The Son-In-Law’s Revenge

13

Jacob feels sympathy for the Mafia Lord. His daughter is always in the line of danger and there is not much Rodriguez can do about it, considering his position as Leader of one of the biggest Mafia clans in the city.

"I worry, my boy. I worry for my little amor." 

Rodriguez speaks with a sad look in his eyes and he begins to pour himself some whiskey into a glass cup. He sips a little from the cup and clears his throat.

"Look, Rodriguez, nothing is going to happen to your daughter. You are not alone. You have the boys." 

Jacob is only trying to make him feel better. He is beginning to feel sleepy and wants to finish up the conversation on a good note when Rodriguez begins to speak again.

"Ohh you say that, Jacob. Those are promises that die as swiftly as fireflies close to fire. I once thought so too. I gave her freedom to live, once. Freedom to act like a regular teenager. That decision made me mad with regret." Rodriguez shakes his head bitterly and sips some more whiskey.

"How do you mean?" Jacob is becoming more alert as it seems like the story is heading towards something. He waits for Rodriguez to gather his thoughts.

"When she was 18, she was beginning to complain about always being shut off from the outside world. This was a year after the loss of my dear Rosa. I considered it, I too wanted her to be free like a normal teenager but I also needed her to be away because we were planning one of the biggest drug heists at the time."

Rodriguez takes another sip while Jacob silently observes him. His silence urges Rodriguez to carry on.

"I did not know she had befriended one of the young police officers near our closest warehouse. That was the place we had chosen to offload the drugs when we had gotten them. Mia naively put all our fates in the hands of that young police officer by telling him almost everything."

Jacob gasped in surprise, he was not expecting that turn of events.

"He appeared with a few other officers at the warehouse on the day of the heist. When they barged in, Mia was right by my side. Her mouth dropped open when she saw this traitor. I wanted to take her away from the killing before it started but it was like she was fixed to the ground. She refused to budge." Rodriguez rubbed his finger at his right eye as though trying to take off a speck of dust.

"That must have been traumatizing to watch for Mia." Jacob wondered if it was truly love or infatuation that would make the daughter of a leader of a Mafia trust a police officer.

"Yes, Jacob. It certainly was. You see, my hands are tainted with all the things I have done, all the lives I have taken and I am not the man I used to be before I took over the Mafia from my father. I do not wish for my actions to put a stain on my little amor's innocence." Rodriguez takes the cup of whiskey and drinks it completely in one gulp. He stares straight ahead and continues to think.

Jacob thinks this is the right time to say something. He clears his throat, then reaches for the second cup that is placed upside down on the tray. He pours in some of the whiskey and takes a small sip. Then he begins to speak

"I do not know if this will make things better or worse but I am certain your daughter has maintained her innocence. She is still genuinely kind."

Rodriguez stares at him with a questioning look.

"What do you mean?" He asks in curiosity.

"Your daughter once saved me. I was about to get hit by a car that was sent by my heartless father-in-law to assassinate me. The attempt was unsuccessful, all thanks to your daughter. She also gave me food at a bar and helped me get back on my feet when I was at my lowest."

Jacob speaks with a warm smile on his face, as he tries to reassure Rodriguez. 

"Ay, I know my little amor has a very kind heart. She has always been that way." Rodriguez rubs his beard as he speaks.

"So, you do not need to worry about the violence tainting her innocence. Her strength is in her kindness and I am certain she has learned enough from you over the years to let her know that you mean no harm and it is just what comes with the occupation." 

At this, Rodriguez let out a rich, boisterous laughter. He stared at Jacob for a while and nodded his head in approval. He raised his empty whiskey glass and motioned for Jacob to raise his. They clinked glasses and he rose to leave.

As he walked a few steps forward, he turned back to Jacob.

"You are a good man and I trust you. I now appoint you to be Mia's personal guard. No more assassin duties for you. I think you are the best man for the job." 

Jacob is surprised and honored. He knows Rodriguez trusts him but to the extent of letting him personally protect Mia, it feels like a big responsibility.

"But know this, if anything happens to my little amor, your head is going down for it. Do you understand me?" He asked with his signature deep baritone voice which he only used when there was someone he was about to execute.

"I understand. I would not let you down." Jacob promises. He has become comfortable with his assassin missions. Arrive at the location, take out the target, and head home. That is the usual arrangement. This is going to be a different ballgame and he wonders if he is capable enough for it.

"You better not," Rodriguez responds as he walks down the hallway leading to the staircase.