going on, for the last time? Taylor is scared,” Tiana yelled. As she tried to rock and comfort Taylor, I sat down and held them both. Later that night, I told her of all the bizarre things that had happened the last few days. I told her everything.

  Tiana and I talked for nearly two hours as I explained it all. I confirmed her suspicions and confessed all the lies and secrets, and told her about my double life. I told her about my affair, my gambling debts, and money troubles, which all led to talking to Jimbo. And finally, I told her of my desperate act, the failed bank heist, trying to get it all back. And I also told Tiana I tried to kill myself.

  Tiana, hysterical, covered her face and cried.

  I told her how sorry and ashamed I was. I told her I hated myself.

  I knew I could not tell Tiana everything right then. Not yet. I told her how I almost ran into Jr., met his large family, and had become close to them. She again asked about that guy she saw, Dain, who saved her and Taylor.

  I told her how he was like no one I had ever met before. And, as crazy as it was, he said I owed him nothing for the large ransom. Although grateful, she suggested something seemed off about that. I told her that was how I felt and it turned out, Dain was legit.

  I told her, ironically, they both had large families I had met. In spite of also wanting to tell Tiana of the two-wild night’s at Dain’s, I couldn’t. The guilt and shame of what I had done were too much.

  Tiana was shocked with disbelief, hearing all of this, as she continued to cry with her head down. She struggled to catch her breath. I reached for her, held her in my arms, and said, “I messed up bad. I made mistakes. I’ve always wanted to love you the right way. How I was and what I’ve done was not me. I want to get counseling and do whatever it takes for us and Taylor. I need you and Taylor in my life. I want my family back. Please forgive me. I love you.” I had tears in my eyes.

  At that moment, Tiana looked into my eyes and faintly said, “I don’t care about the money, I don’t care about what has happened or our problems. All I care about is you and our daughter. Yes, Caleb, all I wanted was to love you, too. I love you…” She held me tight, and we cried. I could not believe my ears, and I was elated, as my heart filled with joy. To hear those words from her was everything to me.

  I held her close and my tears of regret and shame turned to happiness. I encouraged her to be strong as I still had to smooth a few things out. Her understanding made everything so much easier. I told Tiana this and said the dream I had of that young boy had to mean something.

  And then it hit me! I recalled what Dain had told me when I was at his house. He told me the next time I saw Tiana, everything would change for the better. I couldn’t believe it, and had to tell Tiana.

  “Tiana! There is something else I have to share with you. Dain, that guy who helped me and saved you from Jim, also told me something this morning I disregarded.” I stood with excitement and continued, “After talking to him of our problems, Dain said he wanted to help me and our family. In fact, he said the next time I talked to you, it would all work out for us.” Tiana looked at me with a smile while I continued, “I never thought I would hear this from you, or even get another chance.

  “Ever since I met Dain, everything has been so great and has worked out, and now this!” I added.

  I had to tell Dain. I had to thank him for all he had done, for saving my family and so much more. I hugged and kissed Tiana and Taylor and told Tiana I had to go thank Dain and clear a few things up. I would be back. “Don’t tell anyone you saw me until I come back. I have so much more to share with you. I love you,” I said as I headed out to Dain’s house, to thank him.

  21

  Welcome back

  That evening, I pulled up to Dain’s house and was greeted with a warm welcome. “Caleb! How’s it going? Welcome back,” Dain said. I was so excited I couldn’t hold it in a second more. I said, “You’re not going to believe this. Remember what you told me before I left home? Well, we talked and all I can say is, how the hell did you know?”

  Dain replied with a grin. “You mean about you and your wife?”

  “Yes! I told her everything, and somehow, she forgave me, and now we’re going to reconcile. As I was talking to her, I remembered what you told me. You said the next time we talked it would all work out. How?”

  “Man, that’s so great to hear, and I’m happy for you. It only worked out that way because you believed and trusted me, and you started to believe what I said.” He winked.

  I said, “I’m so thankful for you. I don’t know how you continue to amaze and surprise me like this. Thank you, I owe you everything.”
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br />   “It’s my pleasure. Glad I’m able to continue to help you. That strong pull you have felt here and with me is for a reason. I think it’s time you met someone. He can show you things you have never seen or heard before. He has taught me and enlightened me so much. How you’re feeling now is just the beginning.”

  “Really? Sure, that would be cool, man. Also, there’s something I wondered. Why were your brother and sister at my house? When I pulled up, I saw some one fighting brutally against who I thought was your brother and sister, Joxel and Zitaya. That one man beat the shit out of your brother and sister. As I intervened and stopped the man, I quickly discovered that the man was, Jr. Are they okay? Was that them?”

  “Yes, that motherfucker! I just found out.” He pounded his fist on the table.

  Stadiel said, “Yeah, they called and they’re getting treated in the hospital. They’re not doing good.”

  “Well, now you know what I said holds true about your friend, Max Jr. I’m sorry you and your family had to see that. Are you okay?” Dain asked me.

  I replied, “Yes, thanks. I was shocked. I didn’t hesitate a second as I jumped on him, knocking him off of your sister, and started pounding him. I told Jr. to leave and never return as he eventually left”.

  I told Dain it was Jr. that tried to tell me to watch out for him. Then I recalled something.

  “What you told me the other day at the club. What was that about? You said you’re a hitman and you’re going to kill me. Why?”

  Dain laughed. He said, “I was drunk. Again, pardon my dry humor. I’m so sorry, again. Jr. is a lunatic and he will be taken care of.”

  “You mean you’re calling the cops on him?”

  Dain replied with a smirk, “Oh, no…we don’t dial 911 here. We have our own ways of dealing with these kinds of matters.”

  “I see. Well, thanks for your help. You saved me and my family. I owe you big time.”

  “I got to ask, why is it exactly that you’re doing this for me?” I added.

  Dain replied, “We just like helping decent people with their problems. We all like you, and you fit in with us. This is one of the main reasons that bothered me to see a good person, like you with that nut. I’m glad you’re okay and that I could help your hardships.”

  Dain made me feel at ease. His words were soothing and I felt good.

  “A toast! To Caleb, who saved our brother and sister Joxel and Zitaya! And a special toast to his family as we welcome him to ours.”

  “Welcome back, man, our house is your house,” Sorush said as the others cheered. “Here you go, Caleb,” one of the sisters, Zariall said, giving me a drink. Dain once again mystified me with more of his magic as the others kicked off another wild night of partying and indulgence in every way. Knowing this was coming, I knew I would be ok with a few drinks and would shun anything more.

  Thinking of Tiana, I looked at my cellphone and saw a flash notification that read, “Breaking news: Authorities say the perpetrator from the bank heist last Monday has been cornered and a gunfight erupted at a hotel on 24th Street. The sole bank robber made it clear he would not go without a fight, and was shot and killed by police officers. We later identified the man as James Thomas Barnes. It was also confirmed that he was the sole conspirator and there were no other suspects.”

  I continued reading the article: “Jim, a high executive at one of the top Fortune 500 banks in the world, Wayland Financial. Jim Barnes was believed to be involved in an inside stock trading scheme and was part of the notorious deadly Mirtaza family gang. Jim was linked to the robbing and murder of three people in cold blood two weeks ago, Wednesday.”

  My heart sank in disgust and relief.

  Oh shit! Wait, what did Dain say his last name was at the club that night? I thought. I could not recall. I was so drunk. That’s when I noticed it. Dain’s arm!

  As I looked closer at the big tattoo on Dain’s arm and when I did, I was horrified as it read “MIRTAZA.” Dain quickly covered his arm when he noticed I’d read his tattoo. My face was as if I had just seen a ghost. Dain asked with a smirk, “Is something wrong, Caleb?”. I was speechless as everyone around me continued to party. The laughter seemed to be directed toward me.

  Suddenly, I felt woozy, and lost my balance.

  Everything came to a halt.

  Oh fuck! My drink, they spiked it, I thought.

  I felt lightheaded. I gathered myself. Suddenly, I felt bold. Like I didn’t give a shit. I replied, “Oh, nothing. I was just admiring your tattoos, especially that one on your arm.”

  The party and music stopped as Dain grinned and replied, “You’ve heard of us, I take it?”

  I replied, “Oh yes, I sure have.”

  “I see. Well, Caleb, this doesn’t have to change anything. I’m not sure exactly what you have heard, however, you should never believe or trust everything on the internet, and especially the media,” replied Dain.

  Everyone stated laughing. Everyone around me was in slow motion.

  They laughed sarcastically, looking at me while pointing. I didn’t like any of this. I closed my eyes for a moment, unsure of what to do or how to handle this.

  I thought, Now, it made sense how Dain saved Tiana and Taylor from Jim. They knew each other! I knew I had to play it off here. I had to change gears.

  I started to laugh uncontrollably and said, “Oh, that’s too funny! Man, I know what you mean. I don’t listen to that media bullshit. I’m messing with you. I don’t know anything. I seem to have spilled my drink; can I have another?” Dain and all the others laughed as they poured me another drink. I laughed and pretended to drink it, while purposely spilling it. It was all cool as the party carried on.

  The next morning, I awoke from another wild night with a headache. I found myself in a bed in one of the rooms. I ran to the window, and saw I was still at Dain’s. I was in one of the rooms upstairs, on the third floor. I walked out to the hallway. There was no one around, and it was eerily quiet as I wandered the hall and the rooms of the upstairs.

  “Hello?” I yelled. There was no response.

  I continued to explore the creepy hallways and rooms with bizarre paintings, statues, and furniture. Strange writings were visible all throughout the house in another language.

  “Ah!” I heard.

  The cry of what sounded like a young girl, down the hallway. I followed the noise and cries to a room and slowly cracked open the door. What I saw I could not have been prepared for.

  To my horror, I saw a bloodied, nearly naked little girl with a gag in her mouth, lying on a cement table.

  Help the girl! I thought. No, there maybe others in the room with her. Go get help!

  I carefully closed the door and I made my way downstairs to the living room’s front door. I opened the front door and heard, “Leaving already, without saying goodbye?”

  It was Dain.

  I replied, “Oh, damn it! You scared the shit out of me. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wake anyone. Thanks again for everything. Things are back to great. Again, thanks. Time to head home and get back to the normal grind. I’ll be in touch, friend.”

  Dain smiled and replied, “Oh, of course. No worries, I understand. Yes, that would be good. When you do come back, as I said, there is something very neat and important I want to show you. It’s time you meet that person I was telling you about. I know you’re ready.”

  “Yes, for sure, that sounds good.”

  I shook Dain’s hand and walked out.

  22

  Blood token

  I was distraught and horrified at the sight of that poor, bloodied, little girl. I could not get her out of my mind. Those sick fucks! After second thought, I couldn’t just leave her like that.

  At least try to save her! I thought. I got in my car, pulled down the road, and pulled over behind a bush.

  I hurried back to Dain’s house, out of sight, to the back. I hopped over a wall and sneaked inside the back gate. It was another bright, hot day, making me an easy target to
spot if I wasn’t careful. My adrenaline kicked in. I knew to be caught would be it. The coast seemed clear, and I wasted no time. I climbed the side of the house to the third floor.

  I peeked through the windows of the rooms for the little girl, and saw nothing. Where the hell did she go? I wondered. With only a few rooms left, I carefully climbed to the next room’s tinted window and looked in. I heard voices and looked closer, and to my horror, it was her. I saw the little girl, covered with blood, on a table. Dain and the others were standing around her, performing some kind of ritual.

  Damn monsters! I thought. I tried to listen to what was being said, and realized they were not speaking English. It was that other creepy language I heard them speaking prior. I could not believe what I was looking at, as my heart began to beat through my chest. They were all dressed in unusual black and grey robes, and wore masks of different animals and stood in a circle.

  I saw Dain’s brother Joxel walk toward the window, right at me. He saw me! I thought.

  I lowered my head out of view. I waited a few moments to hear something, and it was silent.

  I carefully peeked into the window again and—“Oh fuck!” I said. I was staring right into the face of Joxel, who had all-black eyes with white pupils! Thrown back, I slipped and lost my footing, falling down to the roof below, making a thud. “Uh…oh, shit!” I uttered while grabbing my ankle in agony. It was sprained. Knowing my cover was blown in every way, I got up and slid down the side wall to the ground in pain. I hobbled out of the back yard and down a little ways, and hid inside a big bush. I could see them all rush out the back door, looking all over, and up on the roof for me.

  I knew two things: one, how much my ankle was killing me, and two, I’d been spotted and if caught, I would not make it out alive. I waited as they looked for me. They finally headed back inside, and I didn’t hesitate. I limped as fast as I could to my car. Quickly I started the car and got the hell out of there. I was relieved as I headed toward the main road, leaving a cloud of dust behind me.